BBC Snags ‘Kabul’ Drama on US Exit from Afghanistan, Stars Late Eric Dane

The BBC has secured the rights to the new series Kabul, which is set during the harrowing events of Afghanistan in 2021, featuring one of the final performances by the late Eric Dane.

Produced by Mediawan as part of a collaboration with the European Alliance of broadcasters, the series begins as American forces pull out of Kabul and the Taliban takes over. Amidst this turmoil, the Nazany family, along with numerous other civilians, is compelled to escape to avoid reprisals. As the threat of ISIS looms, a mix of international figures including French police, Italian diplomats, German military, and American intelligence must work together to handle the escalating crisis.

Eric Dane portrays Martin in one of his last roles. The highly acclaimed actor from Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy passed away earlier this year. The show also stars Darina Al Joundi (The New Look), Shervin Alenabi (Tehran), Vassilis Koukalani (Kandahar), Hannah Abdoh, Jonathan Zaccaï (Le bureau des legends), Gianmarco Saurino (L’estate piu Calda) and Jeanne Goursaud (Pax Massilia).

Set to premiere on the BBC next month, Kabul is a Mediawan production, offered by Mediawan Rights for the European Alliance of broadcasters, which includes ZDF, Rai, and France Télévisions. While not officially a part of the Alliance, the BBC has engaged in similar collaborations before, such as the adaptation of Around the World in 80 Days.

Nick Lee, the BBC’s Head of Programme Acquisition, described Kabul as a profoundly tragic narrative with the urgency of a wartime evacuation that occurred just five years ago. He noted, “Although global politics are intricate, Kabul offers a panoramic view of history through the intimate lens of a family’s experience.”

The series was directed by Kasia Adamik (No Escape) and Olga Chajdas (Imago), and penned by Olivier Demangel (Class Act), Thomas Finkielkraut (Baron Noir), and Joey Lavy (The Shift). It was produced by Fabienne Servan-Schreiber and Charlotte Ortiz at Cinétévé, Matthias Weber and Thibault Gast at 24 25 Films, with executive production by Sandrine Paquot. International distribution rights are managed by Mediawan Rights.