STV Studios becomes majority shareholder in Two Cities Television

STV Studios has increased its 25% equity stake in the high-end drama production company Two Cities Television to a majority holding of 51%.

STV acquired a minority stake in Two Cities in January 2020.

STV Studios becomes majority shareholder in Two Cities Television.jpg — STV now has a majority stake in Two Cities Television

The Belfast-based company has since produced two series of the critically acclaimed police drama Blue Lights for BBC One, with the second series due to air in 2024. This follows BAFTA award-winning show Patrick Melrose, starring Benedict Cumberbatch for Sky and Showtime.

STV said that Two Cities has additional high-end drama series secured which will deliver forecast revenue of £55m over the next three years.

Founded in 2016, Two Cities is led by Michael Jackson, formerly Controller of BBC One and BBC Two and CEO of Channel 4, and Creative Director Stephen Wright, formerly Head of Drama for BBC Northern Ireland where he commissioned Line of Duty and The Fall.

STV Studios is Scotland’s largest production group, with stakes in multiple production companies across the UK. It acquired Greenbird Media’s network of independent production companies in July 2023, increasing the number of its creative labels to 24.

STV Studios is responsible for series such as Apple TV+ drama Criminal Record; prison drama Screw; Bridge of Lies; Celebrity Catchphrase; The Hit List; A&E After Dark; LEGO Masters; Antiques Road Trip; and The Travelling Auctioneers.