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: James Townley

  1. Mastiff Sweden and TV4 Cut Through with New Culinary Showdown, 100 Knives

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces Mastiff Sweden has landed a prime-time commission from TV4 for the debut series of 100 Knives, a new high-stakes culinary showdown, co-developed with Bunim/Murray Productions, part of Banijay Americas and Smart Dog Media. Originally unveiled in 2024 as a development collaboration between the three companies, the ambitious competition format has been picked up for series through a creative partnership with TV4.

    100 Knives throws 100 chefs into a high-pressure culinary arena where teamwork is everything and no one can afford to be the weakest link. From food truck owners to fine dining apprentices, contestants are split into brigades and face escalating challenges that test skill and leadership. With each episode, chefs are eliminated, and the brigades reshaped until only the strongest remain, culminating in one ultimate winner who proves they can survive the heat and lead under pressure.

    Matilda Snöwall, CEO, Mastiff Sweden says: “Audiences are gravitating to supersized formats with real emotional stakes – and we all know professional kitchens are a hotbed of tension and drama. 100 Knivestakes that intensity and scales it to huge proportions – one hundred chefs, brigade battles and relentless pressure. With TV4 as our partner, this is going to be a spectacle for viewers.”

     

    Fredrik Arefalk, Director of Channels and Content, TV4 says: ”We’re excited to be part of the journey behind 100 Knives, a format that truly stands out in a noisy market. At TV4, we have a strong tradition of launching original formats that capture the hearts of our viewers, and this collaboration is a great example of that spirit. Competition, dreams, emotions and food — it’s a powerful mix that we know engages, and we look forward to sharing it with our audience.”

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay Entertainment says: “From its early development stages to first commission, 100 Knives is testament to how collaboration heightens creative ambition. There’s a growing appetite for formats that push scale and tension, delivering immersive and emotionally charged storytelling. 100 Knives takes the energy of pressure cooker kitchens and amplifies it to a level rarely seen on television.”

    Mastiff Sweden is behind ambitious formats like the local version of Survivor, and Love is Blind Sweden, serving as the production partner on multiple other adaptations of the global Netflix hit. The company also produces Best Singer, Over the Atlantic and Trash and Treasure.

    100 Knives joins Banijay Entertainment’s all-new slate of original and entertaining formats for MIPCOM 2025, including Let’s Play Ball, Football Island, Villa of Temptations, Foodish, and Lost and Found in the Lakes.

  2. Banijay Entertainment’s Football Island Scores First Series Order from RTL

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    Content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment today confirms RTL’s Videoland has commissioned Football Island, the groundbreaking survival-sport format created by SimpelZodiak, in co-production with Southfields. The unscripted reality format from the Banijay Benelux labels will be among Banijay Entertainment’s priority titles at this year’s MIPCOM.

    In this first-of-its-kind series, a group of legendary former footballers are dropped into a remote tropical location, where stadium status is stripped away and survival is the ultimate game. Faced with high-stakes, football-inspired challenges, ex-players – some once fierce rivals – must form alliances, battle the elements and prove who still has the determination to win. The mix of sporting rivalry, teamwork and resilience promises drama with universal appeal. 

    This unique collaboration brings together SimpelZodiak’s mastery of factual and adventure entertainment with Southfields’ deep expertise in sports production, ensuring Football Island delivers authenticity and high-stakes drama in equal measure. 

    This commission follows the show’s unveiling at London TV Screenings earlier this year, where it was introduced as a bold new development, blending sport, survival and reality. The move signals confidence in its global potential, while strengthening Banijay Entertainment’s commitment to growing its portfolio of sport-focused unscripted content.

    Justine Huffmeijer, Managing Director, SimpelZodiak and Ernst Veldkamp CEO, Southfields, say: “Football Island taps into football’s universal passion and places it in a completely fresh survival setting. Watching former rivals forced to collaborate – or clash again – creates raw, emotional drama audiences everywhere can connect with. This is sportainment with real character, and we can’t wait to deliver it both to RTL and our Banijay colleagues worldwide.”  

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development, Banijay Entertainment, adds: “From unveiling its development earlier this year, to now securing a full commission with RTL’s Videoland ahead of MIPCOM, Football Island shows the strength of an idea that is both rooted locally and built to travel globally. At Banijay Entertainment, we imagine and deliver entertainment that crosses genres and platforms, and with SimpelZodiak and Southfields’ expertise, this format perfectly embodies that vision. Combining the universal language of football with the high drama of survival reality, the show is ready to connect with audiences everywhere.” 

