The study by Pact shows the overall value of exports increased by 5% last year with the biggest gains in the Chinese market which grew by 40% to a total income of £17m.
The most lucrative market for UK shows remains the US which saw sales grow by 10% to a total of £523m and now represents 47% of all export revenue.
According to the report, other popular shows with overseas buyers and broadcasters include BBC One’s Atlantis and ITV’s Lewis.
Pact CEO John McVay commented: “The report shows that UK television productions remain amongst the most highly regarded and sought after globally.
“The year-on-year growth we’ve seen is a reflection of the sector’s ability to continually innovate and attract new markets and we should feel extremely proud that UK content is the envy of the world.”
BBC Worldwide’s Paul Dempsey, said: “We’re not always the best at celebrating our successes in this country so this survey is a timely reminder that viewers in Shanghai or Seattle are just as likely to be talking about great British shows like Sherlock and Luther as commentators here are to be talking about the latest U.S. TV blockbuster.”
Maria Kyriacou, MD of ITV Studios Global Entertainment, added: “Pact’s UK Television Export Report reflects the enormous appetite we are seeing for our UK content, from high-end drama and long-running drama franchises like Mr Selfridge and Lewis to multi-territory, returnable hit formats like I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, The Chase and Come Dine With Me.
“The UK production industry is hugely creative and the emergence of new markets and platforms worldwide is a fantastic opportunity for new international audiences to enjoy the very best programming that the UK has to offer.”
