Channel 4 announces the return of Indian Summers

Channel 4 today confirms that Indian Summers will return for a second series next year.

The new 10-part series will return to Simla in the summer of 1935, three years after the events of the current series. “Our story moves forward three years, to a Viceroy’s last summer, a political gamble to stifle Independence and a great reckoning for Ralph, Alice and Aafrin” says Paul Rutman, creator of the series. “It’s a joy to reunite our wonderful cast and I’m beyond thrilled that viewers have responded so warmly to what they’ve seen so far. I am so grateful to Channel 4 for trusting us to continue our journey through the last years of the British Raj. I feel like the luckiest writer in the world.”

The first episode of Indian Summers, which is a co-production with Masterpiece on PBS, was the biggest launch for a UK drama on Channel 4 in over 20 years and the series has been described as “a work of subtlety, intelligence and beauty” (The Times) that has “an epic vision” (The Mail on Sunday).

Head of Drama for Channel 4, Piers Wenger, says: “Paul Rutman's unique perspective on the British Raj has lit up Channel 4 on a Sunday night and we're delighted to be working with New Pictures again to bring viewers the next chapter of this gripping saga.”

Charlie Pattinson, Executive Producer for New Pictures, says: “We are delighted to be returning to Simla for a second series of Indian Summers. To be given the opportunity to continue Paul Rutman’s ambitious vision of following his characters through the declining days of the British Raj is an honour and we are grateful for the support of our audience and Channel 4."

Executive Producer for Masterpiece Rebecca Eaton, says: “Indian Summers is truly a television event, the result of the terrific work of our UK partners. We can’t wait to introduce this magnificent series to our U.S. audiences.”  Indian Summers will air on Masterpiece on PBS in the autumn.

Indian Summers is a Channel 4 commission from New Pictures and is created and written by Paul Rutman. Indira Varma is co-executive producer. Commissioned by Piers Wenger and Beth Willis for Channel 4, Indian Summers is distributed internationally by All3M International.