In a strategic move that underscores its ambitions in the high-stakes world of scripted drama, ITV Studios has acquired a majority stake in Moonage Pictures, the UK-based production powerhouse behind Netflix’s The Gentlemen and the BBC/Netflix teen thriller A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. The deal, announced on April 1, 2025, adds yet another jewel to ITV Studios’ growing crown of premium content producers, positioning the company to meet the insatiable global demand for standout drama.
Moonage Pictures, founded in 2018 by industry veterans Will Gould, Matthew Read, and Frith Tiplady, has quickly made a name for itself as a go-to producer of bold, original drama. The company’s breakout moment came with The Gentlemen, a Netflix series spun off from Guy Ritchie’s 2019 film, which has already secured a second season.
Hot on its heels, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder—a teen mystery series based on Holly Jackson’s bestselling novel—debuted to rave reviews on BBC and Netflix, also earning a season-two renewal. With an enviable slate that includes upcoming projects like Netflix’s adaptation of The Leopard and Nicolas Winding Refn’s reimagining of The Famous Five, Moonage has proven itself a magnet for top-tier talent and buzzy IP.
ITV Studios, the production and distribution arm of British broadcasting giant ITV, has been on a tear in recent years, snapping up successful indie producers to build a formidable roster of creative talent. The company’s portfolio already includes heavy-hitters like Eagle Eye Drama, Hartswood Films, Nicola Shindler’s Quay Street Productions, and Ben Stephenson’s Poison Pen Studios. Adding Moonage Pictures to the mix is a clear signal that ITV Studios is doubling down on its mission to dominate the premium drama space.
While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the acquisition hands ITV Studios a controlling interest in Moonage, further cementing its status as a scripted content juggernaut.
For Moonage Pictures, the partnership with ITV Studios opens a new chapter of growth and opportunity. With access to ITV’s vast resources and global distribution muscle, the production company is poised to scale its operations while staying true to its creative roots. Founders Gould, Read, and Tiplady will continue to lead the charge, ensuring that Moonage’s distinct voice remains at the heart of its projects.
Frith Tiplady, co-founder of Moonage, couldn’t hide her enthusiasm for the road ahead. “We’ve loved every minute of the past seven years—collaborating with exceptional writers, directors, and production teams to create work we’re immensely proud of,” she said in a statement. “Now, as Moonage enters its next chapter, we’re thrilled to be joining forces with ITV Studios.”
The timing of the deal couldn’t be better for Moonage. The company’s latest financial filings reveal a banner year, with turnover soaring to £89 million ($115 million) and post-tax profits hitting £6.8 million. That financial muscle, combined with a creatively robust slate, made Moonage an irresistible target for ITV Studios.
For ITV Studios, the acquisition is the latest in a string of savvy moves designed to supercharge its scripted drama output. The company has been methodically building a portfolio of top-tier production labels to feed the ever-growing appetite of streamers and broadcasters for premium content.
Julian Bellamy, managing director of ITV Studios, didn’t mince words about the value Moonage brings to the table. “Will, Matthew, and Frith have built a formidable scripted production company with a very strong slate of first-class shows,” he said. “They’re an incredibly talented team, and we feel incredibly fortunate they’re joining ITV Studios.”
The deal comes on the heels of a record-breaking 2024 for ITV Studios, which posted all-time-high profits. Looking ahead to 2025, the company has forecasted “good revenue growth,” even as it braces for slightly lower margins due to the lingering effects of past industry strikes.
Adding Moonage Pictures to its arsenal is expected to turbocharge ITV Studios’ creative engine, particularly in the high-stakes arena of premium drama, where it will go toe-to-toe with rivals like Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, and Netflix.
The ITV-Moonage tie-up is emblematic of a broader trend sweeping the television industry: consolidation. As the battle for eyeballs intensifies, major media companies are increasingly acquiring successful indie producers to lock in talent, intellectual property, and production pipelines.
In the UK, where British drama is enjoying a global renaissance, this wave of consolidation has been especially pronounced. ITV Studios has been a leader in this space, methodically scooping up production companies to diversify its offerings and strengthen its foothold in international markets.
Moonage Pictures, with its knack for producing globally appealing hits, is a perfect fit for ITV’s ambitions. The acquisition not only enhances ITV Studios’ drama credentials but also deepens its relationships with key partners like Netflix and the BBC, both of which have already greenlit additional seasons of Moonage’s flagship series.
Moonage Pictures will continue to operate under its own banner, with its founders driving the creative vision. The company is currently in production on second seasons of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and The Gentlemen, as well as other high-profile projects that stand to benefit from ITV’s expanded reach. While details of future collaborations remain under wraps, the partnership is poised to deliver a fresh slate of dramas tailored for both UK and global audiences.
For ITV Studios, the acquisition marks another step toward its goal of becoming a worldwide leader in television production. With Moonage Pictures now in the fold, ITV is better equipped than ever to compete in the crowded scripted content arena, delivering stories that resonate with viewers and platforms alike.
The marriage of ITV Studios and Moonage Pictures is a win-win: Moonage gains the backing to amplify its creative ambitions, while ITV Studios adds a proven hitmaker to its growing empire. As the TV landscape continues to shift—driven by consolidation, streaming wars, and an unrelenting hunger for premium content—this deal signals that both companies are ready to play at the top of their game. Fans of The Gentlemen and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder can rest easy knowing more seasons are on the way, while industry insiders will be watching closely to see what this dynamic duo cooks up next.
