Netflix to Exclusively Premiere BBC Hit Drama HAPPY VALLEY in U.S. & Canada

The hit BBC drama series, "Happy Valley" will make its US and Canadian debut on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 on Netflix, the world's leading Internet TV network.

"We're proud to add this highly lauded, masterfully crafted and brilliantly acted British series to the exclusive offerings Netflix viewers in the US and Canada can enjoy," said Elizabeth Bradley, Vice president of content acquisition at Netflix. "Already recognized as one of the top dramas of 2014, 'Happy Valley,' is sure to keep our viewers on the edge of their seats."

Starring BAFTA winner Sarah Lancashire ("Last Tango in Halifax"), "Happy Valley" is a compelling six-part drama written by BAFTA nominated writer Sally Wainwright ("Last Tango in Halifax," "Scott & Bailey"). It revolves around the personal and professional life of a hard-working, dedicated police woman (Lancashire), in a small town where drunkards, drug addicts and teenage pregnancies are a way of life. Her world is turned upside down when the man she thinks is responsible for her daughter's death - Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton) - is released from prison. The series also stars Steve Pemberton ("Whitechapel"), Siobhan Finneran ("Downton Abbey"), George Costigan ("Scott & Bailey," "Calendar Girls") and Joe Armstrong ("Robin Hood").

Nicola Shindler ("Last Tango in Halifax") and Wainwright serve as executive producers on "Happy Valley." The series is a Red Production Company production for the BBC. It premiered on BBC One in the UK to 7.6 million viewers, winning its time slot. The series finale notched up an unprecedented 92.5 rating for the national broadcaster - BBC One's highest ever AI for a drama series - and was recently nominated for a TVChoice 2014 Nomination.

About Netflix:
Netflix is the world's leading Internet television network with over 50 million members in more than 40 countries enjoying more than one billion hours of TV shows and movies per month, including original series. For a low monthly price, Netflix members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

About BBC Worldwide:
BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Its vision is to build the BBC's brands, audiences, commercial returns and reputation across the world. This is achieved through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values. The business also champions British creativity globally. In 2013/14, BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £157.4m and headline sales of £1,042.3m and returned £173.8m to the BBC.