Built around a powerful cast, multi-dimensional characters, evolving arcs and high-end cinematography, A.B.I. (A Broken Inheritance) has established itself as a top-performing title in Turkey and a highly competitive asset for the international market.
Since its debut at the top of all rating categories on January 13th, A.B.I. (A Broken Inheritance) has been the kind of undisputed success that is not common in the ultra-competitive prime-time of Turkish TV. But for ATV Distribution it wasn’t a surprise: the distributor knew what it had from the get-go. “We always believed in the strength of the series, and its performance has fully validated that vision,” shares Müge Akar, Head of Sales at ATV Distribution.
Produced by OGM Pictures and broadcast by ATV, A.B.I. (A Broken Inheritance), follows Doğan’s return to Istanbul years after a shocking incident with his father led him to break away from his family. Now, at his sister Melek’s insistence, he comes to attend another sibling’s wedding. But his return brings back long-buried traumas and hidden crimes within the family, while Doğan meets Çağla, a young lawyer with a strong sense of justice.
Directed by Cem Karci and with Eylem Canpolat as the screenwriter, A.B.I. broke all kinds of records during its premiere, leading all rating categories and achieving the highest-rated series premiere of the last seven years in Total Individuals.
The show premiered in January reaching a 9,81 rating in the Total Individuals category, 7.37 in AB and a fantastic 9,98 in ABC1. Even more spectacular, the show soared to new heights the following week with its second episode, when the numbers grew to 11,03 in Total, 8,31 in AB and 10,57 in ABC1.
Last week, during the airing of its 13th episode, A.B.I. kept its place as the most-watched series on Tuesday nights, with a share of 22,29% in Total Individuals, more than doubling the numbers of its closest competitor.
There is a powerful combination of elements that have been carefully put together to create such a successful show, as Akar explains: “The series is led by standout performances from Kenan İmirzalioglu and Afra Saraçoglu, and brings together a multi-layered narrative, compelling character arcs, and premium production values.”
“With its cinematic execution, strong directorial approach, and ability to continuously elevate tension and emotional stakes, A.B.I. has established itself as a top-performing title in Turkey and a highly competitive asset for the international market,” adds the executive.
A key factor is its cast, led by Kenan Imirzalıoğlu’s performance, on his return to TV. “Kenan Imirzalıoglu brings a commanding presence to the lead role, delivering a performance that is both powerful and nuanced,” explains Akar. “His return to television has undoubtedly elevated the series’ profile.”
“Led by standout performances from İmirzalioglu and Saraçoglu, the series brings together a multi-layered narrative, compelling character arcs, and premium production values”
The cast also includes Afra Saraçoğlu as Çağla, Diren Polatoğulları as Behram, Asude Kelebek as Melek, Sinan Tuzcu as Sinan and Tarık Papuççuoğlu as Tahir, among others.
“Equally important is the strength of the ensemble. Each character is multi-dimensional, with clearly defined motivations and evolving arcs. This depth allows for layered storytelling and creates strong emotional investment, an essential factor for both local and international audiences,” adds the executive.
Alongside such a powerful cast, A.B.I. adds a deep narrative that explores universal themes -family legacy, power struggles, betrayal, and redemption-, with high-quality production.
“What sets A.B.I. apart is its cinematic approach,” points out Akar. “From high-end cinematography to detailed art direction and large-scale set design, every element has been crafted to meet premium production standards. This ambition positions the series as a high-quality offering”.
Doğan is a handsome and successful surgeon living in Izmir. When he was young, a shocking incident with his father, Tahir Hancıoğlu, caused him to break away from his family and leave Istanbul behind. In doing so, he left not only his family, but also his childhood. Now fully devoted to saving lives as a surgeon, Doğan has almost no connection with his family anymore. The only person he still stays close to is his younger sister, Melek.
After years away, Doğan returns to Istanbul for the first time at Melek’s insistence, to attend his sister Gülüşan’s wedding. His return, however, brings back long-buried traumas and hidden crimes within the Hancıoğlu family.
During this time, Doğan meets Çağla, a young lawyer who applies to work for the family company. Having grown up under the shadow of her sister Mahinur’s trauma, Çağla is strong, determined, and has a strong sense of justice. Their painful pasts create a deep connection between Doğan and Çağla.
The Hancıoğlu family’s long-time enemy, Behram, is a man trying to survive, driven by his love for Mahinur. Now powerful, Behram watches the family from the shadows, waiting for the right moment to confront the past.
An attempted murder on the wedding night changes everything. Old secrets begin to surface, and it becomes unclear who can be trusted. As events unfold, Doğan crosses paths with Çağla once again, and members of his own family start to appear among the suspects. Doğan is forced to make a choice: leave once more and return to his old life, or stay and face the truth by uncovering the secrets at the heart of his family.
