The show was watched by 57% of StarzPlay viewers who consume Starz originals while 41% of all active users followed the six-part mini-series.
StarzPlay has recorded overwhelming response from its subscribers for its Original series ‘Baghdad Central’, with 81% monthly viewership from Iraq, where the story is based.
Saudi audiences also showed interest in the show with 47% of monthly active users watching the series, while UAE recorded 36% of monthly active viewers. Further, 39% of StarzPlay’s monthly active users from the rest of the region also favoured the series.
According to a study, the thrilling drama series was watched by 57% of StarzPlay viewers who consume Starz originals while 41% of all active users followed the six-part mini-series.
Marking a departure from series conceptualised and produced by foreign studios, Baghdad Central is set amidst the chaos of American-occupied Baghdad in 2003 and follows Iraqi ex-policeman Muhsin al-Khafaji who has lost everything and is battling daily to keep himself and his sick daughter, Mrouj, safe.
When he learns that his estranged elder daughter Sawsan is missing, Khafaji is forced into a desperate search to find her. He soon finds himself up against her enigmatic university tutor, Professor Zubeida Rashid and discovers that Sawsan and her two close friends Sanaa and Zahra have been leading a hidden life that’s led them into great danger.
Baghdad Central stars Waleed Zuaiter, Corey Stoll, Bertie Carvel, Leem Lubany and July Namir along with an international cast. The show is written and created by BAFTA-nominated writer Stephen Butchard, produced by Jonathan Curling and based on the novel by Elliott Colla.
Commenting on the response, Khaled Benchouche, SVP Programming & Acquisitions, StarzPlay, said: “We are truly proud of the response to our first original production, which has been extremely successful in the region. We wanted to bring a show that our Middle Eastern audiences could relate to, and from our data, we realise that there was a real need for such authentic series in the region. Our subscribers are looking for world-class entertainment and Baghdad Central is the perfect dual-language drama that offers easy viewing with a mix of regional flavour. We believe that the region needs home-grown production, and as a homegrown player, we understand the aspirations of our viewers, which is why we keep investing in original local productions.”
