Paramount+ announced the global series order of The Turkish Detective, a detective series set in modern-day Istanbul based on the CWA Silver Dagger Award-winning novels featuring Detective Inspectors Cetin Ikmen and Mehmet Suleyman, by Barbara Nadel. The series will star Haluk Bilginer, Ethan Kai and Yasemin Kay Allen. The Turkish Detective is produced by Miramax and leading Turkish production company Ay Yapim, in association with VIS, Paramount’s international studio.
The eight-episode-long first season of The Turkish Detective is based on the 24-novel series and depicts the lead character Inspector Cetin Ikmen (Haluk Bilginer), his partner Mehmet Suleyman (Ethan Kai) and Detective Ayse Farsakoglu (Yasemin Kay Allen), solving crimes and experiencing euphoric highs and tragic lows. Each crime story in the series is heavily rooted in the rich and varied culture and history of Istanbul and set against the vibrant, dazzling and frenzied world of modern-day Turkey.
The series is written and executive produced by Ben Schiffer and directed by Niels Arden Oplev (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Mr. Robot). The series is also executive produced by Marc Helwig and Bill Block for Miramax; Kerem Catay for Ay Yapim; and Claire Sowerby-Sheppard for VIS.
“The Turkish Detective is a universally intriguing crime thriller set against the landscape of one of the most stunning, culturally rich cities in the world,” said Nicole Clemens, president of Paramount+ Original Scripted Series. “We look forward to seeing Barbara Nadel’s incredible novels come to life in this series for Paramount+’s growing global audience.”
“Miramax is thrilled to partner with Paramount+ to produce this riveting, contemporary drama series from writer Ben Schiffer and internationally acclaimed filmmaker Niels Arden Oplev for a global audience,” said Marc Helwig, Miramax’s head of worldwide television.
Production is set to begin in Istanbul in April. The series will premiere on Paramount+ in 2023, in all markets where the service is available. Outside of the markets where Paramount+ is available, the series will be distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
