Press Release
SBS has acquired two new major US drama series, Vikings, starring Australia’s own Travis Fimmel,and Masters of Sex, both of which will make their Australian premiereon SBS ONE. Vikings will premiere in August and Masters of Sex will air in early October,
just four days after its US premiere.
SBS Director of TV and Online Content Tony Iffland said: “SBS is committed to broadcasting quality drama that is creative, relevant and entertaining. Vikings and Masters of Sex are two world-class drama series which will be valuable additions to the SBS schedule and we are excited to bring Masters of Sex to our audience just days after its US premiere.”
Starring Australian actor Travis Fimmel as well as Gabriel Byrne, Vikings is a nine part drama from MGM TV that chronicles the mighty Norsemen who raided, traded and explored during medieval times. Fimmel plays Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore and raid the distant shores across the ocean. His ambition puts him at odds with local chieftain Earl Haraldson, played Byrne, who insists on sending his raiders to the impoverished east ratherthan the unchartered west.
When Ragnar teams up with his boat builder friend Floki, played by Gustaf Skarsgard, to craft a new generation of intrepid ships capable of conquering the rough northern seas, the stage is set for conflict. Vikings is created and written by Michael Hirst (Elizabeth, The Tudors). Masters of Sex stars Emmy and BAFTA award nominee Michael Sheen and acclaimed actress Lizzy Caplan who portray the real-life pioneers of the science of human sexuality, Dr William Masters and Virginia Johnson.The series chronicles the unusual lives, romance and pop culture trajectory of Masters and Johnson, whose research touched off the sexual revolution and took them from a Midwestern teaching hospital in St. Louis to the cover of Time magazine and nearly a dozen appearances on Johnny Carson’s couch. Masters of Sex is produced by Round Two Productions and Timberman / Beverly Productions in association withSony Pictures Television.