After staking a claim in a handful of foreign markets, Netflix has set its eyes on Turkey for a new original series.
Variety reports that Netflix has ordered ten episodes of a currently untitled Turkish-language series, which is said to be inspired by the myths and storied history of the Ottoman empire. The series, which will be written and produced in Turkey by 03 Medya. It is an Istanbul-based historical drama that focuses on a young man as he gains supernatural powers. Together with a band of ragtag friends, they must save Istanbul and its people from dark forces threatening to wipe out the city.
Turkey has quickly emerged as a thriving new market for streaming services, with Netflix taking notice and launching in Turkey in mid-2016 with popular local series like The End, Magnificent Century, Ezel, Lovebird, Kurt Seyit & Sura, and Winter Sun. January of this year saw the premiere of Turkey’s first streaming series, Masum, hit local service BluTV. The series tells the story of former commissioner Cevdet as he is forced back to work when terrible news threatens to tear his family apart.
Netflix has tapped Onur Guvenatam, known for producing Turkey’s version of Pretty Little Liars, to serve as executive producer on the untitled series. Netflix is hoping for a global launch sometime in 2018.