In a significant move poised to reshape the landscape of British television, Disney+ has announced an exclusive first-look deal with Matriarch Productions, the dynamic UK-based company founded by the acclaimed husband-and-wife acting and producing duo, Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters. This two-year partnership signals a robust commitment from Disney+ to champion distinctive, local storytelling and further cements Matriarch’s rising status as a formidable force in the global entertainment industry. The agreement spans both original scripted and unscripted series, promising a fresh wave of captivating content for audiences across the Disney+ platform.
The deal arrives on the heels of the successful second season premiere of Matriarch’s gritty period boxing drama, “A Thousand Blows,” which found its home on Disney+. This Hulu Original series, a collaboration between Matriarch, The Story Collective, and Water & Power Productions, has already garnered critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of 1880s East London and its exploration of challenging social themes. The relationship forged during the production of “A Thousand Blows” clearly laid the groundwork for this expanded, strategic alliance, demonstrating Disney+’s confidence in Matriarch’s creative vision and production capabilities.
For Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters, this partnership represents a momentous step forward in their mission. Expressing their excitement, the duo stated, “We are beyond thrilled to be working with Disney+ and through this creative partnership will strive to produce inspiring, entertaining and thought-provoking storytelling.” This statement encapsulates the core ethos of Matriarch Productions: to not just entertain, but to provoke dialogue and offer narratives that resonate deeply with viewers, a philosophy that has been evident in their work since their inception.
Matriarch Productions, though a relatively nascent entity having commenced operations only in 2020, has swiftly carved out an extraordinary reputation for delivering impactful, high-quality content. Their journey began with a bang, earning a prestigious BAFTA nomination in 2022 for the intense, one-shot kitchen thriller “Boiling Point.” This critically lauded film, starring Stephen Graham, captivated audiences with its visceral immediacy and unflinching look at the pressures of a professional kitchen. The film’s success was so profound that it spawned a spin-off series for the BBC in 2023, further solidifying Matriarch’s ability to translate compelling concepts across different formats.
The company’s impressive trajectory continued with the highly anticipated first season of “A Thousand Blows,” co-written by the celebrated Steven Knight, which debuted in early 2025. This historical drama, steeped in rich period detail and human struggle, showcased Matriarch’s versatility and ambition to tackle diverse genres with a distinct voice. However, it was “Adolescence” that truly propelled Matriarch into the global spotlight, elevating their innovative “one-shot” concept to unprecedented heights and capturing the collective imagination of critics and audiences alike.
Released on Netflix in March 2025, “Adolescence,” produced by Matriarch alongside Warp Films and based on a concept by Stephen Graham, became an instant cultural phenomenon. Its groundbreaking narrative and unique stylistic approach transcended mere entertainment, sparking widespread conversation and cementing its place as a seminal work in modern television. The series’ impact was undeniable, leading to a near-sweep of major awards seasons. Its haul of honors includes an astonishing eight Primetime Emmys, a testament to its artistic excellence, including the coveted Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. More recently, it emerged triumphant from the Golden Globes with four significant wins, including Best Limited Series. “Adolescence” stands as a powerful testament to Matriarch’s fearless creative spirit and their ability to craft narratives that are both artistically daring and universally resonant.
Beyond their remarkable on-screen achievements, Matriarch has consistently championed one of its foundational principles: a steadfast commitment to fostering greater diversity, inclusivity, and opportunity within the notoriously challenging entertainment industry. Graham and Walters are passionate advocates for supporting aspiring talent who might otherwise struggle to gain entry or find their voice in the competitive landscape. This dedication to social responsibility is not merely an add-on but is woven into the very fabric of Matriarch’s operations, influencing everything from casting decisions to behind-the-scenes crew selection and the types of stories they choose to tell.
Angela Jain, Head of Content for Disney+ EMEA, articulated the profound synergy between the two entities. “Stephen and Hannah have proven they know how to tell bold, impactful stories, and our vision also aligns with them around providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the U.K.,” Jain commented. She emphasized Disney+’s strategic focus on “distinctive, local stories that entertain and resonate with audiences,” declaring Matriarch “the perfect partners as we look to evolve our production slate in the U.K.” Jain’s enthusiastic endorsement, describing the collaboration as “a dream,” underscores the deep respect and shared artistic objectives that underpin this landmark deal.
Further reinforcing this sentiment, Lee Mason, VP, Scripted for Disney+ EMEA, lauded the Matriarch founders. “Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters are storytellers with real purpose – creative, fearless, and deeply committed to discovering, nurturing, and championing new talent,” Mason remarked. His excitement was palpable as he expressed his eagerness to continue working with them, adding, “I’m genuinely excited to keep working with them, and to support the kind of ambitious, distinctive work they want to put into the world with Disney+.” These endorsements from key Disney+ executives highlight not only Matriarch’s creative prowess but also their crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and representative industry.
The first-look deal with Matriarch Productions is a strategic feather in Disney+’s cap, particularly as the streaming giant continues to expand its original content offerings from the UK. The competitive global streaming market necessitates a strong pipeline of local, high-quality productions that can appeal to both domestic and international audiences. By partnering with a company like Matriarch, known for its critically acclaimed, socially conscious, and innovative storytelling, Disney+ is positioning itself as a platform that values artistic integrity and diverse narratives.
This collaboration is expected to yield a diverse slate of projects under the Matriarch banner. Given their track record, audiences can anticipate compelling dramas that delve into complex human experiences, perhaps continuing to explore the innovative narrative structures seen in “Boiling Point” and “Adolescence.” Their commitment to diversity and inclusion also suggests that future projects will likely champion stories from marginalized communities and provide opportunities for a broader range of creative talent both in front of and behind the camera. This aligns perfectly with the evolving demands of modern audiences who seek authenticity and representation in their entertainment choices.
The partnership with Matriarch is part of a broader strategy by Disney+ to bolster its UK-produced Hulu Original series slate. Other upcoming projects that underscore this commitment include the much-anticipated second season of the Emmy and BAFTA award-winning “Rivals,” an anti-romantic comedy titled “Alice and Steve,” produced by Clerkenwell Films and starring the formidable talents of Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement, and a suite of premium reality format series such as “Jamie and Sophie: Raising Chelsea (w/t),” “The Rooney’s,” and “Blind Date.” These diverse offerings demonstrate Disney+’s multifaceted approach to capturing the breadth of British storytelling and engaging a wide array of viewers.
Ultimately, the first-look deal between Disney+ and Matriarch Productions is more than just a business agreement; it is a declaration of shared values and a joint ambition to push the boundaries of storytelling. With Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters at the helm of Matriarch, bringing their unique blend of creative vision, industry experience, and unwavering commitment to social impact, this partnership promises a vibrant future for UK-originated content on Disney+ and a platform for voices that truly matter.
