Channel 4 has struck a deal with Microsoft's Xbox to remake the Swedish sci-fi drama Real Humans, marking the first time a games console maker has partnered with a UK broadcaster to fund a major series. 

 XBox

The deal will see Channel 4 air the drama exclusively in the UK in 2015 at the time as Microsoft makes the show available to Xbox owners in North America.

The eight part series, called simply Humans, will be produced by Kudos, the maker of The Hour and Broadchurch.

The show follows a family that buys a human-like robotic servant with a secret. It will be created by Spooks writers Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley.

"This deal with Channel 4 and Kudos underscores Xbox Entertainment Studios' commitment to programming premium TV series with global partners and creating engaging interactive experiences," said Nancy Tellem, president of Microsoft's studio operation. "It sits alongside other original commissions, including a Halo TV series executive produced by Steven Spielberg."

"In Humans, Sam and Jon have not only crafted an ingenious and imaginative thriller, but they're also asking big, thought-provoking questions about how we live," said Piers Wenger, head of drama at Channel 4.

Filming on the drama series will begin in the summer, with the show set to premiere next year. As yet, there has been no casting announcement. 

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