NBCUniversal Archives and Banijay Announce Partnership
Banijay Asia has recently announced a collaboration with Disney+ Hotstar to bring the popular NBCUniversal series "Monk" to Indian audiences. The Indian adaptation of the iconic detective series will follow the story of Adrian Monk, a detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder, along with his assistants Sharona Fleming and Natalie Teeger. The plot will revolve around Monk’s work with the San Francisco Police Department, solving unconventional cases while also investigating his wife’s unsolved murder. The adaptation will delve into the personal lives and struggles of the main characters, adding depth to the storyline.
This Indian adaptation of "Monk" is currently in production and is set to stream exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar and Hulu. This marks the first Asian adaptation of the format, with the Turkish version being the only other adaptation worldwide. The original "Monk" series aired on the USA Network in the United States and is licensed globally by NBCUniversal Formats, a part of Universal International Studios under the Universal Studio Group umbrella.
Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO of Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with NBCUniversal Formats to adapt "Monk" for Indian audiences. He highlighted the character-driven mysteries of the original series and the confidence in resonating similarly with the Indian adaptation. With a strong cast in place, the production is progressing smoothly, promising to do justice to the iconic characters.
Sumanta Bose, Business Head HSM and Content Head of Disney+ Hotstar (Hindi), echoed the excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the unique mix of humor, mystery, and emotional depth that "Monk" brings to the platform. The adaptation aims to feel rooted in Indian culture, offering a fresh take on the series for both new and existing audiences.
Ana Langenberg, SVP Format Sales & Production at NBCUniversal Formats, expressed delight in seeing "Monk" find a home with Indian viewers. The show’s universal charm has resonated with audiences worldwide, and the partnership with Banijay Asia & Disney+ Hotstar ensures that the adaptation will capture the essence of the original series while embracing a new cultural context.
Produced by Banijay Asia, the Indian adaptation of "Monk" promises to deliver a captivating blend of detective thriller elements with emotionally rich character dynamics. With successful adaptations like "The Trial – Pyaar, Kanoon, Dhokha" (The Good Wife) and "The Night Manager" under their belt, Banijay Asia is poised to deliver another hit with "Monk" on Disney+ Hotstar.
