'New York' Fever Spreads Across The Globe

Following the immediate success of CSI: New York, Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc. has penned multiple broadcast deals to show the series around the world.

The second spin-off of the popular franchise will soon be broadcast in over 160 countries and territories such as France, Singapore, Japan, Germany, and many others. Due to the success of its predecessors, CSI and Miami, New York began its global expansion immediately after its premiere, and is currently a ratings success in the U.S. and Canada, the U.K., Australia, and other territories. Alliance Atlantis and its affiliates are certain the show will do well in other countries.

"The immediate popularity and marketability of CSI: NY speaks to the power of the CSI Franchise," said Ted Riley, executive managing director of International Television Distribution. "By the time CSI: NY launched, the Franchise was a bona fide blockbuster hit, whetting the international appetite for the newest, unique series with guaranteed pedigree. The momentum behind the series continues to be exciting and gratifying as CSI: NY proves popular with global audiences."

New York has no doubt proved popular in the countries that currently broadcast the show. In England, the premiere of New York was the highest-rated debut of any CSI show and is currently the fourth most-watched American program. More Canadians watched the premiere of New York than the premieres of CSI and Miami as well, and in Australia, the show ranked 3rd most-watched overseas police drama (behind CSI and Miami), earning a market share of 35 percent.

And with numbers like these it comes as no surprise that other countries want to take part in CSI's successful formula. In France, a CSI-like program, RIS: Recherche Investigation Scientifique, is expected to premiere this winter. The French network TF1 will broadcast the six episodes of the show have been ordered so far. Though RIS follows the same CSI format, its creation is not affiliated to the American franchise.

Head over to Yahoo News to read more about New York's global expansion. If you live in France and would like to know more about RIS, follow this link.

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