Turkish Adaptation for Golden Girls

LONDON: Turkish broadcaster ATV has launched its own version of The Golden Girls, following the producer Play Productions’ acquisition of the format rights from Disney-ABC-ESPN Television.

The first of 13 episodes aired on Sunday, starring award-winning feature film actress Hülya Koçyiğit as Dorothy, theatre actress Nevra Serezli as Blanche, former politician and actress Fatma Girik as Sophia and one of Turkey’s most famous actresses, Türkan Şoray, as Rose.

The agreement with Play Productions follows Disney-ABC-ESPN Television’s deals with Channel One Russia and ET1 Greece for local adaptations of the classic sitcom, which ran in the U.S. from 1985 to 1992. Disney-ABC-ESPN’s According to Jim and Hope & Faith have also been adapted in Turkey.

"This deal underlines our ongoing commitment to develop local productions of both scripted and reality formats; creating content which appeals even more effectively locally and builds long term value for these formats," said Naomi Joseph, the executive director of format development at Disney-ABC-ESPN Television. With its universal themes and enduring humor, The Golden Girls continues to enjoy the affection of viewers around the world. We’re delighted to be working with broadcaster ATV and Play Productions to bring this much-loved comedy to viewers in Turkey.”