Leading UK distributor Sphere Abacus has announced a fresh wave of international sales for the contemporary mystery thriller YAGA.
Originally developed for Bell Media’s Crave, the series, produced by Blink49 Studios and Front Street Pictures, is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after titles in the 2026 global market. Following earlier deals with AMC Global Media in the US and Sky in the UK and Ireland, Sphere Abacus has confirmed that YAGA has now been acquired by:
- HBO Max: Covering Europe (excluding UK and Ireland).
- Foxtel Group: For the Australian market.
- Sky: For New Zealand audiences.
Based on the critically acclaimed play by Kat Sandler (who also serves as showrunner), YAGA is a genre-defying 4-part series (also available as 8 x 30’) that breathes new life into the ancient Baba Yaga folklore. Set in a quiet, moody coastal town, the story transforms the Slavic myth into a gripping contemporary mystery.
The production boasts an impressive ensemble cast, led by Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix), Noah Reid (Schitt’s Creek), Clark Backo (Letterkenny), and Hudson Williams (Heated Rivalry).
Sphere Abacus’ Head of Sales, Hana Palmer, comments “We’re seeing a fantastic response across major territories for this unique series. YAGA is a brilliant example of a genre-defying, high-energy production – with an incredible cast. Combine these attributes with the exceptional credentials of Bell Media, Canada’s premier media and content company, we look forward to announcing further global sales in the weeks to come.”
YAGA follows Rapp (Noah Reid), a private investigator who arrives in a small coastal town to investigate the disappearance of a young heir to a powerful fishery, Henry Park (Hudson Williams). He finds himself at odds with an apprehensive local detective, Carson (Clark Backo), a charismatic university professor with a taste for younger men, Katherine (Carrie-Anne Moss), and a labyrinth of enigmatic suspects, secret lives, and ancient magic.
The series also stars Sheila McCarthy (Miniature Wife, Women Talking), Megan Follows (Reign, The Way Home, Little House on the Prairie), Ezra Franky (Untamed), Patrick Gilmore (Travelers, School Spirits), Katharine Isabelle (Hannibal, It’s a Wonderful Knife), Hiro Kanagawa (In Time), Emilija Baranac (The Wrong Paris, To All The Boys I’ve Love), Georgia Acken (Under the Bridge, Switch), Anisa Harris (Yellowjackets, School Spirits), and Sam Krochmal (The Vince Staples Show, Private Eyes West Coast).
YAGA is produced by Blink49 Studios and Front Street Pictures in partnership with Bell Media’s Crave, co-directors are David Frazee and Rachel Talalay. The series is executive produced by Mackenzie Donaldson, Andrew Miller and Carrie-Anne Moss and produced by Charles Cooper.
