Pernel commissioned to produce season 4 of 'The Real War of Thrones: a History of Europe' fo

Independent TV production company Pernel Media today announces it has been commissioned by French public broadcaster France 5, part of the France Télévisions Group, to produce a fourth series of hit docu-drama series ‘The Real War of Thrones: A History of Europe’.

The series will return to France 5 in a primetime slot later this year. French TF1-owned factual channel Histoire TV has also acquired cable and satellite rights for the show.

French-Canadian production company Idéacom International has joined as a coproduction partner for the new 6 x 60’ series, which will air on TV5 Quebec Canada.

The new season will focus on one of the most iconic kings in French history: Louis XIV. With a 70-year long reign which started in blood during the rebellion known as “la Fronde”, Louis XIV turns France into the most powerful country in Europe while also expanding its territories in America and Canada. But while the king’s power surges, he also becomes the most hated monarch in Europe facing rivalries with William of Orange in England, as well as enemies in Sweden, Holland, the Holy Roman Empire and Spain.

Currently in production, the new series will again recount the backstabbing, spying and intrigues between the main dynasties colluding and competing for power in Europe. Through lavishly realised drama reconstruction, the programme brings to life the experiences of the characters directly involved; their motivations, their strategy, what they stood to win and what they risked losing.

France 5’s latest commission for ‘The Real War of Thrones: A History of Europe’ follows on from the programme achieving record-breaking ratings for its third season. So far, the show has been sold to broadcasters in more than 35 territories worldwide, including to Foxtel in Australia, Viasat World, ZDF in Germany and TV5 in Quebec.

‘The Real War of Thrones; A History of Europe’ was commissioned by Caroline Behar, Head of Factual International Coproductions and Acquisitions at France Télévisions, and Thierry Mino, Deputy Head of Factual International Coproductions and Acquisitions at France Télévisions, The Executive Producer is Samuel Kissous for Pernel Media.

“This is the most ambitious instalment of ‘The Real War of Thrones; A History of Europe’ to date, our high-end factual extravaganza that documents a magnificent period of French history: the reign of Louis XIV, whose exploits are known around the world. We are delighted Ideacom International has come on board as a co production partner and we’re in no doubt this will be another successful series for France Télévisions as we continue to build on the show’s global success,” said Samuel Kissous, President of Pernel Media.

One of France’s leading factual producers, Pernel Media is behind other major series including epic television special ‘In the Footsteps of Attila the Hun’, co produced with France 5 and acquired by Science Channel in the US, and ‘Ancient Superstructures’ for RMC Découverte and ZDFE. The company is currently producing the landmark documentary series ‘Secrets of the Pyramid Builders’, a co production between Canal + channels and Smithsonian Channel, exploring one of the greatest engineering projects in the history of humanity: the construction of the Pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza.