ITV has signed a two-year deal giving it the UK rights to The Americans, the upcoming US drama starring Golden Globe award-winning actress Keri Russell and acclaimed actor Matthew Rhys.
The show focuses on the arranged marriage of two KGB spies, Phillip (Rhys) and Elizabeth Jennings (Russell), who pose as Americans in suburban Washington, D.C. shortly after Ronald Reagan is elected President.
The couple’s two children know nothing of their parents’ true identity.
Complicating the pair’s relationship is Phillip’s growing sense of affinity for America’s values and way of life.
Tensions also heighten upon the arrival of a new neighbour, Stan, played by Noah Emmerich (Miracle, Warrior), an FBI agent working in counter intelligence.
Co-produced by Fox Television Studios and FX Productions, The Americans was created by executive producer, Joe Weisberg (Falling Skies, Damages). Graham Yost (Justified, Boomtown), Joel Fields (Rizzoli & Isles) and Amblin Television’s Darryl Frank (Falling Skies, Smash) and Justin Falvey (Falling Skies, The Borgias) are also executive producers.
Angela Jain, ITV’s Director of Digital Channels & Acquisitions, commented, “We are delighted that a series of such high quality with really fantastic lead performances from Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys will be on ITV later this year. This drama about KGB spies posing as a suburban American couple is tense, taut and exciting to watch, we hope viewers will enjoy the ride.”