BBC acquires 'Damages'

BBC One has acquired hit US drama Damages for 2008.

The 13-part drama series, which stars Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons) and is directed by Allen Coulter (The Sopranos, Sex And The City), performed strongly in the 18-49 demographic for FX in the US when it premiered on July 24 and saw a ratings increase for its most recent outing.

The show combines a compelling legal thriller with a riveting murder mystery. Close plays Patty Hewes - a 'revered and reviled' high stakes litigator - who along with her bright and ambitious protégé played by rising Australian star Rose Byrne, becomes embroiled in a lawsuit with one of the wealthiest and most corrupt chief executives in the country.

Other cast members include Ted Danson, Tate Donovan, Zelijko Ivanek and Noah Bean.

Sue Deeks, head of series acquisition at the BBC, secured the rights from Sony Pictures Television International or BBC One. She said: "BBC One is the home of high quality, exciting drama and the perfect place for such a taut and intelligent series – think of John Grisham's The Firm crossed with Murder One and you'll get the idea of just how good Damages is."