    Banijay Benelux label, SimpelZodiak, specialises in adventure reality and factual entertainment for linear and VOD platforms. The company is behind local versions of global hits including Survivor, MasterChef and Hunted. Other credits include Good Luck Guys, Your Home Made Perfect, and Ik Vertrek. 

    Southfields is the largest sports production company in the Netherlands, its award-winning sports documentaries include No Guts No Glory FC Utrecht 50 Years for Videoland; All-in: Team Jumbo Visma for Amazon Prime and VTM; Young Orange Opens the Doors for Insight TV and ESPN; and Hansie for ESPN and Disney+. Southfields also produces live sports coverage across Dutch and international football, motorsport, and combat sports, including Eredivisie (men’s and women’s), Keuken Kampioen Divisie, UEFA competitions, , MotoGP, and Bellator MMA, for broadcasters such as ESPN, Ziggo Sport, Spike TV, and Talpa, as well as club channels PSV TV and Ajax TV. 

    This commission underscores Banijay Entertainment’s expanding sport offering, following the launch of Banijay Sports, and reflects its commitment to delivering bold, cross-genre formats to audiences worldwide. 

    Football Island joins Banijay Entertainment’s all-new slate of original and entertaining formats for MIPCOM, including Let’s Play Ball, Villa of Temptations, Foodish and Lost and Found in the Lakes. 

  3. Banijay Entertainment and TBS Take Leap with Ninja Warrior

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces it has acquired worldwide distribution rights (excluding Asia, US, Germany, France and Poland) for Ninja Warrior, the legendary sportainment franchise, created by Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS). The deal builds on the strategic partnership between the two companies announced earlier this year and brings the format into the largest European studio’s elite portfolio of superbrands.

    A global phenomenon since its launch, Ninja Warrior has entertained audiences worldwide with its nail-biting physical challenges, powerful athleticism, and high-stakes competition. The format showcases extraordinary strength, speed, agility and mental toughness, as everyday competitors push their limits on fiercely demanding obstacle courses. Currently airing in five international markets, this new deal enables Banijay Entertainment to scale and relaunch the format globally through its network of labels worldwide.

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development, Banijay Entertainment, says: “We feel incredibly fortunate to bring a universally loved and recognisable show like Ninja Warrior into our portfolio of superbrands. This is classic sportainment at its very best, packed with intense jeopardy, physical prowess and competitive energy. With our expertise in refreshing iconic formats, we are well-placed to evolve this brand, building on the momentum from TBS.”

    Katsuaki Seto, Executive Officer for the global business at TBS Holdings, says: “This new partnership is an exciting step for our signature format, Ninja Warrior. With Banijay Entertainment’s amazing expertise in development, production and distribution, we are confident in the format’s continued growth and global reach. Guided by our business purpose – Inspiring Global Love for Japan through Timeless Moments – we look forward to delivering this iconic physical game show to even more countries and audiences worldwide.”

    The agreement was brokered by Helen Greatorex, Head of Format Acquisitions at Banijay Entertainment. Ninja Warrior joins Banijay Entertainment’s premium third-party portfolio heading to Cannes, which includes unique culinary format Atypical Critics from Pixcom International, featuring autistic food critics; and competitive knitting series The Game of Wool from Hello Halo for Channel 4.

    These titles will be highlighted at MIPCOM 2025, alongside Banijay Entertainment’s all-new slate of original and entertaining formats, including Let’s Play Ball, Football Island, Villa of Temptations, Foodish and Lost and Found in the Lakes.

  4. Banijay Entertainment Rolls Out Premium Priorities for MIPCOM 2025

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    Global content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces this year’s premium line-up for MIPCOM 2025, bolstering its position as the number one European studio.

    In the spotlight is new drama Half Man from Emmy-winning creator Richard Gadd; new rolling global format Let’s Play Ball; and transformative factual format Wild Reckoning with Bear Grylls. As ever, the powerhouse will also celebrate its latest selection of reimagined reboots and travelling formats, including Fear Factor and Emmy-nominated Shaolin Heroes.

    Cathy Payne, CEO Banijay Rights, says: “We’re heading back to MIPCOM with a stellar line-up reflecting the breadth and ambition of our catalogue. From gripping, character-driven dramas like Half Man and AWoman of Substance, through to the emotional journeys of Wild Reckoning with Bear Grylls, we’re presenting an eclectic slate set to entice global buyers.”

