On the list of BBC's 100 greatest TV shows of the 21st century, 'The Killing' is ranked 78.
MBC Group’s streaming platform Shahid VIP will premiere the Arabic adaptation of DR’s TV series The Killing, today, July 15, which started the ‘Nordic Noir’ genre.
The original The Killing (Forbrydelsen) was launched in 2007. Søren Sveistrup’s crime series is set in Copenhagen and revolves around Detective Inspector Sarah Lund who follows a murder case day-by-day throughout the series’ three seasons.
The brand-new Shahid Original, The Killing (Monataf Khater منعطف خطر) changes location from rainy and gloomy Copenhagen to sunny Cairo in Egypt, where the series is also filmed. Lead actors in the series include Bassel Khayat (Al Arrab, Tango), Riham Abdel Ghafour (Zay El Chams, Al Rahla) and Bassem Samra (Bent Esmaha Zaat’). Produced by Charisma Pictures, the scripted productions division of Charisma Group – which acquired the adaption rights from DR Sales – the series is written by Mohamed El Masry, and directed by Sadeer Al Massoud (Qaid Majhol), with the director of photography (DoP), Hossam Habbib.
Speaking about the show, Tareq Al Ibrahim, Director of Content at Shahid VIP, said: “With its outstanding talent and gripping storylines, The Killing fast became a fan favourite and has gone on to earn a cult following across the world – not to mention a number of awards including a BAFTA and International Emmy. We’re delighted to have teamed up with DR Drama and Charisma Pictures to create a new Arabic adaptation of the police procedural drama, with a fantastic cast and crew, led by director Al Sadeer Masoud. We look forward to showcasing the series on Shahid VIP.”
The Killing is known for its plot twists, season-long storylines, dark tone and for giving equal emphasis to the stories of the murdered victim’s family and the effect in political circles alongside the police investigation. In the original series, the cast includes Lars Mikkelsen, Bjarne Henriksen, Nikolaj Lie Kaas and of course Sofie Gråbøl whose character, Chief Inspector Sarah Lund, became famous for her iconic woollen sweater.
The adaptation of The Killing is a comeback for Charisma Group in the drama production scene, being the first to bring the novel ‘Nordic Noir’ genre to the region in a bid to drive a new audience to the Arabic streaming platform.
Aiman Al-Ziyoud, CEO and President of Charisma Group, added: “Seeing The Killing unfold into ‘Monataf Khater’ has been a fulfilling work. We are thrilled to be introducing the Nordic Noir genre to Shahid’s Arabic audiences who are increasingly looking for novel and gripping stories. Remaining true to the unique nature of the genre while suiting the Arabic viewers’ esthetic preferences proved an exciting challenge – one that our uniquely skilled team were perfectly positioned to do – bringing this immersive and gritty crime drama to the region.”
The Killing is ranked number 78 on BBC’s ‘100 greatest TV series of the 21st Century. The series has received numerous awards and nominations including a BAFTA Award and multiple International Emmy nominations. The original series has been sold worldwide to 120+ countries.
