The university drama is in early-stage development but we understand that, if greenlit, the series is being positioned as a potential returner that could air in primetime. UK TV trade Broadcast previously reported that he was developing the university series but at that point a broadcaster was not attached.
Steven Knight
The news comes days after BBC canceled Doctors – the Birmingham-produced drama that kick-started the careers of a host of prominent British writers – after 23 years, with the broadcaster putting it down to 'superinflation in drama production'.
The BBC has said the money saved on Doctors will be spent on a “range of new programming in the region.” While no decisions have been made and Knight’s drama hasn’t been greenlit, it could fit the bill as a locally-produced drama honing local talent. Earlier this year, the BBC shifted production of another long-running returner, Silent Witness, to the West Midlands, at which point it said it will deliver at least two “high-impact” scripted series per year from the region while increasing investment in training and development.
The prolific Peaky Blinders creator is focusing much of his energy at present on building up production in Birmingham and telling stories from his home city. This Town, Knight’s semi-autobiographical drama that was also filmed at Digbeth Loc, will air on the BBC shortly.
