Calinos Entertainment has announced a new international licensing agreement for its successful Turkish drama Ugly, marking another step in the series’ expanding global distribution journey.
Following its recent sale across the MENA region, the drama is now confirmed to premiere in Romania on Kanal D Romania.
Speaking about the new deal, Aslı Serim, Head of Content at Calinos Entertainment, emphasized the show’s strong domestic performance and international appeal:
“Ugly made a powerful debut in Türkiye and quickly became one of the standout dramas of the season. The first season concluded with very strong ratings, and audiences are already eagerly awaiting the next chapter. We are proud to see this powerful drama continue its international journey with Kanal D Romania. At the heart of the series is a deeply emotional and universal story about love, resilience and transformation. We believe Romanian viewers will feel a strong connection to Meryem’s journey.”
From the broadcaster’s perspective, Ilcnur Agop, Content and Strategy Director at Kanal D2 & Content Production Manager at Kanal D Romania, highlighted the series’ emotional depth and broad appeal:
“The story is much more than a love story; it follows a woman’s transformation, shaped by love, family ties, personal wounds and the relationships that define her journey. We believe these universal themes will also resonate strongly in the international market, particularly with Kanal D’s audience.”
Starring Çağlar Ertuğrul and Derya Pınar Ak in the lead roles, Ugly is produced by 25 Film and originally aired on Star TV in Türkiye. Directed by Burcu Alptekin (Golden Boy) alongside Merve Çolak, the series blends emotional storytelling with a strong visual identity, focusing on themes of love, power, and personal transformation.
The story follows Meryem Tunalı, who loses her family at a young age and is raised by her mother’s friend Cennet, alongside Cennet’s son Kadir and his sisters. Labeled “ugly” as a child due to her appearance, Meryem grows into a striking young woman, yet her emotional attachment to Kadir remains unchanged. Years later, a sudden marriage proposal from Kadir forces her into a complex emotional path shaped by love, ambition, and long-buried secrets.
By the season one finale, Meryem’s journey reaches a major turning point as she begins to uncover her inner strength. The finale also hints at a dramatic transformation in her future, potentially positioning her as a rising singer and setting the stage for a more ambitious second chapter.
‘Ugly’: The New Global Phenomenon – Exclusive Interviews
