Niv Sultan Thriller 'Heart of a Killer' Renewed for Season 2

"Heart of a Killer," the medical thriller starring Niv Sultan of Apple TV's "Tehran," has been renewed for a second season, Variety can confirm. Federation International will launch global sales of the seven-episode first season this week at Mipcom.

The series debuted earlier this year on the Israeli platform Hot and became one of the streamer's most-watched shows. It now travels to Cannes with a renewal already in hand — a selling point distributors rarely get to offer on a first international outing.

Who makes the show?

"Heart of a Killer" is the second co-production between Shari Redstone's Sipur Studios and The North Road Company, following their collaboration on the Netflix hit "Bad Boy." Liad Shoham, Gal Zaid ("Valley of Tears") and Roni Yaddor created the series. Evgeny Ruman ("East Side") directs, and Endemol Shine Israel produces.

The executive producer roster spans all partners: Amir Ganor for Endemol Shine, Amy Israel for North Road, Emilio Schenker and Gideon Tadmor for Sipur, and Ori Gal, Dana Mendlinger and Mirit Toovi for Hot.

What is the story?

Sultan plays Dr. Dasi Nakash, a promising transplant surgeon who commits a desperate act to save a friend. The series follows her into what the producers describe as a "whirlwind of moral dilemmas, shadowy patient rescues and conflicts with the grim underworld of the medical establishment." With the aid of a handsome Dr. Adam Kessler, Dasi learns that making a difference often requires significant sacrifices.

What do the sellers say?

Federation International's co-head of international sales, Monica Levy, framed the show's appeal in direct terms. "We're thrilled to be bringing 'Heart of a Killer' to the world," Levy said. "It's a bold, high-stakes thriller with a remarkable lead, Niv Sultan, who you will recognize from 'Tehran' and its ongoing success on Hot shows just how powerfully it connects with audiences. We can't wait to share it with buyers at Mipcom."

Sipur CEO Emilio Schenker pointed to the domestic track record as the foundation for expansion. "After an incredible launch in Israel, where 'Heart of a Killer' became one of Hot's most-watched series in recent years, we're thrilled to bring this gripping story to new audiences around the world and begin work on its second season," Schenker said.

Why does it matter?

The renewal confirms that Sipur and North Road's partnership — built on "Bad Boy" and now extended — has produced a second durable hit. For Federation, the Mipcom launch tests whether Israeli premium drama can convert strong domestic numbers into international deals with a renewal already secured. Buyers at this week's market will decide how far Dr. Nakash's moral dilemmas travel.