A number of prominent UK factual indies have been commissioned for shows by U.S cable network Smithsonian, a joint venture between the Smithsonian Institution and CBS-owned Showtime.

The shingles involved in the high profile commissions include: Impossible Factual, 360 Productions, Arrow Media and Urban Canyon. The news of these collaborations follows another U.S factual broadcaster, Discovery Network International, also ordering projects from a number of English producers on their latest 37 programme slate.

Speaking on the new commissions Smithsonian Channel’s executive vice president of programming and production David Royle said: “This affirms our commitment to programming that uncovers new insights into the great human dramas of the past.”

He was also quoted as saying there was currently “a thirst” for authentic historical programming. Recently the realm of drama has seen an influx of shows such as Game of Thrones, Outlander and Downton Abbey all perform increasingly well with audiences. It seems as if U.S factual broadcasters are hoping that crosses over seamlessly into non-drama.