It is not unusual for films to open day and date around the world. However, television shows are not subject to the same formula. Until now. Kiefer Sutherland's heralded return in the powerful new drama Touch is being prepped to connect millions around the world with a near-simultaneous global premiere in 100 countries.
After seven years as the lead of television's game-changing drama 24, Emmy winner Kiefer Sutherland wasn't exactly eager to return to the format any time soon. The man known as Jack Bauer sought new challenges on film and the Broadway stage. Then, he was presented the script for Touch. Created by Tim Kring (Heroes), Sutherland was instantly drawn to the project, which could be every bit as groundbreaking as 24. And Fox Television is banking on interest in Sutherland and the international scope of the premise could pay off with another blockbuster.
Cinematic in its scope, Touch leads the pack of mid-season series with a wholly original premise not usually found in a mainsteam series. A striking hybrid of science, spirituality and emotion, Touch follows seemingly unrelated people all over the world whose lives intersect in the most remarkable manner. At the heart of the series is Sutherland, who delivers a poignant and revelatory star turn in the pilot episode. The award-winning actor portrays Martin Bohm, a widower and single father unable to restore his own connection with his emotionally challenged 11-year-old son, Jake (an extraordinary David Mazouz). However, Jake seemingly impenetrable silence masks an extraordinary talent: to recognize unseen patterns that connect humanity around the world. As Martin begins to understand the nature of his Jake's abilities, father and son embark on a life-changing journey to not only make real these foreseen connections come to fruition -- but to find their way back to each other.
Marion Edwards, President of International Television, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, remarked in a prepared statement, “It’s so appropriate that a television series whose focus is the unity and connection we all share in spite of culture and language differences would serve as the springboard for this very exciting, global launch. We are thrilled to share this special event with all our broadcast partners.”
In a television first, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, Fox Broadcasting Company, FOX One, 20th Century Fox Television and FOX International Channels are collaborating on a worldwide launch for the series, which will premiere nearly simultaneously in more than 100 countries. To kick off the series’ global marketing efforts, Sutherland will embark on an international media tour, stopping in several major cities across Europe and culminating in a global media event in New York City on March 18 – a date that figures prominently in Touch’s pilot episode.
Viewers can get their first look at Touch this week with a special preview airing this Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:07 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The series will premiere in Los Angeles on Monday, March 19 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).
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