British TV Takes Centre Stage In The US

The allure of British television continues to captivate American audiences, with exports to the US climbing 13% last year to a record £593 million, according to figures from the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (Pact). However, the true value of UK TV exports is likely far higher.

Pact’s data, which primarily tracks distribution and licensing revenue, often underestimates the broader economic impact. In 2021, for instance, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported total British TV exports at £2.6 billion, nearly double Pact’s estimate for the same year. Bringing a little light to an otherwise underperforming economy.

Several factors have driven this surge. The Hollywood writers’ strike last year disrupted the production of original series for platforms like Netflix and Amazon. This forced streamers to look abroad for content, with British-made shows stepping in to fill the gap.

The UK’s government policies have also played a key role. Tax incentives, supported by both Conservative and Labour administrations, have made Britain an attractive production hub. The spring budget of 2024 introduced 40% business rate relief for film and TV studio facilities until 2034 and a 40% tax relief for independent films with budgets under £15 million. More recently, a visual effects (VFX) tax relief, initially proposed by Jeremy Hunt, was accelerated by current Chancellor Rachel Reeves and will come into effect next year.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Hollywood faces uncertainty. Studios remain wary of former president Donald Trump, whose frosty relationship with the industry contrasts sharply with the overwhelming support it gave to Kamala Harris during the recent election.

Yet, British TV seems insulated from potential trade tensions. Tariffs on entertainment services are not only unlikely but also impractical, given the international nature of TV and film financing. “Each minute of production typically involves around 20 territories,” explains Claire Enders, founder of Enders Analysis. “Producers are prioritising partnerships with the most creative and capable collaborators to ease the production process.”

However, industry leaders are concerned about potential restrictions on the movement of talent between the UK and US. Any revived trade deal would likely see calls for robust intellectual property protections and eased mobility for creatives.

American audiences, meanwhile, continue to embrace British talent. Sky’s The Day of the Jackal, starring Eddie Redmayne, recently topped Peacock’s streaming charts and ranked among the top five original streaming shows in the US during its debut weekend. Netflix audiences have also gravitated towards UK productions, with titles like Bridgerton, Fool Me Once, and Baby Reindeer dominating the platform’s global rankings in the first half of the year.

While the broader UK economy faces challenges, the success of Britain’s TV and film exports offers a glimmer of optimism. The demand for British storytelling, creativity, and talent remains as strong as ever across the Atlantic.