Starz is expanding its collection of international dramas by acquiring the highly praised British limited series, 'The Listeners.' This psychological thriller, which previously aired to critical acclaim on the BBC in late 2024, features Rebecca Hall in a leading role. The acquisition underscores Starz's strategic focus on curating diverse and premium content, following its earlier procurement of 'Amadeus,' starring Will Sharpe and Paul Bettany.
The narrative centers on Claire, portrayed by Rebecca Hall, a school teacher whose life takes an unusual turn when she starts perceiving a low-frequency hum that remains imperceptible to those around her. This enigmatic sound progressively disrupts her domestic life, creating strain with her husband, Prasanna Puwanarajah, and her daughter, Mia Tharia. Her isolation lessens when she encounters Kyle, a student played by Ollie West, who also claims to hear the peculiar auditory phenomenon. Their shared experience fosters an unexpected and deep bond, leading them to a community of individuals who not only hear the hum but interpret it as a divine gift, believing they are a select few chosen to perceive it.
Alison Hoffman, President of Starz Networks, commented on the series, highlighting its immediate captivating mystery and its pertinent exploration of societal perceptions regarding women's lived experiences. She expressed enthusiasm for bringing such a critically lauded production to American audiences, emphasizing its role in enriching Starz's programming tailored for women with engaging psychological thrillers. This move reflects Starz's ongoing commitment to delivering thought-provoking and high-quality content to its subscribers.
The production of 'The Listeners' was a collaborative effort, with Fremantle's Element Pictures overseeing the process. Jordan Tannahill, the author of the original novel, also served as the adapter for the series. Janicza Bravo, known for her work on 'Zola' and 'The Bear,' directed the series, contributing her distinctive cinematic vision. Executive producers include Tannahill and Bravo, alongside Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Chelsea Morgan Hoffmann, and Rachel Dargavel from Element Pictures, Rebecca Ferguson representing the BBC, and Alice Birch. Ed King took on the role of producer, with Fremantle managing the global distribution and sales for the series.
This latest addition to Starz's lineup demonstrates the network's continuous effort to enrich its programming with compelling and critically recognized international productions. The series promises to engage viewers with its unique premise and intricate character development, further solidifying Starz's position as a hub for sophisticated dramatic storytelling.
