Sphere Abacus has announced a new wave of international sales for its psychological thriller The Game, as the series prepares to return to UK screens with its second season.
The latest deals cover the first season of The Game (4 x 60 minutes) and extend the series’ international footprint across Europe, Asia and other key territories. New buyers include TV2 in Norway, RÚV in Iceland, Disney+ in the UK and Ireland, CANAL+ and POLAR+ in France, French-speaking Europe and Africa, Romania and Dutch-speaking Benelux, as well as Filmin in Portugal and Spain, Mystery Channel in Japan, yes in Israel, COSMOTE TV in Greece and LRT in Lithuania.
These agreements add to previously announced sales of Series 1 to BritBox in North America, Foxtel Group in Australia, YLE in Finland, SVT in Sweden, Pickbox in Central and Eastern Europe, Virgin Media in Ireland and Sky New Zealand.
Produced in the UK by Clapperboard Studios, The Game stars Jason Watkins (Coma, W1A) and Robson Green (Grantchester, Wire in the Blood). The first season follows police detective Huw Miller, played by Watkins, who remains haunted by the one case he could never solve: the murder investigation surrounding the serial killer known as the “Ripton Stalker.” The killer subjected his victims to psychological torture before murdering them, leaving a lasting impact on Miller.
The Game Returns for Series 2
Series 2 of The Game premieres on UK broadcaster 5 on 1 September 2026, taking the psychological thriller into darker territory. The new four-part season explores obsession, control and the long-term effects of trauma as the relationship between hunter and hunted becomes increasingly complex.
International sales for The Game Series 2 already include Foxtel Group in Australia, SVT in Sweden, Sky New Zealand, TV2 in Norway, YLE in Finland, CANAL+ in Romania and Dutch-speaking Benelux, COSMOTE TV in Cyprus and Greece, LRT in Lithuania and Pickbox in Central and Eastern Europe.
“We are extremely pleased to have a new season of this compelling dark drama to share with our clients,” said Hana Palmer, Executive Director, Global Distribution and Partnerships at Sphere Abacus. “It boasts a carefully crafted script and chilling performances delivered by two leading actors at the top of their game.”
The second season is once again produced by Clapperboard Studios, with Tom Grieves serving as writer and Toby Frow directing. Executive producers include Paul Testar, Sebastian Cardwell, Rachel Gesua, Alison B Matthews, Mike Benson, Jonathan Ford and Will Stapley.
With new international agreements continuing to build on the show’s existing global reach, The Game arrives at its Series 2 premiere with Sphere Abacus positioning the psychological thriller for further international distribution.
