Netflix locks up Fremantle prison drama

Avlu features characters based on those in Australian drama Wentworth

MIPCOM: Global streaming giant Netflix has picked up rights to the first season of prison drama Avlu, the Turkish adaptation of Australian series Wentworth.

The series, acquired from distributor Fremantle and produced by Hayri Aslan and Limon Films, launches on Netflix this Friday, October 18.

Set in a female prison in Istanbul, Avlu features characters based on those from the Australian original as they are thrown together to tackle life behind bars.

Jamie Lynn, exec VP head of EMEA distribution at Fremantle, said: “Avlu is a brave, modern and ground-breaking series that truly stood out in the mercilessly competitive Turkish drama market.

“A format adaptation driven by the collective efforts of our Dubai office, Avlu’s bold female characters and gritty storylines were an instant hit with local audiences and unlike anything the Turkish drama landscape had seen. Netflix is the perfect partner for this new style of Turkish drama and we are delighted to now share this series with the world.”

Avlu launched on Turkey’s Star TV in March 2018, with the broadcaster tripling its episode order for the second season, which will run to 33×120’ episodes.

Wentworth, produced by Fremantle Australia, is a reimagining of classic 1970s prison drama Prisoner.

Commissioned through to its ninth season in 2021, it has been sold into 158 territories and has also been adapted in the Netherlands (Celblok H), Germany (Block B – Unter Arrest) and Belgium (Gent-West).