BBC - Commissioning - Drama on BBC One

What We Want

• Browse by genre
  • Arts
  • CBeebies
  • CBBC
  • Comedy
  • Current Affairs
  • Daytime & Early Peak
  • Documentaries
  • Drama
  • Entertainment
  • Features and Formats BBC One & BBC Two
  • Features & Specialist Factual on BBC Three
  • HD at the BBC
  • History & Business
  • Learning
  • Open University
  • Music & Events
  • Religion & Ethics
  • Science & Natural History
  • Sport
• Browse by channel
  • BBC One
  • BBC Two
  • BBC Three
  • BBC Four
  • CBBC
  • CBeebies
  • BBC iPlayer, Red Button & Programme Pages
• Service Strategies
• Programme Acquisition
• Nations and Regions

Print this page

Drama on BBC One

• See all BBC One briefs

Controller: Ben Stephenson

Overview

BBC One has the widest reach of all the channels, with nearly 80% of the population tuning in to the channel every week.  Drama aims to be for and about the BBC One audience, providing something for everyone and always accessible to a broad audience.

Drama maintains a mix of established, returning favourites and new and original ideas in either contemporary or period settings, always telling big stories through big characters. 

For online and red button content ideas for Drama please visit the service strategy page for BBC iPlayer, red button and programme pages. 

What's been working well gallery

Last Tango in Halifax starring Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid was a popular and critical success attracting an average audience of 7.23 million and a 27% share.  The second series is due to air in the autumn.

Ripper Street - Set in east London in the aftermath of the Jack the Ripper murders, the successful series achieved an average audience of 6.71 million and 22.2% share in its Sunday evening slot and is set to return in 2014.

Call The Midwife The second series of the hit drama set in 1950s east London secured an average audience of 10.44 million  and a 32.3% share.  It will return at Christmas.

Set to return to BBC One for a third series, Luther secured an average audience of over 6.4 million viewers and share of 25.3% across its second series.
 

Drama – BBC One Series – 6-8 x 60’ at 21:00

Tariff range: Prices for BBC One series should be targeted between £500k - £750k per hour.

• Weekdays 21:00, 60’ series e.g. Last Tango in Halifax, The Paradise, Luther, Death in Paradise 

Midweek (Monday to Thursday) at 21:00 is our biggest priority.  We need returnable series (and serials) which cover a broad range of genre and tones.

We have slots for up to 13 of these per year. 

Drama – BBC One Serials – 2 x 90’ / 3 x 60’ – 6 x 60’ at 21:00

Tariff range: Prices should be targeted between £600k - £800k per hour.

We are looking for a range of serials: crime/political thrillers; pieces which reflect real events of the past or present; emotionally compelling human stories.

We have slots for up to 6 serials per year.

Drama – BBC One Single Films – single 90’ at 20:30 and 21:00

Tariff range: Drama single prices are targeted between £700k - £900k per hour.

We are looking for a number of single films to play across the year; holiday events for both family and adult viewing, e.g. The Lady Vanishes; contemporary authored pieces, e.g. Common, an upcoming Jimmy McGovern piece; and dramas that stand out as audacious, channel-defining moments.

Where are the opportunities available?

For 2013/14 and 2014/15, we have opportunities remaining slots within the In-house Guarantee, the WoCC and the Independent Quota.

How should I submit my ideas and who should I pitch to?

All proposals should be submitted via the e-commissioning system to the relevant genre controller or commissioner. Take a look at the Who's Who for the latest drama commissioning team contacts

Want to know more about the broader BBC One service strategy?

If you would like to know more about the BBC One channel strategy, please visit the BBC One page.