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development and Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay Entertainment, add: “This year, we’re doubling down on impact with a bold selection of original and innovative formats. From the instantly recognisable digital-native Let’s Play Ball to the irresistible Villa of Temptations, we’re delivering broad appeal across genres. As the home of the superbrand, we are also supercharging our existing IP with the return of Fear Factor: House of Fear, and travelling hit Shaolin Heroes, a testament to the ongoing talent of our creative teams worldwide.”

    On the English-language premium scripted front, the group has Half Man, an uncompromisingly original story about two estranged brothers for BBC and BBC Scotland, produced by Mam Tor (part of Banijay UK) in co-production with HBO; from The Forge Entertainment comes a brand-new adaptation of Barbara Taylor-Bradford’s iconic A Woman of Substance, and Falling, a modern love story from BAFTA-winning writer Jack Thorne, both for Channel 4.

    Additional highlights include Maigret, the first contemporary television adaptation of Georges Simenon’s beloved novels for MASTERPIECE from Playground; and These Sacred Vows, an Irish comedy drama for RTÉ from Treasure Entertainment, in association with Banijay Rights and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland. From Australia, comes Hoodlum’s romantic dramedy Two Years Later, set in a post-pandemic world for Paramount+.

    Crossing over to non-English-language, is the Swedish re-imagining of acclaimed detective drama, Wallander, by Jarowskij/Yellow Bird and Banijay Rights for TV4 and ARD Degeto; and Disenchanted, a compelling French drama for France Télévisions from Banijay Studios France. Returning favourites include Banijay Entertainment’s Rogue Heroes (Kudos) for BBC iPlayer and MGM+; Bergerac (BlackLight TV) for U and U&DRAMA; and Anonymous (NL Film) for NPO. On the third-party front, the slate includes Signora Volpe (Route 24 Ltd) for Acorn TV; and The Hardacres (Playground in association with Screen Ireland and Red Berry Productions) for 5.

    With a blend of original and highly-entertaining formats, Banijay Entertainment showcases Let’s Play Ball for SBS6 from EndemolShine Nederland and Signal.Stream, with a UK version rolling out soon; and groundbreaking sports competition format Football Island, a co-production from SimpelZodiak and Southfields. Elsewhere, Villa of Temptations from Banijay Productions Germany for SAT.1 and Joyn continues to seduce audiences, while Banijay Italia’s culinary hit Foodish has just been recommissioned for TV8. Next-gen superbrand, Shaolin Heroes, from Danish label Metronome soars into three new territories, with more deals expected; and Endemol Shine North America puts its signature twist on the much-anticipated reimagining of Fear Factor: House of Fear, set to hit screens next year on FOX.

    From its third-party non-scripted portfolio is nique culinary format Atypical Critics from Pixcom International,featuring autistic food critics, and competitive knitting series Game of Wool from Hello Halo for Channel 4.

    Crossing over to factual, highlights include Lost and Found in the Lakes from Welsh production company Tŷ’r Ddraig (part of Workerbee), returning for a second series after stellar ratings, making it the BBC’s most-watched unscripted show in its slot this year; and Bear Grylls swaps the jungle for emotion-fuelled rugged Welsh terrains in all-new Wild Reckoning with Bear Grylls for BBC One, BBC Cymru Wales, and iPlayer. Over in the sunshine, Eva Longoria is continuing her travelogue series with Eva Longoria: Searching for France, a CNN Original series produced by Hyphenate Media Group; and rounding out the line-up are Shine TV’s Mission To Space: With Francis Bourgeois for Channel 4; and third-party Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home for BBC One and iPlayer from Expectation in association with JOKS Productions Limited.

    The latest MIPCOM highlights continue to complement Banijay Entertainment’s globally renowned catalogue, which includes superbrands  Big Brother, MasterChef and Peaky Blinders; travelling hits The Summit and Good Luck Guys; and highly-anticipated streamer launches House of Guinness from Kudos for Netflix; the final chapter of the Culpa Mía trilogy for Prime Video from Pokeepsie Films; season 3 of Groenlandia’s The Law According to Lidia Poet for Netflix; and the concluding series of Like Water for Chocolate for HBO Max, produced by Endemol Shine Boomdog and Endemol Shine North America. Additionally, Last One Laughing, created by Hitoshi Matsumoto, continues its unstoppable expansion, now produced in 11 markets by Banijay Entertainment’s labels.

    Banijay Entertainment’s sustainable stand will once again reside at C.20 at MIPCOM 2025.

