Channel 4 acquires TV mini-series Houdini

Channel 4 has acquired the UK premiere broadcast of the four hour mini-series Houdini, which will air on the channel this September, following a deal with Lionsgate Television.

Houdini follows the epic tales of Harry Houdini as he emerges as America’s first bona fide world-renowned superstar. From humble beginnings at circus sideshows to sold-out concert halls, Eastern European immigrant Erich Weiss rose to become a household name, Houdini, across the globe.

Academy Award® winner Adrien Brody (The Pianist) stars as The Great Harry Houdini as he finds fame, engages in espionage, battles spiritualists and encounters the greatest names of the era, from U.S. presidents to Arthur Conan Doyle and Rasputin.   

 A thrilling ride through Harry’s psyche, Houdini delves deep behind the curtain into his life through his stunts, his visions and his mastery of illusion. Joining Brody is Kristen Connolly (House of Cards, The Cabin the Woods) as Bess Houdini, the love of Harry’s life and right hand woman? When it came to some of his most amazing feats, and Evan Jones (A Million Ways to Die in the West, The Book of Eli, Gangster Squad) as Jim Collins, Harry’s assistant and confidant.

Commenting on the deal, Peter Iacono, Managing Director, International TV and Guy Avshalom, COO Lionsgate UK said “Houdini is the kind of premium programming that epitomizes the Lionsgate TV slate. We believe that Channel 4 is the perfect home for this television event, and we expect it to resonate with audiences in the UK.”

Houdini is written by the Academy Award nominated Nicholas Meyer (Somersby) and directed by Uli Edel (Homicide: Life on the Street). Lionsgate Television and A&E Television Networks produce the mini-series.  It will premiere on History in the US this September and then air on Channel 4 in the UK.