Global film and TV studio FIFTH SEASON has inked the first wave of international sales for the highly acclaimed BBC One drama Best Interests (4 x 60’ / 6 x 45’). Created and written by BAFTA-winning writer Jack Thorne (Help, His Dark Materials, The Virtues), the series stars Michael Sheen (Good Omens, Quiz) and Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe, Together) and is produced by AC Chapter One in association with FIFTH SEASON. The series debuted on BBC One and iPlayer (UK) in June 2023.

The first sales secured by FIFTH SEASON for Best Interests include France Télévisions (France), RTÉ (Ireland), ABC (Australia), Hot (Israel), Antenna (Greece), NPO (Netherlands) and Now TV (Hong Kong). The series made its worldwide premiere at Series Mania 2023 as part of the festival’s ‘International Competition’ selection, with Michael Sheen taking the award for ‘Best Actor’.

In Best Interests, Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen play married couple Nicci and Andrew with two daughters: Katie played by Alison Oliver (Conversations With Friends) and Marnie played by Niamh Moriarty (Jack Thorne’s A Christmas Carol). Marnie has a life-threatening condition. The doctors believe it is in her best interests to be allowed to die, but her loving family disagree. And so begins a fight that will take them through every stage of a legal process, as they struggle to contemplate this huge decision. Who decides? And in whose best interests will it be?

Best Interests received multiple five-star reviews in the UK and was hailed by The Guardian as “a wonderful, heart-shattering piece of work” and as a “masterly and profoundly moving series”. The Independent said the series is “anchored by a raft of excellent performances”, and The Times noted that “the beauty of Jack Thorne’s script is in making Marnie not a legal case, but a joyous, rounded person.”

Arvand Khosravi, SVP, Scripted Television Strategy at FIFTH SEASON, said: “Best Interests is television drama at its finest. Sharon Horgan, Michael Sheen, and the rest of this enviable cast bring Jack Thorne’s beautiful vision to life with masterful performances. Jack brilliantly depicts a family in the midst of a life-shattering crisis, confronted with an impossible choice. His characteristically skilful way of rendering gut-wrenching drama with sublime tenderness and compassion makes Best Interests an absolute must-watch, especially given Michael Keillor’s outstanding direction. It is no surprise to me that this series has resonated with broadcasters from all over the world who agree that audiences of every background will find themselves deeply engrossed by this magnificent production.”

Sophie Gardiner, Executive Producer for AC Chapter One, added: “It has been a privilege to work on this show from beginning to end – from the nuanced script and elegant direction to the consummate acting across the board. I am very proud that this important story has received such incredible critical acclaim and I’m delighted to be working with FIFTH SEASON to find an international audience for the show.”

Additional cast include Noma Dumezweni (The Undoing) as Samantha, Chizzy Akudolu (Holby City) as Mercy, Des McAleer (Hope Street) as Eddie, Mat Fraser (His Dark Materials) as Greg, Gary Beadle (Grantchester) as Frank, Jack Morris (Strike) as Tom, Pippa Haywood (Bodyguard) as Judge Spottiswood, Shane Zaza (Happy Valley) as Fred, Lucian Msamati (Gangs of London) as Derek and Lisa McGrillis (Mum) as Brenda.

Executive Producers for AC Chapter One are Sophie Gardiner (Howards End, Chimerica), Toby Bentley (Kiri, Boy Swallows Universe), Jack Thorne for One Shoe Films, Lucy Richer for BBC One with Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen. The series is produced by Jenny Frayn (Help) and directed by Michael Keillor (Roadkill, Strike).