  5. Banijay Entertainment’s Let’s Play Ball Rolls Into Second Dutch Run

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    Content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment today announces a second series of Let’s Play Ball, the outrageously funny format co-developed by Banijay Benelux label, EndemolShine Nederland, Talpa Studios and Signal.Stream, for Dutch broadcaster SBS6.

    Following its breakout success this summer, Let’s Play Ball, co-produced by EndemolShine Nederland and Signal.Stream, became SBS6’s strongest new launch of the year for the 25- 44 demo. Initially piloted on YouTube via StukTV, where it drew over 1.2M views, the digital-first hit has evolved into a flagship format for Banijay Entertainment. It will subsequently lead the company’s format line-up this MIPCOM 2025 and is already attracting international interest with Banijay UK labels – producers of Last One Laughing UK, Zeppotron and Initial – co-developing an English-language version.

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development, Banijay Entertainment: “Let’s Play Ball is truly on a roll, quickly becoming the comedy-fuelled hit of the Dutch summer. With a second series confirmed for the Netherlands and co-development underway with Last One Laughing UK producers Initial and Zeppotron, we expect this to be one of the most talked about titles along the Croisette this MIP. The fact it began in the creator economy, was piloted on YouTube, and is now a broadcast success, proves how adaptable and scalable this format is. Appealing to all ages, it really has great potential for further international rollout.”

    Sil Geurtsen, Head of Development, EndemolShine Nederland:
    “The giant signature balls and irresistibly simple game-play give Let’s Play Ball a distinctive identity like no other. This recommission is recognition of our collaboration with Signal.Stream and Talpa Studios, and together we’ve created a format balancing comedy, competition and chaos, which is just the kind of entertainment that stands out here in the Netherlands, and internationally.”

    Let’s Play Ball is a larger-than-life physical game show, that becomes a wildly exhilarating race across regional terrains, with contestants rolling a gigantic ball as they go. Each episode features two celebrity-led teams navigating 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. Each team, captained by a celebrity, and joined by their friends or relatives, must adapt to the ever-changing terrain and escalating twists.

    Let’s Play Ball takes centre stage at MIPCOM 2025, headlining a raft of originals and reboots with broad international appeal.

  6. Meter/Jarowskij and SVT Embrace Dating with No Limits in Double Up Love (w/t

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces Double Up Love (w/t), an inclusive new dating format created by Meter/Jarowskij, part of Banijay Nordic, for Sweden’s public broadcaster, SVT.

    Double Up Love (w/t) is a daring new format where everyone can date everyone.  A group of bi people are brought together in a stunning villa to explore attraction, emotions and new relationships, with no judgement, just pure connection. The bi-singles navigate relationships freely, using the high-stakes ‘list room’; where mutual choices lead to matches, and being left off means elimination. The arrival of new arrivals continuously shifts the dynamics, while a relationship coach helps participants confront old behaviour patterns and embrace unexpected connections in a judgement-free space.

    Madelene Hansson, CEO of Meter/Jarowskij says: “With Pride season in full swing, there’s never been a better time to celebrate the bi-community alongside our partner SVT. Double Up Love perfectly reflects the inclusive nature of Swedish culture, by putting bi-singles front and centre like never before. This is a dating format where the possibilities are limitless, with no judgement, just real connection. It’s emotionally-charged television, and we think audiences are more than ready for a new kind of dating show.”

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay Entertainment says: “Meter/ Jarowskij is leading the charge on authentic storytelling to truly reflect modern relationships. This format taps into the cultural zeitgeist where audiences want to see themselves reflected on screen, and above all, this new dating format delivers entertainment and unforgettable moments from start to finish.”

    Led by Madelene Hansson, Meter/ Jarowskij is the creative force behind iconic local adaptations of global non-scripted brands, MasterChef, Deal or No Deal, Good Luck Guys, Fortune Hotel, LEGO Masters, Fort Boyard, SAS: Who Dares Wins, and original title creations:  Against All Odds, Wild Kids and Luxury Trap. Working with the best on and off-screen talent to acquire, adapt, produce, and deliver the hottest new international formats for the Swedish market, Meter/ Jarowkskij invests in local creativity to bring new, own-devised shows to the nation and beyond.

  7. Banijay Launch Winner Unveiled

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    Following a competitive final round of judging in Paris, content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, crowns Tai Hanson-Shin as its 2025 Banijay Launch winner. The second cycle of the group’s accelerator program – dedicated to incubating untapped women talent – saw six candidates take to pitching, but there could only be one winner. Her winning idea – The Exchange – a social and strategic reality concept, was commended for “it’s innovative take on the genre and strong format pillars, which would appeal to a broad demographic”.

