‘Transplant’ Creator Joseph Kay Sets Overall Deal at Netflix

Joseph Kay, the creator and showrunner behind the medical drama Transplant, has signed an exclusive overall deal with Netflix to develop and write new television series in Canada.

The deal will begin with an untitled family drama currently in development, expanding Kay’s relationship with the streaming platform following his recent work on North of North and the upcoming adaptation of Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel This Summer Will Be Different.

Kay served as a consulting producer on the second season of North of North, the Arctic-set comedy produced for Netflix and CBC. The series is scheduled to return on November 5.

Joseph Kay Expands His Work With Netflix

Under the new agreement, Kay will create and develop original television projects for Netflix in Canada. His first project under the deal is a new family drama, though further details about the series have not yet been announced.

The writer and producer has already collaborated with Netflix on several projects. In addition to his work on North of North, he co-executive produced the upcoming adaptation of This Summer Will Be Different, based on the bestselling novel by Carley Fortune.

Kay expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership in a statement released Wednesday.

“I am beyond grateful and thrilled to partner with this incredible company,” Kay said. He also praised Netflix’s commitment to storytelling and its ability to connect with audiences worldwide.

Netflix Canada content directors Danielle Woodrow and Tara Woodbury also welcomed the expanded partnership, describing Kay as an experienced creator and showrunner who supports the development of other writers.

The ‘Transplant’ Creator’s Television Career

Kay is best known for creating Transplant, the medical drama that ran for four seasons and aired on NBC in the United States.

The series followed Dr. Bashir “Bash” Hamed, played by Hamza Haq, a Syrian refugee and skilled emergency physician who escapes his home country with his younger sister, Amira, portrayed by Sirena Gulamgaus.

After arriving in Toronto, Bash faces the challenge of rebuilding his medical career while adapting to a new life in Canada. The series combined hospital emergencies with the personal and professional obstacles facing its central character.

Transplant was produced by Sphère Média Plus in association with CTV and NBCUniversal International Studios.

Kay’s additional television writing credits include Ransom, This Life and Republic of Doyle. He is represented by Dustin Alpern and Conrad Sun of Sundust Management, while Casey Chisick of Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP negotiated the overall deal.