Disney+ has recently announced a groundbreaking first-look deal with Matriarch Productions, a U.K.-based company founded by the talented husband-and-wife duo Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters. Known for their work on hit shows like “Adolescence” and “A Thousand Blows,” Matriarch Productions has signed a two-year deal with Disney+ that will cover a range of original scripted and unscripted series.
The partnership comes on the heels of the successful second season premiere of “A Thousand Blows” on Disney+, a period boxing drama produced by Matriarch, The Story Collective, and Water & Power Productions. Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters expressed their excitement about collaborating with Disney+, aiming to create inspiring and thought-provoking storytelling through this creative venture.
Despite being a relatively new player in the industry, Matriarch Productions has quickly made a name for itself. The company received a BAFTA nomination for the one-shot kitchen thriller “Boiling Point” in 2022, followed by a spin-off series for the BBC in 2023. Additionally, Matriarch produced the acclaimed first season of “A Thousand Blows” in 2025, written by Steven Knight.
One of Matriarch’s standout achievements is the groundbreaking Netflix series “Adolescence,” which garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards. The show, based on a concept by Stephen Graham, has been a cultural phenomenon since its release in March 2025, earning multiple Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe awards.
In addition to their success on screen, Matriarch Productions has been a champion for diversity and inclusivity in the industry, providing opportunities for underrepresented voices. Disney+ EMEA’s head of content, Angela Jain, praised Stephen and Hannah for their bold storytelling and commitment to supporting marginalized voices, making them ideal partners for Disney’s evolving production slate in the U.K.
VP of Scripted at Disney+ EMEA, Lee Mason, commended Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters for their purposeful storytelling and dedication to nurturing new talent. He expressed excitement about working with them to bring ambitious and distinctive content to Disney+ audiences.
Looking ahead, Disney+ has an exciting lineup of upcoming Hulu Original series produced in the U.K., including the second season of the award-winning “Rivals,” the anti-romantic comedy “Alice and Steve,” and reality format series like “Jamie and Sophie: Raising Chelsea (w/t),” “The Rooney’s,” and “Blind Date.”
Overall, the partnership between Disney+ and Matriarch Productions promises to deliver compelling and diverse storytelling that entertains and resonates with audiences, setting the stage for more groundbreaking content in the future.