    Designed to exclusively support women creators with promising unscripted formats, Banijay Launch was first unveiled at MIPCOM 2023. Following a successful first run, a second cycle was announced at the market one year later, which attracted entries from 20+ countries. Spanning Australia (Lottie Naughton-Rumbo), Italy (Michelle Claase), Mexico (Laura López), UK (Emma Millions) and USA (Tai Hanson-Shin and Makayla Cotton), the finalists gathered in Paris on Wednesday 18 June for the grand finale. It was there they pitched their original ideas to an esteemed jury comprising Endemol Shine North America CEO, Sharon Levy; Banijay Entertainment Chief Content Officer, Development, James Townley; Banijay Rights Chief Executive Officer, Cathy Payne and Banijay France Chief Executive Officer, Alexia-Laroche Joubert.

    Hanson-Shin’s idea was credited by the judges for its clever gameplay, and potential for international adaptation, capturing the cultural trends in demand from global broadcasters and streamers

    The judges commented: “Now in its second cycle, Banijay Launch has opened the door to hundreds of untapped creative women across the world. Prioritising accessibility to our industry, the inclusive program has illustrated the extent of fantastic ideas that lay undiscovered year-on-year – particularly from women. This year, we were once again overwhelmed by the quality and competitive nature of the pitches, but all agreed – The Exchange – took the edge. Huge congratulations go to Tai – we all believe this is just the beginning of this format’s journey and we look forward to working with her to build this brand and see where we can take it.”

    Tai Hanson-Shin comments: “When I arrived in Paris this week – I did not expect to be leaving as the winner of Banijay Launch. I’ve been developing The Exchange for eight months and the reality of bringing it to a producer, let alone a buyer, always seemed worlds away. However, thanks to this initiative, my idea has been heard, and not just heard, but by some heavy hitters of the entertainment industry. A big shout out to Joanne Yang and Kristin Malley who have been a brilliant mentors and creative partners to me in this process. I look forward to what comes next.”

    Banijay Launch was initiated by Levy, co-led by Townley, and is supported by the group’s network of creative ambassadors who nurture the finalists in developing their bold new formats from concept to pitch, with the aim of the winning ideas eventually landing on screen. Tai will now work with Endemol Shine North America’s Joanne Yang and Kristin Malley, and Banijay’s Creative Networks to develop The Exchange further for screen.

  8. Endemol France Welcomes Summer with The Best Holiday Destination

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces a brand-new factual entertainment format La Meilleure Destination Vacances (The Best Holiday Destination) for M6. Produced by Endemol France, the show launches just in time for summer on 21 June.

    As one of the world’s most visited countries, France offers stunning landscapes, leading gastronomy, and rich cultural heritage. The Best Holiday Destination taps into this richness, sending a panel of beloved personalities on a mission to uncover the country’s ultimate summer getaway. Élodie Gossuin (former Miss France and TV presenter), acclaimed chef Christian Etchebest, and holiday expert Lauriane Gepner, will travel to three iconic regions— Côte d’Azur, Brittany, and Basque Country. In each episode, they explore two destinations within the same region, guided by local ambassadors showcasing the key attractions, cultural gems, and unforgettable experiences. The panel will then score each destination against a set of criteria, with only one being crowned Best Holiday Destination.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO Endemol France says: “The Best Holiday Destination is a true celebration of France’s culture and charm. It combines travel, authenticity, and light-hearted competition into a feel-good series that will inspire viewers to rediscover these regions right at their doorstep.”

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay Entertainment adds: “Endemol France has a proven track record for creating standout entertainment formats, and The Best Holiday Destination is no exception. Bursting with local flavour, compelling storytelling, and escapism, it offers a fresh and authentic take on travel that feels timely and universally appealing.”

    The Best Holiday Destination sits as part of Banijay Entertainment’s expansive 205,000-hour catalogue. As K7’s continued “Distributor of the Year”, the group now has 33 formats produced in 3+ territories and landed 250+ new non-scripted launches last year, making it the leading European studio.

    Endemol France, part of Banijay France, is a non-scripted juggernaut having produced recent hits such as Star Academy, LEGO® Masters, Celebrity Hunted, and LOL: Last One Laughing.

