HBO CE launches local versions of In Treatment

HBO Central Europe, the pan regional pay TV broadcaster, is to produce a number of local versions of psychological drama In Treatment, the hit series that stars Gabriel Byrne on US cable network HBO.

This follows a deal between HBO Central Europe and distributor Dori Media, which owns the format rights to the series, which was originally produced in Israel as Be Tipul.

It marks one of the most high profile international series to be remade locally in Central and Eastern Europe.

HBO Central Europe is set to launch the first version of the local series in Romania, followed by adaptations in Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Moldova. It will be exec produced by the series original creator Hagai Levi.

Ondrej Zach, VP, programming and acquisitions, told TBIvision: “The general philosophy of any TV channel that wants to stay relevant long term has to enter the field of original productions.”

The show, which was originally produced by Sheleg Productions for Israeli cable channel Hot3, features a therapy sessions between a psychologist and his patient and each episode focuses on one patient and their session.