ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group has licensed format rights in Israel for the critically acclaimed Showtime docu-series "Couples Therapy" for broadcast on KAN. The deal was made with the production company July-August Productions. “We’re very pleased to partner with July-August Productions to debut an Israeli adaptation of this format for KAN,” said Paul Gilbert, Senior Vice President, Formats at ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group. “'Couples Therapy', introduced by Showtime, has already proved a hit in the U.S., attracting viewers with its compelling, raw, and honest insight into real-life therapy sessions. July-August Productions’ fantastic reputation for adapting international formats and KAN’s wide audience reach are the perfect combinations to maximize the potential of this unique docuseries in a brand-new territory.”
Originally produced for Showtime in the U.S., where a second season has been commissioned, "Couples Therapy" unlocks a hidden world: other people’s relationships. It follows the weekly therapy sessions of various couples. The format is now set to be adapted for Israeli audiences by July-August Productions, with shooting beginning this month. The 12-episode series will launch on public broadcaster KAN later this year.
Far from reality-show caricatures, "Couples Therapy" is true documentary filmmaking that brings viewers into the authentic and visceral experience of weekly therapy sessions with real couples. A world-class therapist deftly guides the couples through the minefield of honest confrontation with each other and with themselves, revealing the real-life struggles – and extraordinary breakthroughs – typically hidden behind closed doors.
The original U.S. version of "Couples Therapy" featuring world-class therapist Dr. Orna Guralnik and produced by Edgeline Films for Showtime, is from DGA Award-nominated and Sundance Award-winning filmmakers Josh Kriegman, Elyse Steinberg, and Eli Despres. Kriegman, Steinberg, and Despres serve as executive producers. Carly Hugo and Matt Parker are producers, and Dan Savage is a consulting producer.