Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.
Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.

Tag Archive: Initial

  1. Let’s Play Ball: New comedic reality format in development by ‘Last One Laughing UK’ producers Initial and Zeppotron

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    Following the success of hit Prime Video series Last One Laughing UK, Banijay UK labels Initial and Zeppotron are collaborating again to take to market the next big comedic reality format – Let’s Play Ball. Originally co-developed by Banijay Benelux label EndemolShine Nederland, Talpa Studios and Signal.Stream, and co-produced by EndemolShine Nederland and Signal.Stream for SBS6, this is the first international territory to take on a reimagination.

    In this version of Let’s Play Ball, two rival teams of comedians go head-to-head in a race to transport a gigantic ball across various terrains. Facing fiendish physical puzzles along the way, each episode will see the teams navigate varied landscapes; from narrow city streets to rivers and countryside meadows. What begins as a seemingly straightforward task, unravels into comedic chaos and strategic gameplay, demanding quick-thinking, teamwork, grit and determination.

    Katy Manley, MD of Initial, said:

    “This hilarious new show is the perfect next joint project for us. Initial brings the big red balls (we also make Wipeout), while Zeppotron will unlock its legendary black book to cast the funniest people in the country…. We can’t wait to take this out to buyers in the UK.”

    Peter Holmes, MD of Zeppotron, added:

    “Like the Zeppotron team, Let’s Play Ball is very simple and very silly. We’re really looking forward to joining forces with Initial once more to put our own spin on this big, bold, ball-based format.”

    Let’s Play Ball is an original format co-developed and co-owned by EndemolShine Nederland, Talpa Studios, and Signal.Stream. The show will make its international debut in the Netherlands this summer, co-produced by EndemolShine Nederland and Signal.Stream. Originally piloted on YouTube via StukTV, the show attracted over 1.2 million views. Banijay Entertainment holds global format distribution rights.

  2. Last One Laughing to return for a second series

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    Last One Laughing, which is produced by Banijay UK labels Zeppotron and Initial, has been recommissioned for a second series.

    The hit Prime Video series will see Jimmy Carr return in the host’s seat, alongside a new line-up of comedians which will be announced in due course. Filming is due to take place later this year, with the six-part series launching in 2026 on Prime Video.

    Jimmy Carr, host of Last One Laughing, said:

    “I’m absolutely delighted that Last One Laughing is coming back for a second series. I think what’s happened is someone high up at Amazon has clicked ‘subscribe & save’ on Prime Video and, hey presto, we’re back in business. I’m so pleased people had as much fun watching the first season as we had making it. Can’t wait to bask in the reflected glory of the next 10 comedy legends taking on the challenge.” 

    Last One Laughing UK is the latest adaptation of the successful Amazon Original series from Japan entitled Documental, created by and starring Hitoshi Matsumoto and owned by Yoshimoto Kogyo, where Matsumoto leads 10 comedians betting their own money in an anything goes “battle of laughter behind closed doors.” The fan-favourite Last One Laughing format became the most watched title of all time on Prime Video in France, Germany and Italy, and had hugely successful local versions in over 20 territories. Local celebrity hosts include Graham Norton (Ireland), Jay Baruchel (Canada), Eugenio Derbez (Mexico), Fedez (Italy), Michael “Bully” Herbig (Germany), Rebel Wilson (Australia) and Trevor Noah (South Africa).

  3. Initial and Znak TV to make 99 To Beat for FOX

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    FOX has unveiled its content slate for the 2025-2026 television season during its Upfront Presentation, including a US version of 99 To Beat produced by Banijay UK labels Initial and Znak TV.

    In 99 to Beat, hosted by Ken Jeong and Erin Andrews, 100 contestants go head-to-head in a range of visually distinctive and hilarious games in an arced competition game show like we’ve never seen before. 99 to Beat is the game show that anyone can win, and there’s only one thing players must do for a chance of walking away with the cash prize – Don’t. Come. In. Last.

    As contestants battle it out against each other, each round will see the number of players whittled down until one person is left standing and they take home the top prize of $100,000.

