BritBox Secures U.S. Rights to A Woman of Substance Starring Brenda Blethyn

BritBox has acquired U.S. streaming rights to A Woman of Substance, the new adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s bestselling novel. The drama, produced for Channel 4 in the UK, stars Brenda Blethyn (Vera) as Emma Harte and Jessica Reynolds (Outlander) as the younger version of the character. The series follows Emma’s journey from an impoverished maid in Yorkshire in 1911 to becoming one of the world’s richest women, living in a New York penthouse. The rags‑to‑riches story remains one of Bradford’s most iconic works, selling millions of copies worldwide.

A Legacy Revisited

A Woman of Substance was previously adapted into a 1980s miniseries starring Jenny Seagrove and Deborah Kerr. That version became one of Channel 4’s most successful dramas, with its final episode still ranking as the highest‑rated program in the channel’s history. The new adaptation comes shortly after Bradford’s death in late 2024, adding poignancy to the project. Writers Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley, known for The Buccaneers, have penned the series.

Global Sales Momentum

Banijay Rights, which is handling international distribution, has already sold the series to multiple territories. Australia’s Foxtel streaming service Binge, New Zealand’s TVNZ, the Netherlands’ NPO, Greece’s Cosmote, Israel’s Cellcom TV Plus, and Iceland’s RUV are among the buyers. Matt Creasey, EVP Sales, Acquisitions and Coproductions at Banijay Rights, described BritBox as “the perfect North American home” for the drama, adding that Emma Harte’s extraordinary journey will “captivate global audiences.”

Channel 4 Premiere Ahead

The series will premiere on Channel 4 later this year before arriving on BritBox in the U.S. Its release also coincides with the London TV Screenings, where Banijay and other distributors showcase their latest projects to international buyers. With Blethyn leading the cast and Bradford’s timeless story at its core, A Woman of Substance is poised to resonate with audiences across generations.