BBC America renews ‘Orphan Black’ and ‘Broadchurch,’ adds two dramas

“Orphan Black” and “Broadchurch” are coming back for more on BBC America.

Perry Simon, the network’s general manager, announced the renewals Wednesday during BBC America’s session at the Television Critics Assn. press tour in Beverly Hills.

“Orphan Black,” the clone drama whose star, Tatiana Maslany, has drawn critical acclaim, will return for a third season with 10 episodes in 2015.

Also getting a 2015 rollout is the new season of “Broadchurch.” BBC America acquired the second season of the British mystery drama, which had secured a renewal in its native U.K. on ITV. The sophomore outing of “Broadchurch,” which is currently in production, will air on BCC America as part of the network’s Dramaville block. The second season airing will come on the heels of Fox’s American adaption “Gracepoint,” which is set to premiere this fall.

BBC America also announced the addition of two new dramas to its lineup. “Tatau,” from the makers of “Being America,” is set in the Cook Islands and is billed as “a paradise in the middle of the Pacific.” It follows two British twentysomethings as they set out to travel the world, but paradise living gets a setback after a tattoo unearths mysteries. Filming is set to begin in September.

Then there is historical drama “The Last Kingdom.” BBC America is teaming with “Downton Abbey” producer Carnival Films for the series based on Bernard Cornwell’s book series “The Saxon Stories.” Set in the year 872, the series will blend historical figures with fictional ones during the period of Alfred the Great and the Viking invasion of Wessex. Production will begin this fall.

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