Out Of Africa: Classic Nigerian TV Series “Cock Crow At Dawn” Set For Remake In 2026

Modern Remake of Cock Crow at Dawn Aims to Captivate a New Generation The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Natives Filmworks, and Innovative Television Kontent (ITK) have officially entered into an exclusive co-production agreement to remake the iconic Nigerian television series, Cock Crow at Dawn. The partnership will bring the much-loved show back to primetime on […]

Out Of Africa: Classic Nigerian TV Series “Cock Crow At Dawn” Set For Remake In 2026
Out Of Africa: Classic Nigerian TV Series “Cock Crow At Dawn” Set For Remake In 2026

Modern Remake of Cock Crow at Dawn Aims to Captivate a New Generation

The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Natives Filmworks, and Innovative Television Kontent (ITK) have officially entered into an exclusive co-production agreement to remake the iconic Nigerian television series, Cock Crow at Dawn. The partnership will bring the much-loved show back to primetime on the national broadcaster in 2026. Natives Filmworks, helmed by Steve Gukas, will collaborate with Dimbo Atiya’s ITK and the NTA to produce an initial 104 episodes.

“We are incredibly proud of the opportunity to partner with NTA on this series that is, frankly, a national treasure”, said Gukas. “We are well aware of the weight of responsibility this holds. It is a wonderful chance for the industry to showcase how far it has come since the first run of the series in the 1980s. We shall pull in the very best in all spheres of the industry to deliver on the promise this holds.”

Tari Taylaur, NTA’s Executive Director of Programmes, added: “Remaking Cock Crow at Dawn is the first in our determination to bring back gems in our catalogue that we believe will resonate with today’s audiences. It is part of our efforts to bring them back to our service and boost ratings for our network. I am confident we have found the right partners in Natives Filmworks and Innovative Television Kontent. They both have produced riveting content and I am excited at what they bring to the table and what it means for this series.”

L-R: Dimbo Atiya & Steve Gukas

First aired in the late 1970s, Cock Crow At Dawn was one of Nigeria’s most beloved television series, known for its memorable characters and socially conscious storytelling. The original series launched the careers of television icons such as Sadiq Daba, Ene Oloja, and George Menta, and became a weekly staple in households across the country.

The remake is set to begin filming in Jos, Plateau State, in the second quarter of 2026. A writers’ room and story development workshop, where the new adaptation will take shape before moving into full production, will be launched this October.

ITK, known for creating over 6,000 hours of television content for DSTV and Netflix, has produced shows such as The Rishantes, Sons of the Caliphate, Halita, W.A.R (Wrath and Revenge), and Wings.

Natives Filmworks, on the other hand, has produced some of Nollywood’s more recent mainstream features, including 93 Days, A Place in the Stars, and Living in Bondage: Breaking Free. Natives also floats First Features, the Amazon Prime-supported slate that empowers first-time directors.