Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, Inc. (TBS) announced that Deep Crime Unit, or DCU, will air on the TBS television network’s prime-time Sunday night slot (9:00 p.m.) starting January 2022. This original crime drama centers around a fictional organization called “Deep Crime Unit” which specializes in underwater investigations. An exciting mystery exploring incidents below the surface and the fascinating intrigues that go even deeper, the original drama series is to be the first of several that TBS plans to co-produce with Keshet International and Facet4 Media. Aiming for global expansion, the partners have just launched their collaboration.

With filming set to begin soon, an online meeting was held for cast and crew linking four countries, including the show’s star, renowned Japanese actor Hiroshi Abe. TBS President Takashi Sasaki, Keshet International CEO Alon Shtruzman, and Anne-Sue Greenberg of Facet4 Media all expressed their commitment to the new venture.

Deep Crime Unit (DCU) is a 10-episode x 60-minute crime-based procedural based on a concept co-developed by Keshet International and Canada’s Facet4 Media and a production manual written and created by Ilan Ulmer and Samuel Goldberg.

TBS President Takashi Sasaki commented, “We are extremely pleased to be joining hands with Keshet International and Facet4 Media, both leaders in the global market. TBS continues to be focused on delivering premium content to world audiences, and with this joint production, I think we are taking a big step forward. Today marks a highly significant milestone in our new collaboration. When I first learned of the Deep Crime Unit project two years ago, I found the idea of solving crimes through underwater diving excitingly new and fresh. I remember how thrilled I was to hear that this drama is the first of its kind in the world. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, and I trust that the entire cast and crew will stay healthy and contribute their finest work. COVID-19 has left the whole world feeling lost. It would be wonderful if this drama could give us all a lift, offering a bit of joy to audiences everywhere. It is precisely in times like these that I believe it is important to share great dramas with the world.”

KI’s CEO Alon Shtruzman remarked: “I am very emotional about this project. I was part of it from the start and am very excited to see this project happening. I am grateful for the opportunity to do this amazing co-production. Producing in Japan has always been a big objective for Keshet International. For me this production is only the beginning. I admire the talent and capability of the Japanese industry.”

“It is an honor for us as Israelis and Canadians to sell IP to TBS, such a savvy and experienced network. It is also a privilege to co-produce with the biggest and most talented executive producers, and actors in Japan. I miss Japan and want to come back as soon as possible despite COVID. I will meet you at the Red Carpet for the premiere,” he added.

Facet4 Media’s Anna-Sue Greenberg said, “Visiting Tokyo for the script meeting was my last trip before the COVID breakout. Seeing the formation of a true international co-production has been wonderful. TBS has been a phenomenal supporter of DCU since the beginning. We are very honored and privileged to be part of this co-production. We are so delighted with the incredible cast and crew that TBS put together. We know this drama will be so successful in Japan. The pleasure of this business also has a lot of challenges of which we have had many over the past 18 months. I cannot wait to come on set to watch this fabulous production come to life. The experience for us in Canada has been incredible. Japan is a wonderful territory in which to be working together with our Israeli partners. Projects thrive on wonderful partnerships. I truly hope this is the first project of many more to come.”