Transplant Creator Joseph Kay Signs Exclusive Overall Deal With Netflix

Netflix has signed an exclusive overall deal with Joseph Kay, the creator and showrunner of the medical drama Transplant, which aired on NBC in the United States.

Under the agreement, Kay will develop and write new television series for Netflix in Canada. His first project will be an untitled family drama.

Kay already has a track record with the streamer. He most recently served as a consulting producer on the second season of North of North, the Arctic-set comedy that also airs on the CBC and is set to return on Nov. 5. He also co-executive produced Netflix's upcoming adaptation of Carley Fortune's bestselling novel This Summer Will Be Different.

Transplant ran for four seasons and followed a Syrian refugee working as a doctor in a Toronto trauma unit. The series centered on Dr. Bashir "Bash" Hamed, played by Hamza Haq, a physician with battle-tested skills in emergency medicine. He fled his country with his younger sister, Amira, played by Sirena Gulamgaus.

Together the siblings worked to build a new life in Canada, while Bash tried to rebuild his medical career. The show was produced by Sphère Média Plus, in association with CTV and NBCUniversal International Studios.

Kay's other television writing credits include Ransom, This Life and Republic of Doyle.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Kay expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership. "I am beyond grateful and thrilled to partner with this incredible company," he said. He added that he has "huge admiration for Netflix's entire team, and for their unsurpassed drive to tell great stories and connect with audiences around the world."

Danielle Woodrow and Tara Woodbury, directors of content at Netflix Canada, praised the writer in their own statement. They described Kay as "a seasoned and gifted creator and showrunner, who is also adept at supporting other writers." They added that the company has enjoyed working with him on its shows so far and is pleased to expand the relationship.

Kay is represented by Dustin Alpern and Conrad Sun at Sundust Management. Casey Chisick of Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP negotiated the overall deal.