Orange County Choppers revival roars into the UK in first overseas deal
British viewers are getting the Teutuls back in the workshop.
Hearst Networks has bought the UK rights to Orange County Choppers Originals from distributor Off The Fence. It is the first international deal for the revived bike-building series, according to Deadline.
Off The Fence represents the show worldwide outside the US, meaning it handles sales in every territory except America. The UK agreement was brokered by Sam Thompson, its senior vice-president for North America and global networks, and Hannah Gray, acquisitions manager at Hearst Networks.
The series centres on Paul Teutul Sr., founder and chief executive of Orange County Choppers, at his workshop in Florida. His team designs and builds one-of-a-kind motorcycles for charitable causes. Each bike is then auctioned or raffled to raise funds and awareness.
It is the latest chapter in a franchise that started in 2002 with American Chopper and follows the family custom-bike business. No new episodes aired after the 2020 finale, American Chopper: The Last Ride, until the revival launched in the US in February. That six-year break followed a legal dispute between Teutul Sr. and his son Paul Teutul Jr., which was later settled before the pair reunited on screen.
In the US, the new run launched across Discovery Channel, Discovery Turbo TV, Discovery+ and Discovery GO. A second season of 12 episodes has already been ordered, so the workshop will stay busy.
The franchise arrives with a track record. American Chopper has previously broadcast in 160 territories in 35 languages worldwide. That history helps explain why the UK became the first overseas buyer.
Hearst Networks EMEA has operated as a global broadcaster since 1995, according to Hearst Networks. It reaches audiences in more than 100 countries, including the UK, the Nordics, Benelux, Central and Eastern Europe, Spain, Italy, Germany, Africa and the Middle East. It has offices in London, Rome, Madrid, Warsaw, Munich and Johannesburg.
Off The Fence, which sold the UK rights, is owned by World Storytelling Media Group, according to Off The Fence. Its sister company is Insight TV, and its catalogue spans history, natural history, science, travel, adventure, lifestyle and crime.
For UK viewers, the appeal is straightforward. The workshop is familiar. The payoff is new, with each finished bike going to a good cause. And with 12 more episodes ordered, there is more to come.
