Czech television viewers are captivated by a new domestic thriller, “Extraktori” (Extractors), which has quickly become a ratings powerhouse for TV Nova. The series, which premiered on the Nova stream platform in autumn 2023, has found a massive audience after being broadcast on traditional television, attracting over a million viewers per episode.
The eight-episode series, inspired by international action films, follows an elite Czech intelligence unit tasked with rescuing Czech citizens in urgent demand of assist abroad. “Extraktori” has resonated with audiences, becoming one of Nova’s most successful productions in recent years, and demonstrating the continued power of linear television even in the age of streaming.
The show features a cast led by Pavla Gajdošíková, Jakub Štáfek, and Jan Révai, portraying the operatives who undertake dangerous missions to bring Czech nationals home. The series’ success is particularly notable given its relatively recent debut on the OnePlay streaming platform, where it initially garnered a positive reception but didn’t reach the broad audience it now commands on Nova’s main channel, according to MediaGuru.
Hollywood-Inspired Action Comes to Czech Screens
TV Nova invested significantly in “Extraktori,” filming the series abroad and aiming for a cinematic quality. Whereas the exact budget remains undisclosed, the production clearly prioritized a high level of action and realism. The premise itself draws inspiration from similar storylines found in Hollywood blockbusters, notably films starring Chris Hemsworth as a former mercenary undertaking perilous rescue missions, such as those involving a kidnapped son of a drug lord, as noted by Československá filmová databáze (CSFDB). Interestingly, the CSFDB user ratings for Hemsworth’s films are comparable to those currently being achieved by “Extraktori.”
Record-Breaking Viewership for Nova
The first episode of “Extraktori,” which aired in January, drew over one million viewers, dominating the evening’s television landscape with a 30% audience share, according to MediaGuru. The second episode continued the trend, becoming the most-watched program of the evening with approximately 750,000 viewers, a strong performance considering the ongoing Winter Olympics.
Realistic Training for a Credible Thriller
To ensure the action sequences felt authentic, the actors underwent specialized training prior to filming. This included instruction in weapons handling, tactical movement, and operational procedures mirroring those used by real-world intelligence teams, as reported by TV Nova. Behind-the-scenes footage reveals the demanding conditions of the shoot, including scenes filmed in water and cold temperatures, further emphasizing the commitment to realism.
Filming for “Extraktori” took place in Turkey.
What’s Next for “Extraktori”?
The success of “Extraktori” demonstrates TV Nova’s ability to deliver compelling, original content beyond traditional reality shows and serial dramas. A second series of “Extraktori” was filmed in the latter half of 2023 and is anticipated to air in the future, promising more high-stakes action and suspense for Czech viewers. The show’s popularity signals a growing appetite for the crime and thriller genre within the Czech television market.
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