The compeling drama was sold to DMI in Dubai, UAE.
Calinos Entertainment has licensed its new Turkish drama Ugly to DMI in Dubai, UAE. The series will soon be available to audiences on Dubai TV and Dubai Plus, marking the next stage in the title’s international rollout.
A compelling story of love, transformation and fate, Ugly quickly became one of the standout dramas of the season. Although it premiered later in the broadcast calendar and wrapped its first season with eight episodes, the series made a strong impression with its cast, emotional storytelling and distinctive visual style.
Originally broadcast on Star TV in Turkey, Ugly delivered solid ratings throughout its run. The series launched with a 4.70 rating in Total and climbed to 7.30 by its fourth episode, while its final episode ranked No. 1 across all categories, scoring 6.28 in Total. The drama also performed particularly well among female audiences, averaging 7.88 among Female 20+, 6.75 among Working Women and 8.55 among Housewives.
“We are more than confident that Ugly will become a major success in the MENA region,” said Aslı Serim, Head of Content at Calinos Entertainment. “The series has a distinctive narrative that carries the emotional spirit of classic Turkish cinema, while bringing it to the screen with a modern and visually rich production style. We are very pleased with the performance of the series and look forward to seeing its journey continue with audiences in Dubai.”
Starring Çağlar Ertuğrul and Derya Pınar Ak in the lead roles, Ugly is produced by 25 Film and directed by Burcu Alptekin, known for her work on Golden Boy, together with Merve Çolak.
The series follows Meryem Tunalı, who loses her family at a young age and grows up under the care of her mother’s friend, Cennet, alongside Cennet’s son, Kadir, and his two sisters. Labeled “ugly” as a child because of her short hair and worn-out clothes, Meryem grows into a beautiful young woman, yet one thing remains unchanged: her deep love for Kadir.
Years later, Kadir unexpectedly asks Meryem to marry him. But the man standing before her is no longer the person she once knew, and what begins as a sudden proposal soon turns into an emotional journey shaped by love, ambition, power and secrets long buried.
The first season finale marked a turning point for Meryem. Once seen as fragile and innocent, she begins to discover her inner strength, with the finale hinting at her future rise as a famous singer and setting the stage for a powerful new chapter in the upcoming season.
With its Dubai TV launch, Ugly is set to introduce its emotionally rich story to a wider audience in the MENA region.
