The psychological drama has already been remade in more than 20 countries and is now being adapted for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa.
Abu Dhabi Media has signed an agreement with Israeli distributor Dori Media Group (DMG) to create an Arabic adaptation of the critically acclaimed psychological drama, In Treatment.
As part of the agreement, ADM will produce 45 episodes of the psychological drama, which will be broadcast on Abu Dhabi TV and ADtv app.
In Treatment was created in Israel in 2005 by Sheleg Productions under the title BeTipul. It has since been adapted in more than 20 countries worldwide, including in the US for HBO, whose version first starred Gabriel Byrne before Uzo Aduba took the lead.
The partnership agreement to produce the show was announced during Mipcom Cannes.
It’s the latest in a series of deals between the two companies, which have previously done business with unscripted formats The Selfie Challenge and Win the Crowd.
Commenting on the deal, Abdulraheem Alnuaimi, acting general manager of ADM, said: “We are pleased to develop our partnership with Dori Media Group to provide valuable content and to enhance Abu Dhabi TV Network’s role as a leading media-production provider in the MENA region that meets the aspirations of the entire Arab audience. In Treatment will be an exciting addition to Abu Dhabi TV Network’s offering and we expect a huge success for the Arabic version of it.”
Revolving around issues of mental health, the series follows ongoing sessions between a psychotherapist and some of his patients, offering viewers a glimpse into their lives and problems, and the intriguing and fascinating role of psychotherapy.
Alnuaimi added: “The deal is significant not only for ADM but also the wider sector in the UAE as authorities step up efforts to establish the country as a global media and entertainment hub. Commissioning In Treatment at Mipcom Cannes is of great importance to us as it is a platform that enables us to highlight Abu Dhabi’s leading position and the media environment it provides for professionals in this sector in the world in creating content.”
Nadav Palti, CEO and president of DMG, stated: “We are very pleased to expand our partnership with Abu Dhabi Media into the scripted formats arena. With the overwhelming global success of ‘In Treatment,’ we are delighted to bring the format to new regions, allowing more viewers to resonate with the show’s themes of fostering mental health, demystifying professional therapy and articulation of feelings. We look forward to the Arabic adaptation of ‘In Treatment’ resonating with viewers in the Middle East and North Africa.”
