FilmRise, the New York-based film and television studio and streaming network, has announced its acquisition of the exclusive U.S. digital rights to the high-energy prequel series Taken. Previously streaming on Netflix, the series will now be available to audiences on FilmRise’s platforms, offering free access to the thrilling drama inspired by the blockbuster film franchise.
Jonitha Keymoore, Head of Content for FilmRise, expressed her excitement about the acquisition: “We’re thrilled to deliver this series to streaming audiences in the U.S. for free, especially given its remarkable success as the most-watched drama on television when it first premiered on Netflix. Taken stays true to its origins, delivering the intense edge-of-your-seat plotlines that we know will captivate both new viewers and longtime fans alike.”
FilmRise boasts a vast library of over 30,000 titles spanning various genres, including drama, action, true crime, and classic television. The company operates an expansive network of FAST channels and ad-supported streaming platforms, making its diverse content accessible worldwide. Founded in 2012 by Danny Fisher, Jack Fisher, and Alan Klingenstein, FilmRise has built a reputation as an analytics-driven innovator in content acquisition and distribution.
What Is Taken?
The series originally aired on NBC in 2016 and consists of two seasons with a total of 26 hour-long episodes. It stars Clive Standen (Vikings) as a younger Bryan Mills, offering a backstory to the iconic character portrayed by Liam Neeson in the Taken film series. The show chronicles Mills’s transformation from a former Green Beret mourning the loss of his sister into a skilled CIA operative tackling dangerous missions. The gripping narrative and high-stakes action promise to engage fans of the original films and attract new viewers.
In addition to Taken, FilmRise’s library features popular series like HELL’S KITCHEN, HEARTLAND, and MIDSOMER MURDERS, as well as films like The Illusionist and Driveways. The company also co-produces numerous programs, including Bloodline Detectives Hosted by Nancy Grace and the PBS docuseries ICON: Music Through the Lens.