U.K.'s Channel 4 to Air FX's 'Fargo'

The broadcaster continues to invest in U.S. shows, buying the British rights to the TV adaptation of the Coen brothers film, starring Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton.

LONDON – British broadcaster Channel 4 continues to invest in U.S. shows, buying the U.K. rights to upcoming FX drama Fargo, a show inspired by the Coen brothers film of the same name.

The 10-episode series, which debuts in the U.S. in April, stars Martin Freeman in the role that William H. Macy portrayed in the movie.

The ensemble cast also includes Billy Bob Thornton, Bob Odenkirk, Colin Hanks, Allison Tolman and Oliver Platt.

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The series is co-executive produced by Joel and Ethan Coen.

Fargo is produced by MGM Television and FX Productions, with MGM Television serving as the lead studio and distributor of the series outside the U.S. and Canada.

Channel 4 and its sibling networks have had success with U.S. dramas, including Homeland, Agents of SHIELD and The Good Wife, and comedies, such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Big Bang Theory.

Channel 4 will air Fargo shortly after its U.S. launch.

Said Channel 4 chief creative officer Jay Hunt: "Fargo is a perfect Channel 4 show – a dark comedy, beautifully directed with a stunning cast. We are excited to be bringing it to a British audience."

Email: Georg.Szalai@THR.com

Twitter: @georgszalai