Paramount+ Joins Forces with BBC and CBS Studios for New Dawn French Sitcom
Paramount+ has secured the U.S. rights to the forthcoming BBC and CBS Studios sitcom starring Dawn French, titled Can You Keep A Secret?.
The streaming service will handle the distribution of the show in the United States, while Paramount Global Content Distribution will oversee its international sales.
In Can You Keep A Secret?, celebrated British comedian Dawn French takes on the role of Debbie Fendon, a formidable grandmother with a fierce determination to safeguard her family at all costs. The plot thickens following the unexpected death of her reclusive husband William, portrayed by Mark Heap. Debbie’s extreme response to this family crisis promises to bring unprecedented challenges to their lives. The cast also includes Craig Roberts and Mandip Gill.
Collaboration between the BBC and CBS Studios isn’t new, as they are currently working together on the historical drama King and Conqueror, featuring James Norton, produced by Big Talk Studios. Simon Mayhew-Archer’s Mayhay Studios is also involved in the production of Can You Keep a Secret?.
The partnership with Paramount+ is a significant boost for the BBC, especially at a time when the American co-production market has been waning since early 2025. The British broadcaster has openly discussed its recent challenges in securing enough American funding to fully support its programming efforts.
The series Can You Keep a Secret? is executive produced by Kenton Allen, Simon Mayhew-Archer, Dawn French, and Toby Welch, with Simon Hynd directing. The show is set to premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the U.K., and on Paramount+ in the U.S., bringing this intriguing family comedy to a broad audience.
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