For our Content Americas 2026 issue, we spoke with Müge Akar, Head of Sales at ATV Distribution, about the company’s global performance in 2025, key international markets, and major commercial developments.
We also discussed the upcoming series A.B.I.: A Broken Inheritance, its international potential, and the impact of its leading cast. Additionally, we talked about audience demand in Latin America and the US, the global success of ATV Distribution’s catalogue titles, and the company’s strategic priorities for 2026, including expectations from Content Americas.
A.B.I.: A Broken Inheritance stands out as one of the most anticipated new titles in atv Distribution’s upcoming slate. It is a powerful, character-driven drama that explores family, trauma, justice, and the lasting consequences of the past. With its strong emotional core, layered characters, and high production quality, A.B.I. brings together the classic strengths of Turkish drama with a more contemporary and premium narrative approach. From our perspective, it is a project designed to resonate strongly with both local and international audiences.”
How would you summarize 2025 for atv Distribution? What were the most significant global developments and commercial deals for the company this year?
2025 has been a year of strategic growth for atv Distribution. We strengthened our presence in key territories, particularly in Latin America and Europe, while expanding our footprint across both broadcast and digital platforms. The year was marked by successful renewals, multi-territory licensing agreements, and strong demand for both our long-running library titles and new premium dramas. Our focus on high-quality storytelling and long-term partnerships has allowed us to maintain sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
One of the most anticipated new series of the upcoming season is A.B.I. We would like to hear about this new atv series from your perspective.
A.B.I.: A Broken Inheritance stands out as one of the most anticipated new titles in atv Distribution’s upcoming slate. It is a powerful, character-driven drama that explores family, trauma, justice, and the lasting consequences of the past. With its strong emotional core, layered characters, and high production quality, A.B.I. brings together the classic strengths of Turkish drama with a more contemporary and premium narrative approach. From our perspective, it is a project designed to resonate strongly with both local and international audiences.
What are your expectations for A.B.I.’s international journey? What kind of feedback have you received since the project was first announced?
Our expectations for A.B.I. are very strong. Since its initial announcement, the project has generated notable interest from international buyers. Feedback has focused on the universality of the story, the emotional complexity of the characters, and the project’s high production standards. These elements position the series well for both broadcast television and streaming platforms across different territories.
A.B.I. features a highly impactful cast, both in Turkey and internationally. Afra Saraçoğlu and Kenan İmirzalıoğlu star in the leading roles. Do you believe this strong cast will play a role in the series’ global journey?
The cast is a key strength of A.B.I. Afra Saraçoğlu and Kenan İmirzalıoğlu are internationally recognized actors with strong followings across multiple regions. Afra’s global visibility, further supported by her leading role in Golden Boy, and Kenan’s long-established international reputation add significant value to the series. Their performances also bring credibility and emotional depth to the story, which supports the show’s international appeal.
Aynı Yağmurun Altında is among your newly launched series. What can you tell us about this project?
Aynı Yağmurun Altında is a contemporary drama centered on human relationships, emotional resilience, and the impact of shared experiences. The series offers an intimate narrative supported by strong performances and a grounded emotional tone. It reflects our commitment to developing diverse stories that connect with audiences while maintaining high production quality.
There is strong demand for the atv Distribution series in international markets such as Latin America and the US. Which of your titles have attracted the most interest recently, and what do these successes tell you about audience preferences in these regions?
Titles such as The Nightfall, Hercai, Waves of Love, and Street Birds continue to attract strong interest in Latin America and the US. These successes confirm that audiences in these regions are drawn to emotionally intense stories, strong romantic arcs, family conflicts, and high-stakes drama. They also demonstrate the enduring appeal of Turkish dramas that combine universal themes with distinctive cultural identity.
Your catalogue includes strong titles such as Street Birds, Lifeline, The Nightfall, and Hercai. What can you share with us about the international journeys and successes of these series?
These titles have each followed successful international trajectories across multiple territories. Hercai remains one of the most recognized Turkish dramas globally, achieving strong ratings and long-term performance. Street Birds and Lifeline have resonated particularly well with female audiences, while The Nightfall continues to expand its presence in Europe and Latin America, supported by its production values and compelling narrative.
What are the atv Distribution’s strategic goals for 2026 in Latin America and the global market? Are there plans for catalogue expansion, new productions, or format sales?
Our strategic focus for 2026 is on deepening our presence in Latin America, expanding into additional territories, and strengthening collaboration with both broadcasters and streaming platforms. We plan to continue investing in high-quality new productions, enriching our catalogue with diverse genres, and exploring opportunities for format sales and adaptations. Flexibility, premium storytelling, and sustainable growth will remain at the core of our strategy.
Content Americas will be a key meeting point for the atv Distribution this year. What are your expectations from the market?
Content Americas represents an important opportunity to reinforce our existing partnerships and establish new collaborations, particularly in the Latin American market. Our expectations are centered on strategic discussions and exploring new business models that reflect the evolving needs of the industry. We see the market as a strategic gathering to showcase our premium slate and further position the atv Distribution as a key global content provider.
