Universal adapting Telemundo telenovelas for US nets

Universal Television and Universal Cable Productions have taken exclusive options on two drama series from US Hispanic broadcaster and NBCUniversal stablemate Telemundo.

NBCUniversal production unit Universal Television will adapt El Señor de los Cielos (The Lord of the Skies) for US audiences. The show has been a hit for Telemundo, becoming its highest rated telenovela last year.

Universal Cable Productions, meanwhile, will reversion Mujer de Acero (Woman of Steel) for NBCU cable net USA Network. The novela, produced by Telemundo Studios, will go out on Telemundo in the autumn. It follows a woman who goes from a simple housemaid to rocking the foundation of the Mexican government.

Joe Uva, chairman, Hispanic Enterprises and Content, NBCUniversal said: “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.