Israeli Broadcaster HOT Commissions Second Season Following the First Season’s Breakout Success
Federation International will launch global sales for season one of the series (7 x 60’) at this week’s MIPCOM in Cannes.
After emerging as one of the most-watched shows in recent years on HOT, with development now underway on a second season, SIPUR and North Road are taking season one of the series (7 x 60’) to the global market. This marks their second co-funded collaboration following the success of the Netflix hit Bad Boy.
From creators Liad Shoham, Gal Zaid (Valley of Tears) and Roni Yaddor, with Evgeny Ruman (East Side) directing, HEART OF A KILLER follows Dr. Dasi Nakash (Niv Sultan), a promising transplant surgeon, who turns to illicit organ harvesting after a desperate act to save a friend wronged by the hospital.
This incident draws her into a whirlwind of moral dilemmas, shadowy patient rescues and conflicts with the grim underworld of the medical establishment. With her resilience, determination and unwavering spirit, and with the aid of a handsome Dr. Adam Kessler, Dasi learns that making a difference often requires significant sacrifices.
The mystery thriller built strong audience momentum throughout the season on HOT, with the platform seeing viewership increases week after week as viewers streamed earlier episodes.
“Our audience responded to HEART OF A KILLER because it delivered exactly the kind of bold, premium storytelling that HOT is committed to championing,” said Ori Gal, SVP of Marketing and Content for HOT.
“The series combines a gripping medical thriller with urgent moral stakes, an exceptional lead performance from Niv Sultan and a creative team working at the highest level. We strongly believe in this series that brings HOT viewers distinctive, ambitious original drama and can’t wait to see its brilliant creators’ visions for season two.”
Emilio Schenker, CEO of SIPUR, concurred, saying:
“After an incredible launch in Israel, where HEART OF A KILLER became one of HOT’s most-watched series in recent years, we’re thrilled to bring this gripping story to new audiences around the world and begin work on its second season.”
Amir Ganor, CEO of Endemol Shine Israel, noted:
“HEART OF A KILLER is a premium production in every sense – from its cinematic direction and compelling performances to the scale and authenticity of its medical-thriller world. We are proud to produce the series.”
Monica Levy, Co-Head of International Sales, Federation International, added:
“We’re thrilled to be bringing HEART OF A KILLER to the world. It’s a bold, high-stakes thriller with a remarkable lead, Niv Sultan, who you will recognize from Tehran, and its ongoing success on HOT shows just how powerfully it connects with audiences. We can’t wait to share it with buyers at MIPCOM.”
HEART OF A KILLER is executive produced by Amir Ganor for Endemol Shine; Amy Israel for North Road; Emilio Schenker and Gideon Tadmor for SIPUR; and Ori Gal, Dana Mendlinger and Mirit Toovi for HOT.
