For our MIPCOM 2026 issue, we spoke with Müge Akar, Group Head of Sales and Distribution at ATV Distribution.
At MIPCOM 2026, ATV Distribution is presenting a diverse slate of new and returning titles, including Land of the Sun, Different Lives and A.B.I.: A Broken Inheritance. Müge Akar, Group Head of Sales and Distribution at ATV Distribution, discusses the company’s international growth over the past year, the global appeal of its latest dramas and the markets where Turkish content continues to gain momentum.
With Turkish drama continuing to expand its presence across international territories, ATV Distribution arrives at this year’s market with both established successes and new titles designed to reach diverse audiences. From the return of A.B.I.: A Broken Inheritance with a new season and a high-profile addition to its cast to the international rollout of Land of the Sun and Different Lives, the company’s latest slate reflects its focus on stories driven by strong characters, emotional narratives and universal themes. Akar also discusses ATV Distribution’s expectations for MIPCOM 2026 and the opportunities the company is looking to explore with broadcasters, platforms and industry partners around the world.
Before we talk about your new titles, how would you summarize the past year for ATV Distribution? What have been the most significant developments in terms of international sales and market expansion?
The past year has been a very dynamic and productive one for ATV Distribution. We have continued to strengthen our presence across both established and emerging markets, while introducing our content to new audiences around the world.
One of the highlights of the past year was the international launch of the first season of A.B.I.: A Broken Inheritance. We received very positive feedback from our international partners, and the series generated strong interest across different territories. This year, with the launch of its second season and the addition of Bergüzar Korel to the cast alongside Kenan İmirzalıoğlu, we are entering a new chapter for the series and seeing renewed interest from the international market.
Let’s start with Land of the Sun, starring Burak Özçivit. The story brings together family conflict, romance and a strong regional setting, moving between Germany and Adana. What do you see as the series’ main international selling points, and what kind of response have you received from buyers so far?
Land of the Sun is a powerful family drama built around love, separation, betrayal and long-held secrets. Set between Berlin in 1989 and Adana, the story follows Leyla, who falls in love with Kenan, the charismatic son of the powerful Kozan family. After being separated from her husband and son, Leyla returns to Adana years later determined to reclaim her son and uncover the truth.
Land of the Sun brings together many of the elements that international audiences appreciate most in Turkish drama. It features a powerful family story, a compelling romantic arc and a conflict-driven narrative set against the distinctive cultural backdrop of Adana. The contrast between Germany and Türkiye also adds an international dimension that makes the story particularly relatable for diverse audiences.
Kenan is portrayed by Burak Özçivit, whose international recognition has already established a strong connection with audiences around the world. His distinctive screen presence and natural charisma, combined with his acting skills, bring depth and complexity to the character of Kenan. We believe this combination, together with the emotional strength of the story, makes Land of the Sun a particularly promising title for the international markets.
Different Lives became one of ATV’s notable launches of the summer, with its story focusing on family, ambition, friendship, love and justice against the backdrop of Istanbul. How are you positioning the series internationally, and have you seen any particularly strong interest from specific territories?
Different Lives was the strongest-rated premiere of the summer season in Türkiye and has continued this success in the main broadcasting season. The series tells the story of Emir, a talented young footballer from a poor neighborhood in Istanbul, whose life changes dramatically after his disabled brother Bahtiyar loses his life following a violent match involving a wealthy businessman’s club. When Emir joins the club, unaware of the secrets surrounding his brother’s death, he finds himself caught between his dreams, his family and a growing rivalry with the businessman’s son, Uzay.
The strength of the series lies not only in its central story but also in the parallel stories of its supporting characters, which add further depth and keep the narrative constantly moving. The cast is another important asset, bringing together talented young actors with more experienced names, all of whom have been delivering very strong performances.
Istanbul itself plays an important role in the series. Different Lives showcases the city through its diverse neighborhoods and effectively reflects the contrasts between different social environments and lifestyles. This visual and social dimension adds another layer to the story and gives the series a distinctive international identity.
Internationally, Different Lives has already been sold to more than 32 countries, with particularly strong audience interest in the Middle East. We are also preparing to announce several new sales agreements very soon, which will further expand the series’ international reach.
A.B.I.: A Broken Inheritance has continued to strengthen its international presence, including its simultaneous broadcast across 25 countries. How has the series performed internationally since its launch, and have there been any markets where its performance has particularly exceeded your expectations? And do you expect Bergüzar Korel’s addition to further boost its appeal in international markets?
The first season of A.B.I.: A Broken Inheritance received very positive feedback from our international partners. Its simultaneous broadcast across 25 countries allowed audiences to follow the series at the same time as the Turkish broadcast, helping them connect with the story from the very beginning and build a strong fan base.
In the second season, the story has been newly restructured, bringing a fresh direction to the series with the arrival of Bergüzar Korel. Her reunion with Kenan İmirzalıoğlu brings together two of Türkiye’s most recognized and internationally admired stars. Their chemistry and strong screen presence can be felt even from afar, adding a new dimension to the series.
For international buyers, this pairing represents an additional layer of appeal, combining star power with an emotional narrative that has the potential to resonate across cultures.
Looking at your wider catalogue, which of ATV Distribution’s established titles are currently generating the strongest demand internationally? Are you seeing renewed interest in any older titles as Turkish dramas continue to reach new audiences?
We continue to see strong demand for several of our established titles. Series such as The Nightfall and A Little Sunshine remain highly attractive to international broadcasters and platforms thanks to their proven performance and enduring audience appeal. Most recently, A Little Sunshine expanded its international reach through its launch on Netflix Brazil and Lat Am, further demonstrating the title’s ability to connect with new audiences across different platforms and territories.
Finally, what are your main expectations for MIPCOM 2026? Beyond presenting your new slate, are there particular markets, partnerships or types of buyers that ATV Distribution is especially looking to connect with this year?
Throughout the market, we will be meeting with our existing client portfolio and presenting our latest titles, including Land of the Sun, Different Lives and A.B.I.: A Broken Inheritance. At the same time, we will be seeking opportunities to connect with broadcasters, platforms and other key industry partners in territories where Turkish drama continues to show strong potential.
MIPCOM will also be an opportunity to showcase the strength and diversity of our catalogue, understand evolving market needs and identify new avenues for the international growth of our content
