James R | On 13, Mar 2016

Channel 4 is now eyeing up international markets for a possible expansion of Walter Presents. The on-demand channel for foreign-language TV, which forms part of the broadcaster’s VOD service, All 4, is already a huge success, despite having launched only a couple of months ago.

The site has amassed a library of around 700 hours of drama from around the world. Named after Walter Iuzzolino, the Chief Creative Officer of Global Series Network, who curates the service, it has shows lined up for the year that hail from Brazil, the Czech Republic, Argentina, Switzerland, Belgium, Mexico, Poland and Chile.

Walter Presents opened its doors in 3rd January, alongside the premiere of German thriller Deutschland 83 on Channel 4, which swiftly became the highest rated foreign-language drama in UK TV history, with 2.5 million consolidated viewers. Within a month, the channel’s online collection had already amassed 1.21 million views. Now, Channel 4 has announced that total views have reached over 5.5 million.

“We are now in talks with potential international partners to roll it out beyond the UK,” Channel 4 CEO David Abraham revealed in a speech to Enders Analysis Conference this week. “It’s an excellent example of how there are always new ways to deliver the remit.”

As of February 2016, Deutschland 83 has proven the most popular show to stream, with Danish thriller Heartless and French political drama Spin second and third respectively. Channel 4 has also highlighted Argentine thriller Pure Evil and French comedy Kabul Kitchen as popular. The shows are all free to watch and download for offline viewing, with nine box sets currently available and others, such as Thicker Than Water (pictured above – now showing every Thursday on More4), being added to each week.

But there are more on the way: on Friday 25th March, Blue Eyes will join the line-up, with dark Belgian comedy Clan also coming soon.

What is Walter Presents? Click here for our guide covering everything you need to know.