MUMBAI: France is the latest international market to be captivated by Paul Abbott’s No Offence produced by AbbottVision for UK’s Channel 4.

Public broadcaster France Télévisions has acquired the cop comedy-drama from FremantleMedia International. The show stars Will Mellor, Paul Ritter and Colin Salmon.

Created by Abbott, the unconventional and captivating series, which last month picked up the best foreign fiction award at La Rochelle’s festival de la fiction, is set to premiere on France 2. Today’s news swells the ranks of international broadcasters lining up to take the title, with FMI having sold the show to ABC (Australia), NOP (Netherlands), Hot (Israel), DR (Denmark) and RUV (Iceland) after acquiring the rights earlier this year.

EMEA head of sales and distribution Jamie Lynn said, “No Offence pushes the boundaries on so many different levels, yet its compelling storytelling and characters you genuinely care about makes this addictive viewing. With a prestigious award already under its belt, and a second season already commissioned, we’re already getting huge interest with international buyers, so I’m really excited that France Television has come on board to bring No Offence to the widest possible audience in France.”

Set in a close-knit policing unit located in North West England, No Offence follows a committed team of officers as they crack down on crime and attempt to enforce the law in this chaotic community. At the helm is the sharp and savvy Inspector Vivienne Deering, played by Joanna Scanlon, alongside her ‘right hand’ women, DC Dinah Kowalska and DS Joy Freers. In addition to dealing with the daily grime, the team suddenly has their hands full when a big case involving a twisted serial killer emerges. The squad is pushed to its limit as Deering and her teams are determined to tackle this disturbing case by whatever unconventional and unorthodox means possible.