Laily UPN
In a landmark moment for international television distribution, Brazilian media giant Globo and Greece’s Alpha TV have officially commenced production on a localized adaptation of the high-octane psychological thriller The Others (Os Outros). The project, which has already garnered significant attention for its high-caliber creative team, marks a strategic expansion of Globo’s footprint in the European content market. By tapping into the dark, humanistic intensity of the original series, the production aims to mirror the success it achieved in Brazil, where it established itself as a cornerstone of the Globoplay streaming library.
The adaptation is helmed by none other than Alexandros Avranas, the acclaimed Greek director best known for his Venice Film Festival Silver Lion-winning drama Miss Violence. Avranas’s involvement is widely viewed as a signal of intent for Alpha TV: the network is not merely remaking a foreign hit, but elevating it through the lens of one of Europe’s most distinctive cinematic voices.
The Narrative Foundation: When Neighbors Become Enemies
At its core, The Others is a searing examination of modern urban alienation. Conceived by the prolific Brazilian writer Lucas Paraizo—the creative force behind the internationally successful medical drama Under Pressure—the story strips away the veneer of middle-class civility to expose the volatility lurking beneath.
The plot centers on two neighboring couples whose lives descend into chaos following a seemingly trivial altercation between their teenage sons. What begins as a minor dispute over a misunderstanding quickly spirals into an obsessive, retaliatory conflict. As the lack of communication exacerbates the tension, the story evolves into a harrowing exploration of how quickly neighborly relations can turn toxic, leading to absurd and life-altering consequences for all parties involved.
Paraizo’s writing is noted for its ability to transform domestic tension into high-stakes psychological warfare. By focusing on the inability of the characters to listen to one another, the show functions as a metaphor for the breakdown of community in the digital age—a theme that resonates as strongly in Athens as it does in Rio de Janeiro.
Chronology: From Brazilian Streaming Hit to Mediterranean Adaptation
The journey of The Others from a regional streaming phenomenon to an international franchise is a testament to the growing appetite for "Global South" narratives.
- Mid-2023: The Others premieres on Globoplay, rapidly ascending to become one of the most-watched original series in the platform’s history. Its success echoes the trajectory of Under Pressure, which was sold to over 60 countries and set a new standard for Brazilian export potential.
- Late 2024: Following extensive negotiations, Alpha TV and Globo finalize a formal format sales agreement. This deal represents a pivot for the Greek broadcaster, which is increasingly seeking to bolster its scripted content with high-end, internationally proven intellectual property.
- Early 2025: Pre-production begins in Greece. The casting process highlights a commitment to premium talent, securing stars like Maria Nafpliotou, Charis Fragulis, Nikos Psarras, and Paschalis Terzis.
- September 2026: Production hits a milestone as Lucas Paraizo visits the Greek set. During his visit, he witnesses the filming of pivotal scenes that mirror the emotional intensity of the original Brazilian scripts.
The Production Landscape: A Convergence of Talent
The Greek adaptation of The Others is being produced by Primavisione, a studio that has gained a reputation for high-end technical execution. The casting of the project is equally ambitious. Maria Nafpliotou, a titan of Greek theater and television known for her nuanced performances, leads a cast that balances seasoned veterans with emerging talent.
The ensemble includes:
- Maria Nafpliotou: Bringing a grounded, sophisticated gravity to the role of Sophia.
- Charis Fragulis: Known for Afterlov, Fragulis steps into the role of Alexandros, tasked with conveying the simmering rage of a man pushed to his limits.
- Nikos Psarras: Providing a volatile anchor to the narrative as Petros.
- Paschalis Terzis: Completing the central quartet as Ektoras.
The visual identity of the show is being shaped by Avranas, who has expressed a clear vision for the series. Known for his cold, clinical, and often devastating aesthetic in Miss Violence, Avranas is expected to lean into the claustrophobia of the residential complex setting, ensuring that the Greek version maintains the high-tension atmosphere that made the original so compelling.
Official Responses and Strategic Vision
The collaboration has been hailed by leadership on both sides of the Atlantic as a milestone for cultural exchange in television.
Angela Colla, Head of International Business at Globo, noted that the deal is part of a larger, deliberate strategy to position Brazilian narratives as universal commodities. "The start of filming for the Greek version of The Others is another important step in our international formats strategy," Colla stated. "The partnership with Alpha TV proves the strength of Brazilian narratives that transcend borders. The essence of Lucas Paraizo’s text is about human relationships, and we are excited to see how this story will resonate with the Greek audience."
Christos Kompos, Program Director at Alpha TV, emphasized that this move is part of the network’s broader commitment to premium drama. "Partnering with a global powerhouse like Globo gives us the creative foundation to produce something truly exceptional," Kompos said. "Lucas Paraizo has written a narrative that holds a direct mirror to modern society… Under the visionary direction of Alexandros Avranas and led by a phenomenal ensemble cast, we are elevating this incredible Brazilian psychological drama into a culturally distinct, high-end production."
Lucas Paraizo himself, reflecting on his time on the Greek set, noted the surprising similarities between the two cultures. "I was on the set of the Greek version of The Others and had the pleasure of watching the shooting of one of the most important scenes of the first season: the scene where the characters Cibele and Wando face off over their sons’ fight," Paraizo observed. "I am curious to see this new version of the series and am sure it will be a success in Greece, as it was in Brazil, countries that have a lot in common."
Implications for the Future of Format Sales
The success of this deal signals a broader trend in the television industry: the move away from traditional syndication toward the adaptation of local formats. By licensing the "DNA" of a story rather than just the finished episodes, Globo is allowing for a cultural translation that is essential for long-term international engagement.
This is not an isolated incident for Globo. The company has seen recent success with Her Own Destiny, which has spawned adaptations in both Peru and Portugal. The strategy is clear: identify scripts that deal with universal human anxieties—such as class conflict, the fragility of the nuclear family, and the breakdown of communication—and transplant them into new cultural soils.
For Alpha TV, the implication is equally significant. By securing the rights to The Others and the telenovela All The Flowers (which is also being adapted by the same production team), the network is positioning itself as the premier home for high-end, cinematic television in the Greek market. This move allows them to compete more effectively with global streaming services by offering "event" television that feels both local in its casting and global in its production quality.
As the cameras continue to roll in Athens, the industry will be watching closely. If The Others succeeds in Greece as it did in Brazil, it will provide a blueprint for how mid-sized markets can leverage the creative output of global media powerhouses to revitalize their domestic output. In an era where the audience is increasingly fragmented, the story of neighbors at war—and the catastrophic silence between them—appears to be a narrative that, quite literally, speaks every language.
Ali Ikhwan
Suro Senen