    99 to Beat is produced by Initial and Znak TV, with Natalka Znak, Claire O’Donohoe, Katy Manley and Lee Smithurst executive producing.

    The series is based on a format originated by VRT and De Chinezen and is distributed by Primitives.

  4. BIG BROTHER AND CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER RETURN IN 2025 AS BRAND HITS 96 MILLION STREAMS ON ITVX

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    ITV today announced that Big Brother (produced by Initial, part of Banijay UK) will return for a third series in 2025 following a second series of Celebrity Big Brother set to air in spring, marking 25 years of Big Brother in the UK.

    The channel’s second instalment of the original reality format is set to conclude tomorrow night (Nov 15) after another successful series which once again dominated conversations on social media. During tomorrow’s Live Final, viewers will crown the winner of the current series, who will walk away victorious with a life-changing cash prize.

    The third series of Big Brother on ITV2 and ITVX will follow another iconic star-studded edition of Celebrity Big Brother which is set to air on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player in spring 2025, as a new batch of famous faces take up residence in the UK’s most famous abode.

    Applications for next year’s series of Big Brother are now open – hopefuls who believe they have what it takes to take on the original social experiment can now apply by visiting BigBrother.com.

    The global television phenomenon made a triumphant return to UK television screens in 2023 on its new home – ITV and ITVX. Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother alongside the iconic Live Stream and Late & Live companion show, has now been streamed an enormous 96 million times on ITVX.

    Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning and Acquisitions said, “Big Brother programming has firmly established itself across ITV’s platforms and become a favourite with our viewers. Together, Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother have grown audiences on ITV1 and ITV2 and amassed almost 100 million streams on ITVX. We’re therefore very excited to be able to throw open the House doors once again for another series of both Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother in 2025 which are sure to promise more unmissable entertaining and captivating moments.”

    Katy Manley, Managing Director of Initial, said: “We are so excited to be coming back with more Celebrity Big Brother and Big Brother. Both series have really resonated with audiences, and we can’t wait to make more. As always, viewers can look forward to Big Brother keeping Housemates – celebrities and civilians alike – on their toes.”

    Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother are commissioned for ITV and ITVX by Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning & Acquisitions and Peter Tierney, Commissioning Editor, Reality. The return of Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother was secured by leading entertainment and format producers Natalka Znak and Claire O’Donohoe for Initial (part of Banijay UK). Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother are overseen by Initial’s Managing Director Katy Manley, Director of Production Jody Collins and Creative Director Tamsin Dodgson.

  5. ITV confirms Celebrity Big Brother start date

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    The wait is almost over as ITV today revealed the hotly-anticipated star-studded new series of Celebrity Big Brother (produced by Initial, part of Banijay UK) will start on Monday 4th March at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player. 

    Hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, Celebrity Big Brother: Live Launchwill reveal the new cast of famous faces who are entering the iconic Big Brother house, as they embark on the ultimate social experiment and become isolated from the outside world.

    Leaving luxury behind, the celebrities will take part in nominations and tough tasks with cameras capturing their every move. Who will win the hearts of the nation, go all the way to the finish line and be crowned the winner?

    Celebrity Big Brother will be followed each night by Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live – giving viewers an additional hour of exclusive content. Airing on ITV2 and ITVX, Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live will once again be the only place to watch the famous evictees first live interview alongside an array of unmissable exclusive features including access to the camera runs, special guest commentary and debate.

    The Celebrity Big Brother: Live Stream will also return to screens, airing seven nights a week on ITVX and STV Player, giving fans the opportunity to watch live footage into the small hours after Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live.

    Celebrity Big Brother is commissioned for ITV1, STV and ITVX by Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning & Acquisitions and Controller, ITV2 and ITVBe and Peter Tierney, Commissioning Editor. The return of Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother was secured by leading entertainment and format producers Natalka Znak and Claire O’Donohoe for Initial (part of the Banijay Group) marking their first of many format deal for the business since they joined in 2022. Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother are overseen by Initial’s Managing Director Katy Manley and Creative Director Tamsin Dodgson.