BBC Studios scripted formats find new homes on Slovakia’s TV Markiza and Czechia’s TV Nova

TV Markiza in Slovakia will develop a local-language version of thriller Smother

LONDON TV SCREENINGS: TV Markiza in Slovakia is to become the first international territory to develop a local-language version of Irish domestic thriller series Smother.

To be produced by Bratislava-based prodco Film Kolektiv (Restore Point), the 12-part series will start filming in the first half of 2025. It will air on TV Markiza and stream on the network’s digital platform VOYO.

Originally produced by BBC Studios (BBCS) and Treasure Entertainment for Irish pubcaster RTÉ, Smother ran for three series and sold to the US, Australia and across Europe.

It follows a widower who in the aftermath of her husband’s tragic death, discovers the complex and damaged relationships that he had with his family, perhaps driving one of them to murder.

Smother is the third BBCS scripted format to be adapted by TV Markiza, after the Slovakian network aired local versions of both Doctor Foster and Mistresses.

In related news, BBCS has announced that CME-owned TV Nova in the Czech Republic has ordered a local-language adaptation of Doctor Foster. The 10-part series will follow the story of a trusted doctor whose life implodes when she suspects her husband of having an affair.

Both deals were announced by BBCS executives at its London TV Screenings Showcase event.

Magdalena VanNiekerk, format sales director, unscripted, BBCS, said: “The Markíza and TV Nova groups are long-standing partners and we look forward to working together again to create another local hit for their audiences.”