BBC picks up cult series Escaping Utopia

The BBC is among global buyers for a docuseries exploring a group of people’s escape from a extreme religious cult in New Zealand. 

Warner Bros. International Television Production New Zealand’s cult docuseries Escaping Utopia investigates the Gloriavale Christian Community. It documents the intricate planning that went into breaking free, the unravelling of its leadership and the pursuit of justice by those on the outside. 

It also brings to light testimonies of former and current members of the community about the dark history of Gloriavale. 

It is produced in association with the New Zealand Government’s Premium Productions for International Audiences Fund, and is directed by Natalie Malcon, Justin Pemberton and Britta Hawkins. 

Fifth Season, which acquired distribution rights for the 3 x 60-minute title in March, has also secured sales with MTV OY (Finland), SVT (Sweden), NRK (Norway), DR (Denmark) and Movistar Plus+ (Spain). 

Previous deals have been agreed with TVNZ in New Zealand, which premiered the show in March on TVNZ1 and its streaming service TVNZ+. It received an average share of 42.4% among viewers in the 25-54 age group for TVNZ.  

Fifth Season executive vice president of EMEA sales and acquisitions Jennifer Ebell said: “Escaping Utopia is a brilliantly crafted series with exclusive inner access on a current and evolving situation, which expertly digs into the psychology of Gloriavale and leaves audiences with a deeper understanding of this closed community – and the secrecy, abuse and indoctrination within it that has been hidden in this remote outpost for fifty years.  

“The series had a remarkable response in New Zealand and immediately captivated viewers, so we look forward to now bringing this landmark story of survival to the UK and new international audiences.”