Top Talent Leads Shows at Series Mania's 2026 Buyers Upfront

Rafe Spall, Bérénice Bejo, Steven Moffat and Bryan Elsley head up major new series premiering at the annual TV festival.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:09am

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Rafe Spall, Oscar nominee Bérénice Bejo, 'Sherlock' co-creator Steven Moffat, and 'Skins' co-creator Bryan Elsley are among the top talent leading new shows that will be presented at the 2026 Series Mania Buyers Upfront, an invitation-only event at Europe's biggest TV festival. The lineup includes dramas, thrillers, and comedies from across Europe and Australia.

Why it matters

The Series Mania Buyers Upfront is a key industry event that provides a first look at some of the most anticipated new international TV projects. The diverse slate of shows highlights the continued growth and popularity of high-quality scripted content from around the world, as global streamers and broadcasters seek out compelling stories and talent to attract audiences.

The details

Spall stars opposite Jenna Coleman and Katherine Kelly in Moffat's 'Number 10,' a drama set in the British Prime Minister's residence. Bejo leads 'Alice,' a period piece about pioneering filmmaker Alice Guy. Elsley returns with the legal drama 'Counsels.' Other highlights include the horror-comedy 'Gnomes' from Australia, the Singapore-Japan co-production 'Lost and Found,' and the French naval thriller 'R91.' The Buyers Choice Award, selected by a jury of top industry buyers, will be presented during the event.

  • The 2026 Series Mania Buyers Upfront will take place on March 23.
  • The Series Mania festival runs from March 20-27, 2026.

The players

Rafe Spall

An English actor known for roles in 'Trying,' 'The English,' and other acclaimed TV series and films.

Bérénice Bejo

An Oscar-nominated French actress starring in the period drama 'Alice' about pioneering filmmaker Alice Guy.

Steven Moffat

A British screenwriter and producer, best known as the co-creator and showrunner of the hit series 'Sherlock.'

Bryan Elsley

A British television writer and producer, co-creator of the acclaimed teen drama series 'Skins.'

Series Mania

Europe's biggest TV festival, hosting an annual Buyers Upfront event for international industry professionals.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to bring back the Buyers Upfront following last year's successful launch. We're confident the initiative will help distributors accelerate international sales.”

— Francesco Capurro, Director of Series Mania Forum (Variety)

“With the Buyers Upfront, we continue to strengthen our position as the must-attend spring event for the scripted community, from creation to global distribution.”

— Francesco Capurro, Director of Series Mania Forum (Variety)

What’s next

The Buyers Choice Award, selected by a six-person jury of key buyers, will be presented during an Awards Ceremony on March 24.

The takeaway

The diverse lineup of new shows at the Series Mania Buyers Upfront demonstrates the continued global appeal and growth of high-quality international television, as producers and distributors seek to capture audiences worldwide with compelling stories and top talent.