ZDF Enterprises and Banijay Group today confirm a worldwide format deal for game show, Wanna Bet?. A global ratings success and already adapted in 12 territories, ZDF’s original series averaged a 40% market share when it first aired across Germany in 1981. Now, the world’s largest independent content creator, Banijay Group, is set to represent the number one Saturday night show’s international format sales outside of German-speaking Europe and the U.S..

Wanna Bet? sees ordinary people do extraordinary things. In each episode, members of the public perform a host of unusual, outrageous and often difficult tasks in front of high profile celebrity guests. It is then down to the celebrities to bet on the outcome of each task with a wager of an embarrassing, amusing or charitable activity, which must be actioned if they lose. The celebrity with the most success is then crowned the “Bet King”.

The global format deal comes as Mediaset’s Canale 5 tonight airs the latest international version, Vuoi Scommettere, in Italy. Produced locally by Magnolia under the consultancy of ZDF Enterprises’ producer, Markus Templin, the show is hosted by renowned mother and daughter team, Michelle Hunziker and Aurora Ramazzotti.

In addition to managing the format sales operation, Banijay Group and its prolific global production business, will produce a number of its own international versions.

Ralf Rueckauer, VP ZDFE.unscripted at ZDF Enterprises: “’Wanna Bet?’ once stood as the most successful Saturday evening show in Europe, entertaining millions of viewers. The format has been sold around the world and works well in the most diverse territories: in nations close to Germany either geographically or emotionally, such as The Netherlands, Great Britain, Poland and Turkey, as well as in far-away Russia and even China. We are delighted to partner with Banijay Group to build the global footprint of ZDF’s hit format.”

Banijay Rights will handle international distribution for the title.