Telemundo announced today it has granted NBCUniversal Entertainment an option to develop "El Señor de los Cielos" (The Lord of the Skies), the network's highest-rated novela last season, and usa network an option to develop the upcoming and highly-anticipated novela "Mujer de Acero" (Woman of Steel). On the heels of multiple cross-company initiatives including the reality competition shows "La Voz Kids" and "Top Chef Estrellas," the weekly news segment "Access Hollywood Al Rojo Vivo," and the multiple simulcasts between NBC's Today show and Telemundo's morning show "Un Nuevo Dia," among others, NBCUniversal's Hispanic Enterprises and Content Division continues to develop business and content opportunities across the company's multiple brands.
"These agreements are further examples of our continuous efforts to work across the NBCUniversal brands to integrate and
Leverage our resources and expertise," said Joe Uva, Chairman, Hispanic Enterprises and Content, NBCUniversal. "This marks the first time that
NBC and
USA have optioned content from Telemundo, and demonstrates the growing interest in the telenovela format in the general market."
"The telenovela format has a long history of delivering compelling episodic dramas and storylines that transcend culture and generations. We're fortunate to have a library of stellar content that we can tap into with
Telemundo and are excited at the prospect of extending it across our cable portfolio," said Jeff Wachtel, President and Chief Content Officer, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.
"El Señor de los Cielos" is a fictional and action-filled story full of raw passion and emotions, untold luxury, suffering, intrigue and suspense. Inspired by true events, the series tells the story of Aurelio Casillas (Rafael Amaya), one of the most prominent Mexican drug lords from the 90s, whose ambition was to become one of the richest and most powerful men in Mexico.
"Developing this hugely popular telenovela allows us to not only showcase the great plotlines and stories that have captured Spanish-speaking audiences in an English-language adaptation, but it gives us the great opportunity to work hand in hand with our NBCUniversal partners at Telemundo," said Jennifer Salke, President,
NBC Entertainment. "We can't wait to get started."
"El Señor de los Cielos" ranked as Telemundo's #1 novela last year averaging 2.3 million total viewers and nearly 1.5 million adults 18-49. The season finale averaged over 3.6 million viewers and beat
Univision among adults 18-49 and18-34 in its period. In addition, the hit series beat at least one of the English-language networks three out of four nights among adults 18-49 during its run. The series will be developed by Universal Television for
NBC Entertainment.
"USA has always been known for its signature original dramas, and we are constantly looking for new formats as we roll out the next generation of shows on our network," said Chris McCumber, President of
USA Network. "This is a great opportunity for
USA to partner with our sister network, and develop extraordinarily popular Hispanic content for the English language audience."
"Mujer de Acero" is a highly-anticipated original production by
Telemundo Studios set to premiere this fall. It tells the story of a woman who goes from a simple housemaid to rocking the foundation of the Mexican government. After her husband is killed at their wedding, our heroine finds out he lied about his background and is, in fact, a wanted criminal. Her life becomes a race to evade the authorities and her husband's enemies, as she becomes the "queen of organized crime." The series will be developed by Universal Cable Productions for
USA Network.
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