Fourth series for Torchwood

Torchwood will have a fourth series in a joint deal between the BBC and the US Pay TV channel Starz Entertainment.

The 10-episode instalment will see the story incorporate US settings as a natural extension of the series thus far, with John Barrowman and Eve Myles will return in their roles as Captain Jack and Gwen respectively.

The bulk of the series will be in the US, though other global locations could be incorporated.

There will also be new faces introduced, with key US actors. It will continue the serialised format that was successful with “Children of Earth.”

Russell T. Davies said, “It’s very much the next step. It’s not a new version, it’s not a reboot. We’re simply moving countries. The show was previously a format show — monster of the week. The breakthrough was “Children of Earth” and that it became one long story. It’s not going to be Lost and take 20 years to find out what’s going on. It’s going to have a most remarkable conclusion after 10 episodes.

“We’re simply going to tell a good story. I wrote the pilot 7 months ago irregardless of network. BBC1 is a prime-time channel, but a brave channel. I don’t worry about content.”

Both Davies, and BBC’s Julie Gardner serve as executive producers with BBC Worldwide’s Jane Tranter.

Announcing the commission, Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning said: “We have a long history of working with many U.S. networks but it is incredibly exciting to be working with Starz for the first time, as well as to be reunited with the best of British in Russell, Jane and Julie. Torchwood will burst back onto the screen with a shocking and moving story with global stakes and locations that will make it feel bigger and bolder than ever”

Jane Tranter, EVP, BBC Worldwide Productions, added: “Torchwood has attracted remarkable attention and loyalty in both the UK and U.S., and in this new partnership with Starz, the next chapter will not only reward our current fans, but also introduce new viewers to the most impressive instalment yet.”

“We’re committed to programming exceptional television that is entertaining, imaginative and provides a premium TV experience, and by any measure the new concept for Torchwood fits that mandate,” Starz, LLC, President and CEO Chris Albrecht said. “I’ve been part of successful partnerships with Jane Tranter and the BBC previously, and I’m very much looking forward to working with them again.

The new series will pick up where “Children of the Earth” left off when Captain Jack was seen to leave the planet following the death of his lover Ianto (Gareth David-Lloyd). Barrowman subsequently had a cameo scene in David Tennant’s final Doctor Who adventure when The Doctor revisited his previous companions, including Jack who was drinking in a space bar, as he was about to regenerate.

Source: BBC, Hollywood Reporter, ATV