Univision Adds 'Amor Eterno,' Its First Turkish Soap, To Network Weeknight Lineup

For the first time ever, Univision network will air a Turkish series in its weeknight lineup instead of a Spanish-language novela. Programming execs have picked romantic drama Amor Eterno (Endless Love) - the first Turkish scripted series to win an International Emmy in 2017 - to test audience response to the popular format in other parts of the world, including many Latin American countries.

“With the increased popularity of Turkish TV series around the world, we’re excited to bring this renowned and award-winning drama to our viewers,” says Jessica Rodríguez, president of Entertainment and CMO of Univision. “The addition of Endless Love to our programming slate is part of Univision’s content strategy to acquire high-quality, compelling scripted series from around the world that will resonate with our audiences in the U.S.”

Univision is adding the Turkish romance to the 7 p.m. timeslot, which it had reserved for family-oriented programming. The company says the soap is "a light hearted drama appropriate for the time period. "

Univision is not entirely a stranger to Turkish series. It aired Entre Dos Amores (In between) on sister network Unimás in October 2018. It also acquired several Turkish series that are currently available on its video streaming service UnivisionNOW, such as Señora Fazilet y Sus Hijas (Mrs. Fazilet and Her Daughters) and El Pañuelo Rojo (Red Scarf).

The company says it is evaluating whether it will acquire other Turkish series for 2020. That will most likely depend on viewer feedback and ratings.

Telemundo last year also tried out a Turkish soap, airing historical period drama La Sultana in primetime weeknights, straying from its original series strategy. While it received positive audience response, it did not beat Univision in ratings at 8 p.m.

Amor Eterno, set in the present time, tells the story of two young lovers who come from very different worlds: Nihan (Neslihan Atagül Doğulu), a young woman from a wealthy background, and Kemal (Burak Özçivit), an engineering student from humble origins. Although they fall in love and work through the impossible to be together, unforeseen circumstances force them apart. Kemal moves away from Istanbul for work and Nihan is forced to marry a rich family friend. But years later, fate brings the star-crossed lovers face to face, setting the stage for a second chance at a relationship. As with all telenovelas, there is love, intrigue, secrets, lies, jealousy and revenge.

Amor Eterno (originally called Kara Sevda) has aired in over 80 countries in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, following its 2015 debut in Turkey.

The series, which will replace anthology drama La Rosa de Guadalupe, premieres on Univision's 7 p.m. ET timeslot on Monday, July 8.