PSBs board Mysteries Of… as BossaNova also acquires rights to POW escape series 

Channel 4 and Australian network SBS have boarded BossaNova Media’s docuseries about some of the world’s most enigmatic phenomena.  

Mysteries of… is a 6 x 60-minute or 3 x 120-minute series from Curve Media exploring the topics of Stonehenge, the Loch Ness Monster and giant sinkholes.  

Each episode examines the history and cultural impact of one of the mysteries before testing out an array of origin stories and theories that have built up around it. The series will also use the latest science and research to discuss and discard the wilder theories and offer a plausible explanation for each mystery.  

Peter Andrews, head of network programming television and online content at SBS Australia, said: “SBS Australia’s audience are fascinated by well-authored, well-researched ‘mystery docs’ like Mysteries Of…  

“Once we heard the amazing news that our friends at Channel 4 were also interested, we were pretty much at greenlighting the project. I’m expecting this series to resonate really well with our core-history and factual-loving audience, the curious-minded audience, and across both linear & digital platforms.” 

BossaNova has also acquired the rights to Australian outfit Perpetual Entertainment’s 6 x 60-minute series Greatest Escapes of World War 2, which it is making for Sky History. The series looks at some of the most incredible escapes from POW camps during the Second World War, with some escapes more successful than others, though all featuring displays of bravery, nerve and a determination to never admit defeat.  

Paul Heaney, chief exec of BossaNova, said: “We’d love to say this fantastic Mysteries Of… project has come via a bit of magic and clever alchemy but it’s simple practicality and industry reflecting how BossaNova can bring projects to reality in this era. Curve already had something in early development which chimed with how SBS and Channel 4 wanted a series like this to look and feel. Who knows, if it works for all parties, there may be more.    

“As for Greatest Escapes of World War 2, Perpetual Entertainment has succeeded in delivering a fresh take on some of the most iconic stories of the Second World War.”