Channel 5 has commissioned HMS Murder (W/T), an 8 x 60’ murder mystery series produced by Clapperboard, in association with Endeavor Content.

The series was ordered by Paul Testar, Commissioning Executive, Drama, Channel 5 and Paramount+. Executive Producers for Clapperboard are Mike Benson and Paul Matthew Thompson, with Producer Sandra MacIver. Gordon Anderson joins as Director with Paul Matthew Thompson also serving as Lead Writer. Endeavor Content will handle worldwide distribution on the series.

HMS Murder (W/T) is set aboard a luxury cruise liner touring everyone’s favourite Mediterranean holiday hotspots bubbling with intrigues, rivalries, glamour, money and class divides – but its new cabaret singer, Jack Grayling, soon discovers there are also more sinister elements below the surface. On a cruise out of Southampton, Jack meets newly promoted First Officer, Kate Woods. Fierce and ambitious, she’s a woman in a man’s world with plenty to prove. After a passenger is found murdered in their first port of call, Kate’s dream of her own command is thrown into jeopardy and Jack finds himself thrust back into his former life as a detective. What follows is a wave of murder mysteries – each set against the backdrop of a different stunning coastal destination where the ship has dropped anchor. With the support of First Officer Kate, Jack tackles both showstopping performances on stage and unravels intricately plotted mysteries in this clever, fast-paced, and life-affirming new series that is set to deliver a thrilling dose of sun, sea, and murder.

On the addition to Channel 5’s expanding drama slate, Paul Testar, Commissioning Executive, Drama, Channel 5 and Paramount+, said: “I’m really happy to work once more with the talented team at Clapperboard Studios to bring HMS Murder to screens. With a variety of gloriously sunny locations added to the classic murder mystery genre, and with a splash of music on top, Channel 5 viewers are in for a treat.”

Mike Benson, Managing Director, Clapperboard adds: “We’ve seen a lot of murder mystery shows in recent years – but not many featuring murder, mystery and a cruise ship cabaret singer solving crimes! HMS Murder is probably our most ambitious series to date, filmed across 8 different countries as well as a 6000 cabin luxury cruise liner sailing the med. The brilliant Paul Matthew Thompson and his team of writers have done a fantastic job with the scripts which are funny, intriguing and all end in a show-stopping performance you won’t want to miss”

Prentiss Fraser, EVP Television Distribution at Endeavor Content, says: “As soon as we heard this pitch we were completely on board – this series is a genius combination of elements, a “Murder She Wrote” meets “Below Deck” with the perfect mix of glamour, charm and intrigue taking place in an abundance of gorgeous, glossy locations. With the accessibility of a procedural and a playlist of iconic tracks, HMS Murder is ideally designed to be a fan favourite returnable series.”

Filming on the series is due to start later this year. Casting details will be announced in the coming months.

Jon Creamer

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