MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has announced the launch of Shortland Street in Ukrainian. Locally known as Central Hospital, the drama is the first local format version of the long-running, popular New Zealand daily drama. Licensed to 1+1 by FremantleMedia, the initial series comprises of 60 episodes and launched earlier this month in Ukraine.

FremantleMedia format sales director CIS, Ukraine, Georgia and the Baltic States Anne Kirsipuu said, “The local take on Shortland Street was a high quality adaptation and launched incredibly well. We’re confident that the upcoming storylines will capture the attention of the audiences. With our rich catalogue of scripted formats, we’re looking forward to introducing more local adaptations to the market soon.”

Shortland Street is one of New Zealand’s longest-running prime-time daily dramas, with over 6,000 episodes having been produced since 1992. Set in an Auckland City Hospital, the series follows the complicated personal and professional lives of its staff, family and friends. It is produced by South Pacific Pictures and distributed by FremantleMedia.

Whereas, Central Hospital, already sold as tape to broadcasters in Georgia and Kazakhstan will focus on the life of the young and able surgeon Margarita Sergeevna and the doctors and patients of the fictitious hospital. It was produced by 1+1 Productions.