Samsung TV Plus has commissioned Unlikely Families, a four-part scripted anthology created and produced by Dhar Mann Studios, for an exclusive premiere on the service in 2027.
The series is the second instalment of the Unlikely anthology, following this summer’s Unlikely Romances. It joins Samsung TV Plus’ originals slate under its Exclusives banner, which also includes Hooligans: The ARCH Racing Project with Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger.
Each episode will follow an adult who unexpectedly takes on a caregiving role. Stories include an actress becoming guardian to her orphaned niece and nephew, a teacher helping a student whose father has disappeared, a Filipino teenager joining a host family in California, and a law student assuming responsibility for three stepsiblings.
“Family isn’t always about who you’re related to. Sometimes it’s about the person who shows up when you need them most,” said Dhar Mann, founder of Dhar Mann Studios. “That’s what makes Unlikely Families so special. These are stories about unexpected connections, second chances and the people who remind us that we’re not alone. I’m excited to continue our partnership with Samsung TV Plus and share more stories that make people feel seen, connected and hopeful.”
Mann will serve as creator and executive producer. The commission extends a partnership that included the launch of the exclusive Dhar Mann TV channel in 2025. According to Dhar Mann Studios, its content reaches more than 170 million followers and generates approximately 300 million weekly views across platforms.
In a separate development, Samsung TV Plus has agreed a multi-territory deal with BBC Studios to launch four channels across 11 European markets. This follows last week’s deal with ITV Studios.
BBC Lifestyle will launch in Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. BBC History and BBC Food will launch in Spain, while an EastEnders channel will become available in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
BBC Lifestyle will offer more than 150 hours of programming across participating markets, with line-ups tailored to local audiences. Titles include Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook and DIY SOS in Spain, alongside Rick Stein’s culinary travels and The Great British Sewing Bee.
BBC History will carry historical documentaries, while BBC Food will draw on the BBC’s cooking catalogue. The EastEnders channel will feature seasons from 2022–2025.
Chris Gregory, head of content development at Samsung TV Plus EMEA, said: “BBC Studios is one of the world’s most trusted providers of IP, and this partnership brings that premium quality to Samsung TV Plus. From lifestyle and history to flagship drama, we’re offering audiences the content they know and love. The variety of content in this deal showcases the breadth of what BBC Studios creates. This is exactly the calibre of partnership that supports our European growth strategy by combining recognised programming with line-ups tailored to individual markets.”
The picture shows Dhar Mann at MIPCOM, where he gave a headliner talk alongside his business partner Sean Atkins. Mann first announced Unlikely Families on the Grand Auditorium stage of the Palais des Festivals.
