Free streamer The Network has taken U.S. rights to two international dramas, betting that curated imports can build an ad-supported audience without a deep catalog.
What The Network picked up
Thou Shalt Not Steal, an Australian drama starring Miranda Otto, premieres October 6. The Trio, a SkyShowtime original, follows November 17.
Thou Shalt Not Steal is a coming-of-age road story about Robyn, played by Sherry-Lee Watson, who leaves juvenile detention and learns her father is alive. She crosses the outback with a taxi stolen from Otto’s character Maxine, eventually racing toward a reunion that may leave her more isolated. The series was created by Tanith Glynn-Maloney and Dylan River, who directed all episodes. It was originally greenlit by Australian streamer Stan and produced by Ludo Studio and Since 1788 Productions.
The Trio adapts Johanna Hedman’s novel and follows three young lovers from university into middle age. It stars Rebecka Harper, Felix Sandman and Seth Manteus, was written by Veronica Zacco and directed by Anders Hazelius. SF Studios produced it.
The one-show strategy
The Network, founded by Aram Rappaport, debuts one series at a time rather than stacking a large library. Previous pickups include Steve Coogan’s Chivalry and The Doll Factory. That changes the economics: every premiere becomes a specific marketing beat and a clearer ad-sales window.
- October 6: Thou Shalt Not Steal premieres
- November 17: The Trio premieres
- Model: One title at a time on a free, ad-supported service
- Pipeline: Stan, SkyShowtime and SF Studios reach the U.S. through one distributor
Why this matters for planners
For media buyers, a single-title schedule makes free streaming easier to plan against. Instead of buying inventory around an endless catalog, advertisers can align with a defined audience segment: Australian drama fans, Scandi fiction viewers, or users seeking curated alternatives to algorithmic feeds.
The deal also signals that finished international originals remain available to niche U.S. platforms. Streamers that lack commissioning budgets can still build a slate by acquiring regional hits after their first window.
Dylan River framed the distribution fit: “This story wasn’t made for mainstream audiences and algorithms.” For The Network, that is the pitch: a home for titles that need a focused launch, not a feed.
Source: Deadline
