This story first appeared in the Oct. 9 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
American shows are extremely popular on Turkish television, but audiences are increasingly tuning in to homegrown remakes that dial up the drama yet stay true to the country’s more conservative tastes. While the sheer volume of competition on Turkish small screens sees many series canceled before their first anniversaries, these local adaptations of Hollywood hits have proven to be success stories.
The O.C. / Medcezir
Ryan became Yaman. Marissa became Mira. But much about the star-crossed lovers’ story stayed the same — even down to Chino’s hoodies and Seth’s curly hair — when The O.C. became family drama Medcezir.
Revenge / Intikam
Revenge / Intikam
Turkish ingenue Beren Saat, who shot to fame on the Idol-for-actors Turkish Star, took over Emily Van Camp‘s role as the estranged daughter seeking to right the wrongs committed against her late father. The show ran for two years on leading free-to-air broadcaster Kanal D.
Desperate Housewives / Umutsuz Ev Kadinlari
The Turkish version of Wisteria Lane boasted more telenovela qualities than the original while keeping the characters intact. The show attempted to match the suggestive tone of the original, but was forced to tone it down after being fined by Turkish television censors in 2013 for some racy content.
Monk / Galip Dervis
Proving humor can translate, Kanal D’s Monk adaptation found success as a 60-minute show despite breaking away from Turkey’s traditional 90-minute episode format. The show wrapped up three seasons on Kanal D at the end of last year.
Jane the Virgin / Aska Gebe
The Turkish version of the hit comedy, which was adapted from a Venezuelan telenovela, started shooting in July. In keeping with Turkish tastes, it focuses more on “emotional perspective” than the tricky sexuality of the original.
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