Full Breakdown
MFF & Co and Globo Collaborate on Telenovela Adaptations for North America
1/21/2026, 12:48:16 AM
Overview of the Joint Venture
L.A.-based international entertainment studio MFF & Co has partnered with Brazilian television giant Globo to adapt three of Globo's acclaimed telenovelas for North American audiences. This collaboration aims to reimagine these popular narratives in English-language formats suitable for traditional U.S. multi-season television. The announcement was made in August, with further details set to be revealed at a Globo showcase during Content Americas.
Key Adaptations and Writers
The adaptations will be led by experienced U.S. writers Alexander Maggio, Jenny Lynn, and Ted Sullivan. Each writer will take on a specific telenovela:
- Alexander Maggio will adapt “Empire” (2014-15), a story about a heartbroken millionaire striving to maintain control over his jewelry empire.
- Jenny Lynn is set to reversion “The Other Side of Paradise” (“O Outro Lado do Paraíso” (2017-18)), which revolves around a young woman's quest for revenge after being wrongfully institutionalized by her mother-in-law.
- Ted Sullivan will tackle “King of Cattle” (1996-97), which explores a love story across social divides during WWII and the ensuing land feud between two immigrant families.
Estela Renner, showrunner and Chief Creative Officer of MFF & Co, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that these writers are well-equipped to transform Brazilian stories into series that resonate globally.
Creative Vision and Goals
Angela Colla, Globo's Head of International Business and Co-productions, highlighted the importance of preserving the emotional intensity of Globo's telenovelas while adapting them for contemporary North American audiences. She noted that the partnership with MFF & Co marks an evolution in how Globo's stories are presented worldwide.
Miura Kite, president of global content at MFF & Co, expressed confidence in the creative capabilities of the attached writers, stating that their unique voices and experiences will enhance the storytelling quality. He emphasized the goal of creating shows with rich emotional stakes and complex characters designed to compete at the highest levels of global television.
Additional Titles and Future Developments
The adaptation slate also includes notable titles such as “Belíssima” (2005-06), a significant hit on Globo, and “All the Flowers,” created by João Emanuel Carneiro, who is known for Globo's most successful telenovela, “Brazil Avenue.” The development of these adaptations will be overseen by Miura Kite, who previously served as EVP of global television at Participant.
Conclusion
The collaboration between MFF & Co and Globo represents a strategic effort to bring Brazilian telenovelas to a broader audience, leveraging the emotional depth and storytelling prowess that have characterized these narratives. With a focus on high-quality adaptations, this partnership aims to create engaging content that resonates with viewers in North America.
