Hustle

Aired 2004

The first episode of Hustle was broadcast on BBC One on 24 February 2004, driven by a strong advertising campaign organised by Abbott Mead Vickers, surrounding its slogan, "the con is on". The programme was an immediate success, attracting over 6.7 million viewers, and attracting favourable reviews.

Aired 2005

In response to the extremely positive reaction, the BBC recommissioned the show for a second series on 17 March 2004, after just three episodes had aired. The second series was broadcast on BBC One from 29 March 2005, to a first-night audience of 6.7 million.

Aired 2006

All five of the lead actors again reprised their roles in the third series. The series premiered on 10 March 2006, running until 14 April. In the wake of the equally successful second series, the BBC took Hustle to the American market, securing a licensing deal with AMC. In addition to exclusive broadcast rights to the first and second series in the United States, AMC also took the position of co-production partner on the third series, already in pre-production, with the option to take the same position on a fourth series. The first two series premiered in the US in January 2006 on AMC.

Aired 2007

With the backing of AMC, a fourth series of Hustle was virtually guaranteed, and by late 2006 it was clear that the cable network was taking a commanding role in the show's development.