Aussie Hit Neighbours to See Turkish Remake

FremantleMedia International (FMI) has inked an agreement for a local version of the long-running Australian drama series Neighbours to be produced in Turkey.

The first global format commission of the FremantleMedia Australia original series will be produced by No:9 Productions. The adaptation, entitled Komşular, will air on FOX in Turkey.

Komşular will be set in a fictional suburb of Istanbul called Karanfil Yokuşu. The imagined setting is one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of Istanbul, home to people from all walks of life. The hour-long episodes will be based on original Neighbours storylines from 2012 onward, starting from when the Turner and Willis families joined Ramsay Street. The original Australian character names will be adapted to Turkish versions, along with a couple of new additions. The series will air every weeknight before the evening news on FOX Turkey.

Anahita Kheder, the senior VP for the Middle East, Africa and Southeastern Europe at FMI, said, “Building on the huge success of Neighbours in Australia and the U.K., it’s incredibly exciting to have our first format commission for the show. Neighbours is well-loved all over the world and, now in its 35th year, is the most successful Australian TV export in history. I can’t wait to see the series come to life in a completely new way for Turkish audiences.”

Erdi Isik, drama operations executive at FOX Turkey, said: “Komşular, the Turkish version of Neighbours by No:9 Productions and directed by Canan Evcimen and Göksel Aydın, will launch on FOX Turkey on November 6. Much like the original series that is loved by audiences far and wide, the first global adaptation includes a brilliant cast and will be sure to capture FOX audiences across Turkey.”

Canan Evcimen, director of Komşular, added: “By coming to Turkey, the legendary drama series Neighbours continues to grow its global audience, which has been established in more than 60 countries. Komşular will be an essential guest in the houses of Turkish audiences, thanks to its strong storyline combined and a warm local feel.”