The rise signals a clear rebound after several unsettled years for global markets, driven in part by distributors’ efforts to maximise the value of their catalogues

Series All Creatures Great and Small

British television exports returned to growth in 2024/25, breaking the £2.02 billion (€2.29 billion) barrier for the first time, according to the latest UK TV Exports report published by Pact. The surge marks a significant recovery after several turbulent years for global markets and reflects a renewed push by distributors to extract value from their catalogues.

Compiled by analyst firm 3Vision, the study highlights the growing importance of library sales, which accounted for 44% of all export revenues — up four percentage points on the previous year. Classic and recent back-catalogue titles such as Doctor Who, Ludwig, Nightsleeper and All Creatures Great and Small proved particularly resilient as international buyers turned to reliable products to fill schedules amid tightening budgets.

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The United States retained its position as the most lucrative territory for British programmes, with revenues soaring 34% year-on-year. North America posted the strongest regional growth overall, rising 32% to reach a record £977 million (€1.10 billion). Europe and Australia also performed robustly, up 18% and 17% respectively, while Italy and France rebounded sharply following last year’s downturns. By contrast, Latin America, Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa saw notable declines, with steep drops recorded in Mexico, South Africa and China.

Finished programmes continued to dominate the export mix. Sales climbed 5% to £1.069 billion (€1.20 billion) — equivalent to 53% of the total market and still shy of 2022/23 levels — while other revenue streams also showed steady progress. International production increased by 8% to £349 million (€394 million); formats and co-productions rose by 13% and 5% to £244 million (€276 million) and £126 million (€142 million), respectively, and revenue from non-programme consumer products grew to £212 million (€240 million), representing 11% of the overall figure.

Of the different genres, scripted content led the field once again, accounting for 46% of revenues and gaining three percentage points on the previous year. Entertainment dipped to a 24% share after last year’s gains, while comedy and factual registered small decreases. Kids’ content grew its share by two percentage points, and, in a counter-intuitive shift, the report noted a rise in sales to traditional broadcasters — now accounting for 54% of exports — and a corresponding decline in deals with VOD platforms.

Commenting on the findings, Pact CEO John McVay OBE emphasised the resilience of British IP in a challenging economic environment. “The report shows that yet again, despite the global economic challenges, British TV content continues to be attractive to international audiences […] Although experiences between distributors vary, the strength and quality of library catalogues is proving crucial as we navigate these difficulties over the coming years.”