The Watch Terry Pratchett Discworld

It is a good time to be a fan of the late and great Sir Terry Pratchett as ‘The Watch’ is heading to BBC America! This new series is based on the “Discworld” novels and as typical for BBC shows, the series will have an initial eight-episode run. The new series will be penned by Simon Allen (‘The Musketeers’) and is a joint production between BBC Studios and Narrativia.

BBC America is sharing that ‘The Watch’ will be a “punk rock thriller” and follow the police in a world where crime has been normalized. They will have to save the past and future while on their quest.

It looks like we’ll be seeing many notable “Discworld” mainstays such as City Watch Captain Sam Vimes, the last scion of nobility Lady Sybil Ramkin, the naïve but heroic Carto rot, the mysterious Angua and the ingenious non-binary forensics expert Cheery together with Terry Pratchett’s iconic characterization of Death.

According to BBC America’s President and GM Sarah Barnett:

“The Watch has been startlingly reimagined for television by writer Simon Allen, while still cleaving to the humor, heart, and ingenuity of Terry Pratchett’s incomparably original work. BBC America embraces what’s fresh and exhilarating in TV; we believe The Watch will astonish audiences.”

Writer Simon Allen chimed in as well by sharing:

“With events in our own world making the insanity of Discworld seem outrageously familiar, there couldn’t be a better time to bring Terry’s fun, fire and fury back to the small screen or a better place than BBC America. I’m grateful to them, BBC Studios and especially Rob Wilkins at Narrativia who has been a constant source of inspiration on this epic and emotional journey.”

BBC Studios’ Head of Drama London Hilary Salmon added:

“The Watch is a distinctly British but defiantly global exhilarating thriller that is disruptive in its approach to the fantasy genre and also big on the themes of mortality, inclusion, alternative facts and justice. It’s a dizzying riot of hope, joy, suspense and audaciously dark humor. We can’t wait to work with BBC America to bring it all to life for existing fans and brand new audiences.”

Finally, Rob Wilkins at Narrativia added:

“Many years ago Terry made the brave decision to allow brand new Watch stories to be told with his existing characters. It’s taken a long time for anything to happen because we guard these characters with our very lives. So many of Terry’s biggest ideas seem more vital and urgent now than ever before, and I am thrilled to be working with Simon and such a talented team, who understand the unique genius of their creator. They have really keyed into the subversive qualities of Terry’s voice, and they clearly adore Discworld as much as I and millions of fans around the world do.”

This is a series that fans will very much be looking forward to! The creatives behind the series seem to want to keep true to the original tale, and this should be a delight to watch!

Are you looking forward to checking out ‘The Watch’? Do you feel that this series will do the “Discworld” universe proud? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: Deadline Hollywood