Aug 19, 2026 Content Strategy
Paramount Global Content Distribution has secured licensing deals for The F Ward across 100 international markets, making the CBS Studios produced six-part medical drama the fastest-selling Australian drama ever pre-launch.
Co-produced by Roadshow Rough Diamond and CBS Studios and commissioned by Stan, The F Ward follows a group of young medical interns sent to the underfunded Pines Hospital for a final opportunity to complete their training. There, they must confront the pressures of medicine, and their own insecurities, pasts and expectations, in a workplace where the stakes are life and death. International Emmy® Award winner Anna Friel (Pushing Daisies, Marcella) leads an ensemble cast that includes Ioane Sa’ula (Bump), Lola Bond (Last Days of the Space Age), Dan Wyllie (Love My Way), Alex Fitzalan (Prosper), Emily Barclay (Babyteeth), Annie Boyle (Colin from Accounts) and Rishab Kern.
The cast of The F Ward
"Medical dramas have universal appeal, and the show’s underdog story and rising young cast gave it a real breakout energy," said Don McGregor, President, Global Content Licensing, Paramount. "Buyers around the world moved quickly to secure The F Ward, making it the fastest pre-launch sale ever for an Australian drama, and that alone speaks to the strength of this production."
The global sales momentum follows The F Ward’s debut on Stan in Australia, where it has earned strong reviews. The AU Review called it “funny, heartfelt, (and) sharply written,” The Sydney Morning Herald described it as “excellent,” and The West Australian named it “must-see TV.”
Australian medical drama The F Ward
“The audience response in Australia has been truly remarkable. Anna Friel and this exceptional cast have captured the altruistic ambitions, humour and heart of so many within our health system, which has resonated far beyond our first hopes,” said Dan Edwards, co-creator and producer. “We’re delighted to learn the show has found so many significant partners around the world so quickly. Global audiences can now experience Australia’s greatest social service through the lens of a group of smart, young, almost broken intern doctors and their unconventional mentors.”
The series has been acquired by broadcasters and streaming platforms around the world, including Channel 4 in the UK, CBC and CBC Gem in Canada, JioHotstar in India, Sky NZ in New Zealand, HBO Asia, SkyShowtime across more than 20 European markets and Claro video across Latin America.
Its rapid expansion from an Australian original to a series headed to 100 markets demonstrates the global potential of distinctive local storytelling, and Paramount’s ability to connect those stories with audiences around the world.