Fremantle’s hit series "Bad Cop" to have a Malaysian adaption with Astro

Fremantle and Astro Shaw announced that the action-packed crime drama series “Bad Cop” will be adapted as an Astro Originals premium series for Malaysian audiences. The local version of the scripted format is set to premiere across all Astro platforms, including Astro Citra, Astro Ria, On Demand, Astro Go and Sooka, starting 19 December 2025. On Demand, Astro Go and Sooka viewers will receive early access, with two episodes released during premiere week—allowing them to watch one episode ahead of the linear channel rollout.

Originally produced by Talpa Germany GMBH & CO. KG for broadcast on RTL Television in Germany, “Bad Cop” has proven its international appeal. The recent Indian adaptation became an instant success, debuting at No. 1 on Disney+ Hotstar’s Hindi Top 10 within 24 hours of launch and securing a spot in Ormax Media’s Top 5 most-viewed OTT titles of the week (17–23 June 2024). Fremantle handles global sales.

“Bad Cop” follows Emir Khalid, a small-time criminal hunted by ruthless drug lord Tony Redza. During a drug deal gone wrong, Emir unexpectedly crosses paths with his estranged twin brother, Imar Khalid, a police inspector. Their reunion is cut short when Imar is shot in the crossfire with fatal consequences. With police closing in, Imar entrusts Emir with his police identity to escape and protect their family. As Emir assumes his brother’s role, he is torn between running and redemption while facing growing suspicion within the force.

The Malaysian adaptation of “Bad Cop” is produced by Astro Shaw, led by creator and showrunner Kavivarmen Vigneswaran, executive producer Raja Jastina Raja Arshad and director Jason Chong. The series features Aiman Hakim Ridza as Emir Khalid / Inspector Imar Khalid, Siti Saleha as Chief Inspector Hana Fuad, Harvinth Skin as Detective Abhilan Selvam and Tony Eusoff as Tony Redza.

Haryaty Rahman, EVP Distribution Asia, International at Fremantle, praised the title: “This partnership further strengthens our longstanding relationship with Astro. ‘Bad Cop’ is a dynamic, high-energy story with enormous potential for local adaptation, and we’re excited to see it reimagined for Malaysian audiences. Astro has already delivered outstanding local versions of Fremantle formats, including ‘Family Feud’ in Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English, and we’re confident this new adaptation will resonate just as powerfully," noted.

Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, Executive Producer & Head of Astro Shaw, considered the agreement as part of the strategy within an international consolidation plan: “Partnering with Fremantle on Astro Originals’ ‘Bad Cop’ has been an incredible opportunity for Astro Shaw to merge global expertise with our local creative spirit. Together, we’ve reimagined a hit format through a distinctly Malaysian lens, creating a story that feels authentic and fresh. What makes this project even more meaningful is the involvement of our in-house showrunner and a team of passionate young talents who poured their heart and energy into every detail. We’re genuinely thrilled to share this adaptation as a bold step forward in our commitment to innovation, storytelling excellence and collaborations that elevate Malaysian content to the world stage," commented.