Scripted

Calinos Entertainment has secured a new international sale for its Turkish drama Ugly, with the series set to premiere on Kanal D Romania. The agreement follows the show's recent licensing deal in the MENA region, further expanding its international footprint. "Ugly made a powerful debut in Türkiye and quickly became one of the standout dramas of the season. The first season concluded with very strong ratings, and audiences are already eagerly awaiting the next chapter. We are proud to see this powerful drama continue its international journey with Kanal D Romania. At the heart of the series is a deeply emotional and universal story about love, resilience and transformation. We believe Romanian viewers will feel a strong connection to Meryem’s journey," said Aslı Serim, Head of Content at Calinos Entertainment.
Ilcnur Agop, Content and Strategy Director at Kanal D2 and Content Production Manager at Kanal D Romania, added: "The story is much more than a love story; it follows a woman’s transformation, shaped by love, family ties, personal wounds and the relationships that define her journey. We believe these universal themes will also resonate strongly in the international market, particularly with Kanal D's audience."

Produced by 25 Film, Ugly premiered on Star TV in Türkiye and stars Çağlar Ertuğrul and Derya Pınar Ak. The drama is directed by Burcu Alptekin, known for Golden Boy, alongside Merve Çolak. The series follows Meryem Tunalı, who is orphaned at a young age and raised by her mother's close friend alongside her children. Nicknamed "ugly" during childhood, Meryem grows into a confident young woman while remaining deeply in love with Kadir, the boy she grew up with. When he unexpectedly proposes years later, she embarks on a journey shaped by love, ambition, power and long-buried secrets.

The first season concluded with a major turning point for the protagonist, as Meryem begins to embrace her inner strength. The finale also sets up the next chapter of the story, hinting at her rise to fame as a singer in the upcoming season.