Steven Moffat’s ‘Number 10’ Finds European Co-Producer

Arte, the French‑German public‑broadcasting network, has joined Channel 4’s Steven Moffat drama Number 10 as a co‑producer, giving the series a European launch pad. The 10‑part show, starring Rafe Spall as a fictional UK Prime Minister, already has pre‑buyers in the UK and abroad – HBO Max in Australia, TVNZ in New Zealand, YLE in Finland, DR in Denmark and NRK in Norway – and Arte will add France and Germany to the list. The partnership means the show will air on Arte’s cultural channel and be available in both French and German markets from the start.

Number 10 is Moffat’s newest political satire, a follow‑up to his earlier work on Yes Minister and The Thick of It. The series examines the day‑to‑day life inside 10 Downing Street, mixing sharp wit with the realities of running a country. Moffat’s reputation for clever writing and his history of successful collaborations with Channel 4 have made the project a natural fit for a European co‑production. Co‑financing with Arte brings additional funding, reduces risk for the UK broadcaster, and opens the door to a wider audience at a time when UK politics is under intense scrutiny. Public‑broadcasting networks in Europe have a long tradition of supporting culturally significant drama, and Arte’s involvement signals confidence that Number 10 will resonate beyond the UK.

Filming is set to begin in late spring 2025, with principal photography in London and the surrounding suburbs. The production budget, estimated at £12 million, will be split between Channel 4, Arte, and the other pre‑buyers. The show will be shot in a mix of studio sets and on‑location scenes around the Prime Minister’s residence, giving it an authentic feel. Once filming wraps, the series will be ready for a mid‑2026 release, with a staggered rollout: UK broadcast in early summer, followed by a simultaneous launch on Arte in France and Germany, and later availability on the partner streaming services.

The new partnership could set a precedent for future UK dramas seeking European co‑production deals. By sharing costs and distribution rights, producers can secure higher budgets and tap into a broader audience, while European broadcasters gain fresh, high‑profile content. For Moffat, Arte’s involvement offers a larger canvas to explore political satire, and for the UK industry it underscores the importance of cross‑border collaboration in a competitive global market. The next steps will see the production team finalising scripts, casting supporting roles, and negotiating the exact distribution windows, with the first teaser expected in late 2025.