The ABC series, Ugly Betty, inspired by the megahit Colombian telenovela, Betty La Fea has been optioned for a local adaptation by South Africa’s Known Associates Entertainment. Variety reported that the deal was announced at Cannes’ Mipcom television trade show on Monday with Colombian net RCN, which owns the rights to the format.

Known Associates chairman, Joel Phiri, said the company intends to produce Ugly Betty just as the other seasons of it have been produced. Except this time, “with a local flavor, and in South African languages”. He is also quoted by Variety as saying, “It is a great pleasure to be able to bring this evergreen home to South African audiences, and we are looking forward to finding the best broadcaster for the series”. The production company is currently in talks with broadcasters to find the adaptation a fitting time belt and station.

The America version dubbed Ugly Betty, debuted in 2006, running for four seasons on ABC. The worldwide hit was created by Silvio Horta, executive produced by Salma Hayek and Ben Silverman and it starred America Ferrera, who later won an Emmy Award, making her the the first Latina to win a lead actress for the Emmys.

Featured Image Credit: Known Associates Entertainment
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Fisayo is a journalist in search of words. Tweet at her @fisvyo

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