PBS confirms US premiere date for new ‘Around the World in 80 Days’

PBS has announced when David Tennant’s Around the World in 80 Days drama takes off.

The upcoming BBC period drama is based on Jules Verne’s classic 1873 novel.

David Tennant (Broadchurch, Doctor Who) is leading the cast as intrepid explorer Phileas Fogg.

The 50-year-old Scottish actor recently won best Drama Performance at the National Television Awards for his role as a real-life serial killer in ITV’s true crime drama Des.

The new adventure series began filming in February 2020, but the shoot was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

With production on all eight one-hour episodes now finally completed, the show is expected to launch in the UK on BBC One this Christmas season.

Around the World in 80 Days will then premiere in the US at 8/7c on Sunday 2nd January 2022 on PBS Masterpiece.

The official synopsis reads: “Following an outrageous bet, Fogg and his valet, Passepartout, take on the legendary journey of circumnavigating the globe in just 80 days, swiftly joined by aspiring journalist Abigail Fix, who seizes the chance to report on this extraordinary story.”

Watch the trailer:

David Tennant is joined by French actor Ibrahim Koma (Je Suis Daddy) as Fogg’s ‘valet’ Passepartout, and Leonie Benesch (The Crown) as young journalist Abigail Fix.

This new version of Around the World in 80 Days has been written by Life on Mars co-creator Ashley Pharoah, with Caleb Ranson (Child of Mine, Heartless).

Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, previously commented: “This is such an exciting project. There is an amazing team both in front and behind the camera and we cannot wait to see their ambitious interpretation of this classic novel for a new generation.”

Around the World in Eighty Days was last adapted 17 years ago as a Disney movie starring Jackie Chan and Steve Coogan.

Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days novel is available on Amazon.