Stephen Graham & Hannah Walters Ink Disney+ First-Look Deal for ‘Adolescence,’ ‘A Thousand Blows’
Disney+ has announced an exciting first-look deal with Matriarch Productions, a U.K. company created by husband-and-wife team Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters. This partnership will focus on developing original scripted and unscripted content over the next two years. The deal marks a significant step for Matriarch, whose projects include the acclaimed series “Adolescence” and the boxing drama “A Thousand Blows.”
Key Details of the Disney+ Deal
The new collaboration follows the recent debut of the second season of “A Thousand Blows” on Disney+. The series has garnered attention for its unique storytelling and production quality, establishing Matriarch as a key player in the U.K. television landscape. Graham and Walters expressed enthusiasm about their partnership with Disney+, emphasizing their commitment to inspiring and thought-provoking storytelling.
Matriarch Productions: A Rising Star
Founded in 2020, Matriarch Productions has quickly built an impressive reputation. Key milestones include:
- 2022 BAFTA nomination for the one-shot thriller “Boiling Point.”
- Spin-off series of “Boiling Point” launched on the BBC in 2023.
- First season of “A Thousand Blows,” written by Steven Knight, premiered in early 2025.
- Release of “Adolescence” in March 2025, recognized for its innovative one-shot technique.
Awards and Recognition
“Adolescence” emerged as a cultural phenomenon upon its release, capturing numerous accolades. Its achievements include:
- Eight Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.
- Four Golden Globe Awards, with a win for Best Limited Series.
Commitment to Diversity and Talent Development
Matriarch Productions places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry. The company’s mission is to provide opportunities for underrepresented voices in the U.K. Angela Jain, head of content at Disney+ EMEA, praised Graham and Walters for their commitment to impactful storytelling and aligning with Disney+’s vision.
Future Projects
Upcoming U.K. productions from this partnership include:
- Second season of the Emmy and BAFTA award-winning series “Rivals.”
- Anti-romantic comedy “Alice and Steve,” featuring stars Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement.
- Premium reality formats such as “Jamie and Sophie: Raising Chelsea (w/t),” “The Rooney’s,” and “Blind Date.”
With this new deal, Disney+ aims to expand its production slate in the U.K., ensuring that distinctive and relatable stories reach a global audience. Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters are set to play pivotal roles in this evolving narrative.
