Paramount+, Miramax and Ay Yapim to produce “The Turkish Detective”

Paramount+ has confirmed the global series order of "The Turkish Detective," a detective series set in modern-day Istanbul based on the CWA Silver Dagger Award-winning novels featuring Detective Inspectors Cetin Ikmen and Mehmet Suleyman by Barbara Nadel. The series will star Haluk Bilginer, Ethan Kai and Yasemin Kay Allen. "The Turkish Detective" is produced by Miramax and leading Turkish production company Ay Yapim, in association with VIS, Paramount’s international studio.

Production is set to begin in Istanbul in April. The series will premiere on Paramount+ in 2023 in all markets where the service is available. Outside of the markets where Paramount+ is available, the series will be distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution. “'The Turkish Detective' is a universally intriguing crime thriller set against the landscape of one of the most stunning, culturally rich cities in the world,” said Nicole Clemens, President of Paramount+ Original Scripted Series. “We look forward to seeing Barbara Nadel’s incredible novels come to life in this series for Paramount+’s growing global audience,” she added.

“Miramax is thrilled to partner with Paramount+ to produce this riveting, contemporary drama series from writer Ben Schiffer and internationally acclaimed filmmaker Niels Arden Oplev for a global audience,” said Marc Helwig, Miramax’s Head of Worldwide Television.

The eight-episode-long first season of "The Turkish Detective" is based on the 24-novel series and depicts the lead character Inspector Cetin Ikmen (Haluk Bilginer), his partner Mehmet Suleyman (Ethan Kai), and Detective Ayse Farsakoglu (Yasemin Kay Allen), solving crimes and experiencing euphoric highs and tragic lows. Each crime story in the series is heavily rooted in Istanbul's rich and varied culture and history and set against modern-day Turkey's vibrant, dazzling, and frenzied world. The series is written and executive produced by Ben Schiffer and directed by Niels Arden Oplev (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “Mr. Robot”). The series is also executive produced by Marc Helwig and Bill Block for Miramax; Kerem Catay for Ay Yapim; and Claire Sowerby-Sheppard for VIS.