The BBC has acquired the new Turkish/English crime thriller The Turkish Detective for BBC iPlayer and its TV channels. This eight-part series, adapted from Barbara Nadel’s best-selling Inspector Ikmen novel series, was secured from Paramount Global Content Distribution.
Set in modern-day Istanbul, the series stars Haluk Bilginer (Baba), Ethan Kai (Killing Eve), and Yasemin Kay Allen (The Usual Suspects). It is produced by Turkish production company Ay Yapim and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
The Turkish Detective follows Inspector Çetin Ikmen (Bilginer), his partner Detective Mehmet Süleyman (Kai), and Detective Ayşe Farsakoğlu (Allen) as they navigate the complexities of solving crimes. Each story is deeply rooted in Istanbul’s diverse culture and history, set against contemporary Turkey’s bustling life.
Ben Schiffer, writer and executive producer, expressed his excitement: “From the moment I opened Barbara Nadel’s novel, I was drawn to the unique, iconic character of Inspector Ikmen. A beacon of hope and humour in a dark, difficult world, I’m thrilled that he and our show, a captivating blend of emotionally charged mystery and compelling family drama, have found a home at the BBC.”
Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, praised the series: “Not only does The Turkish Detective provide a gripping, multi-layered crime thriller, but it also immerses viewers in the stunning backdrop of Istanbul, a vibrant contemporary city that beautifully reflects the cultural influences of its rich and varied historical past—it’s a truly captivating combination.”
The series is written and executive produced by Ben Schiffer (Skins) and directed by Niels Arden Oplev (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), who also serves as an executive producer. Additional executive producers include Kerem Çatay and Claire Sowerby-Sheppard. The Turkish Detective is slated to launch later this year on BBC iPlayer and TV channels.
