OGM has produced 21 episodes for the first season of the Turkish adaptation for local network Star TV.
Turkish adaptation of the Israeli series Shtisel by Dori Media Group has surpassed local network Star TV’s average share double and persistently received the top spot in the ratings.
OGM acquired the remake rights from Dori Media Group, which handles international licensing for the show.
Produced by OGM Pictures Turkey, Ömer, directed by Cem Karci, brings a twist to conventional love story narratives, elevating them to an essential prime-time experience.
Ömer moves the basic plot of Shtisel to a world of Muslims who have preserved its culture for thousands of years with its magical and mysterious ways, unique to any other culture. The series follows Ömer Ademoglu (played by Selahattin Pasali) a muezzin in the mosque where his father, Resat (played by Baris Falay), works as an imam. As Ömer’s life turns upside down he meets single mother, Gamze (played by Gokce Bahadir) and together they navigate the tests of family, tradition, and love.
Season one was a great success, with ratings that have steadily climbed since the pilot. Starting at around 4.46% in early January, the share had risen to a 14.81% by the end of February. The cumulative popularity motivated shares and rankings, achieving the top position from late February.
Its AB commercial demo has attracted particular attention. When examining specific audience segments like AB SES and 20+ABC1, Ömer consistently outperformed the overall ratings and shares. Both OGM and Dori Media anticipated a strong resonance with these target audience groups. As Nadav Palti, CEO and President of DMG, said before the show aired, “A format like this just goes to show how audiences from all backgrounds, be they Muslim or Jewish, or anyone else for that matter, can relate to the same family values and often fraught dynamics, the significance of tradition, the ceremony of food, etc., portrayed in Shitsel.”
Shtisel, produced by Abot Hameiri (a Fremantle company) and Dikla Barkai for YES, was created and written by Ori Elon and Yehonatan Indursky.
OGM Pictures is due to release the next season of Ömer this September 2023.
Nadav Palti added: “Since the first episode was released, Ömer has continued to gain undeniable momentum and audience appreciation born with Shtisel. We are honoured that such an excellent Turkish production company has placed our internationally acclaimed treatment in harmony with Muslim culture and traditions. The success of the first series of Ömer is a testament to the universality of themes explored in romantic dramas in particular. It is clear that dramas remain primetime viewing for audiences across the world. We are excited to see this international triumph continue.”
Onur Guvenatam, Founder of OGM Pictures, Turkey, added: “We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of Ömer and its resonance with the Turkish audience. Adapting Shtisel and exploring the rich cultural heritage with its magical and mysterious elements has created a fascinating and unique viewing experience. We are proud to have brought this internationally acclaimed format to the Turkish audience and look forward to continuing the triumph of Ömer in the upcoming episodes.”
