RTL+ Germany has acquired exclusive rights to the Dutch hit crime series “Mocro Maffia: Gangs of Amsterdam” from Amsterdam-based distributor Skoop Media for its streaming platform.
Belgian platform Streamz has also secured rights to “Mocro Maffia’s” latest – and final – sixth season, along with re-licensing the series’ previous five seasons as part of a larger agreement.
Furthermore, Streamz also acquired exclusive rights to the feature film “Taxi,” a spin-off from the series, as well as Season 2 of the thriller series “Sleepers” – about a corrupt cop forced to confront his own loyalty and morality – and the true crime documentary mini-series “The Hash King, My Father’s Story.”
“Skoop Media is honored to distribute the ‘Mocro Maffia’ universe worldwide and so far, it has been an amazing journey throughout all six seasons,” its CEO Pim van Collem told Variety.
“What started with Achmed Akkabi’s vision, an unfortunate but very realistic view of the underworld in the Netherlands, truly became a defining project and a phenomenon in its own right.”
“Mocro Maffia: Gangs of Amsterdam” is a crime epic chronicling the rise and fall of three best friends who begin as low-level criminals in the Amsterdam underworld. Sadly, as they ascend the ranks to control the city’s profitable illegal cocaine trade, jealousy shatters their relationship.
Released back in 2018, it launched its sixth season in its home country in September this year. An RTL/Videoland Original, Mocro Maffia was created by Achmed Akkabi, who also stars in the series, in collaboration with Dutch production company Fiction Valley, part of Fremantle.
“When we started ‘Mocro Maffia,’ we couldn’t imagine this show would grow into such a landmark series for our company. Six successful seasons, multiple spin-offs and millions of dedicated viewers,” added Fiction Valley producer Annemieke van Vliet.
“What started with Achmed Akkabi’s vision, truly became a defining project for our entire team. Their hard work and passion have made this series what it is today. We are thrilled to see it now resonating internationally and we hope audiences in Germany, Belgium and beyond will embrace it just as much as our domestic viewers have. Sharing this story globally is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of.”
Other recent deals for Skoop include getting RTL Hungary on board for Seasons 1 and 2 of “Sleepers,” Encripta for Season 1 of “Sleepers” and Finnish thriller series “Evilside” for Latin America. Proximus Belgium signed on for the first season of “Santos,” along with all five seasons of Dutch police action series “Force.”
According to Pim van Collem, “Mocro Maffia” has developed a “significant following” in the Netherlands over the years.
“It has become a cultural phenomenon, sparking conversations about crime, identity and social issues. Its gripping storytelling, gritty realism and focus on current societal issues in Europe sees the show resonating internationally, too,” he said.
“It’s part of the trend of local crime dramas gaining global popularity, as it delivers the kind of intense, character-driven narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.”
In its final season, “unexpected alliances” start to form as characters face betrayals, personal tragedies and “the challenge of keeping their empires intact.”
“The dramatic intensity and high stakes make this a darker and more complex continuation of the story, promising the same thrilling action, philosophical dept and emotional turmoil that have made the series a standout, while also exploring new avenues in the ever-evolving world of Amsterdam’s crime scene,” noted Pim van Collem.
“Sharing this story globally is something we’re incredibly proud of.”