Stephen Graham and Hannah Walter’s Matriarch Productions Joins Disney+ UK: A New Era for British Drama
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Disney+ has officially inked a first-look deal with Graham and Hannah Walters' Matriarch Productions. It’s a move that suggests Disney+ is pivoting hard into the world of kitchen-sink realism. So, if you still think of Disney+ as just the home of lightsabers and singing princesses, it is time to look again.
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In a landmark announcement that signals a massive cultural shift for the platform, Disney+ EMEA has signed a two-year, first-look deal with Matriarch Productions, the independent powerhouse run by Stephen Graham (This Is England, The Irishman) and Hannah Walters (Boiling Point, A Thousand Blows).
What To Expect From The Deal
Coming hot on the heels of the brutal, critically acclaimed second season of A Thousand Blows, this partnership confirms what industry insiders have suspected for months: Disney is no longer just importing American TV, they are aggressively buying into authentic, unvarnished British grit.
Disney isn't just competing with Netflix anymore; this is a deal that places them in direct competition with the likes of the BBC and ITV. It’s well known that in the UK, drama is king, with audiences having a fierce loyalty to homegrown dramas. Just think of shows like Happy Valley or Line of Duty.
By locking down a deal with Matriarch Productions, Disney isn't just renting talent; they are securing a direct line to authentic British stories that usually go to other typically UK-based TV channels. This bold move is potentially part of the cornerstone of a new Disney+ UK original programming strategy.
By locking down a first-look deal with Matriarch Productions (founded by Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters), Disney has secured a pipeline of authentic British stories covering both scripted drama and unscripted factual shows, that usually go to terrestrial TV. This isn't just a contract; it's a statement.
Disney+ EMEA's Head of Content Angela Jain says:
"Stephen and Hannah have proven they know how to tell bold, impactful stories and our vision also aligns with them around providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the UK. Distinctive, local stories that entertain and resonate with audiences are what Disney+ are committed to championing"
Why This Matters For Disney+ Viewers?
This isn't just about getting Stephen Graham's face on a poster. It's about securing the most sought-after creative team in the UK. Graham and Walters are the power couple behind the massive global hits Boiling Point and Adolescence.
If you missed the buzz, Adolescence wasn't just a hit; it was an award-season juggernaut, winning 8 Emmys and dominating the 2026 Golden Globes with Owen Cooper being the youngest ever star to win Best Supporting Actor. By signing the team behind the second most-watched English language series on Netflix, Disney is proving they are willing to fund projects that are risky, raw, and unpolished.
Lee Mason, Disney's VP of Scripted content, highlighted that Matriarch is:
"fearless and deeply committed to discovering new talent."
For subscribers, this means the platform will host stories about social mobility, mental health, and real working-class life-themes in a gritty and realistic way, productions we rarely associate with Disney IP. It shows that Disney is ready to fund projects that are a bit more risky, raw, and unpolished. The bottom line is this: expect stories with both heart and grit.
With plans now starting from just £5.99 a month, the service is positioning itself as an essential utility rather than a luxury. That subscription doesn't just get you Marvel reruns; it gets you high-end adult drama like the newly released A Thousand Blows Season 2, plus upcoming heavy hitters like Alien: Earth, Only Murders in the Building Season 5, and the Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth documentary.
This deal links with the Hulu deal which brings adult drama into greater focus. Combined with the Star section the platform has been moving toward showcasing adult dramas that are worth watching and that develop strong, and loyal fan bases.
Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters said today they are:
"e are beyond thrilled to be working with Disney+ and through this creative partnership will strive to produce inspiring, entertaining and thought-provoking storytelling."
Disney+ UK subscribers can look forward to shows that will resonate, that will have a UK feel, and that will be written by a highly acclaimed and award-winning UK production team.
Magic In A Minute
With A Thousand Blows Season 2 streaming now and a slate of new projects in development from Matriarch Productions, the question isn't whether Disney+ is delivering gritty and captivating adult drama, it's what’s next?