  9. Banijay Entertainment says Let’s Play Ball with EndemolShine Nederland, Talpa Studios and Signal.Stream

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    Content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment today announces Let’s Play Ball, a giant new co-development from Banijay Benelux label, EndemolShine Nederland, Talpa Studios and Signal.Stream. Commissioned by SBS6, the eight-episode series will make its international debut in the Netherlands this summer, and will be co-produced by EndemolShine Nederland and Signal.Stream.

    A flagship new international format joining Banijay Entertainment’s pipeline, Let’s Play Ball is a larger-than-life physical game show, that becomes a wildly exhilarating race across regional terrains, with contestants rolling a gigantic ball as they go. Each episode features two celebrity-led teams navigating 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. Each team, captained by a celebrity, and joined by their friends or relatives, must adapt to the ever-changing terrain and escalating twists.

    Let’s Play Ball was originally piloted on YouTube via StukTV and drew over 1.2M views. Filming for the series will take place across the Netherlands, including Friesland, Utrecht, and Limburg. Conversations are already underway for international roll-out.

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development, Banijay Entertainment, says: “Let’s Play Ball is a bold, scalable, and riotous format, that perfectly reflects our commitment to delivering fresh, escapist entertainment for broad audiences. Its proven online success demonstrates strong young-skewing viewership, and with non-scripted co-productions thriving, this collaboration exemplifies what Banijay Entertainment is all about, building partnerships to maintain and grow the best portfolio in the business.”

    Sil Geurtsen, Head of Development, EndemolShine Nederland says: “After the pilot’s success on YouTube with StukTV, we’re excited to scale it up, especially with the excellent Signal.Stream team. The game might sound simple, but rolling a gigantic ball across different landscapes serves as a catalyst for surreal and hilarious entertainment. This show has a distinctive visual identity, is high-energy, competitive and absolutely ludicrous – we think audiences will love it.”

    Wouter van der Pauw, Founder Signal Stream says: “At Signal.Stream, we test our ideas where it counts: in front of a real audience. Let’s Play Ball first ran as a pilot on our StukTV YouTube channel, giving us the chance to see what worked, what didn’t, and importantly, what made people laugh. Those learnings shaped the format into what it is now: a playful, high-energy race packed with chaos, surprises, and momentum.”

    Last year saw Banijay Entertainment launch over 250 new non-scripted formats, and Let’s Play Ball joins Banijay Entertainment’s globally renowned catalogue. The title will sit alongside new IP like AI Love You(Nordisk Film and TV) and Football Island (SimpelZodiak, Southfields);  next generation superbrands The Summit (Endemol Shine Australia), B-Prod’s The Fifty and Good Luck Guys; streamer launches  Celebrity Bear Hunt (co-produced by Banijay UK’s Workerbee, The Natural Studios and Talkback for Netflix), Building the Band (Remarkable Television for Netflix) and Last One Laughing UK from Zeppotron and Initial for Prime Video, created by Hitoshi Matsumoto and produced by Banijay Entertainment labels in 11 markets; and thriving superbrands like Big Brother, MasterChef and Temptation Island.

  10. Banijay Entertainment Presents Shine Iberia’s Game of Chairs

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces its latest nostalgia-driven, family-friendly, competition format, Game of Chairs. Created by Shine Iberia (part of Banijay Iberia), the series was part of Banijay Entertainment’s exclusive line-up at this year’s London TV Screenings, Banijay @ BAFTA 195 Piccadilly.

    The traditional game of musical chairs has been transformed into a vibrant competition, blending tactical and skill-based challenges. As the music plays, ten contestants circle around nine chairs, but when the music stops, one will be left without a seat. They must battle it out with another contestant, in a challenge to determine who stays in the game. As the show progresses, the prize pot grows, and the number of chairs decreases. The victor will then face The Master Chair, where they will compete to win the grand final prize. If they fail to secure it, they will compete again the next day alongside the last four eliminated contestants.

    Macarena Rey, CEO, Shine Iberia says: “Fun for all the family, Game of Chairs is inspired by a classic childhood game played all around the world. Our dynamic blend of game show and nostalgia elevates the party favourite, resulting in a dynamic format with international appeal.”

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay Entertainment adds: “Nostalgia, tension, strategy, and knowledge come together in this original concept, which appeals to a wide demographic. Reimagining childhood favourites is a firm favourite with our clients, and Game of Chairs is a fantastic addition to our slate, complementing our successful formats in the space with the likes of LEGO® Masters and Bear Hunt.”

    Since 2012, Shine Iberia has produced hit shows in Spain and Portugal, with home-grown content such as the documentary boxset series Bosé Renacido, as well as local adaptations from Banijay Entertainment’s diverse catalogue, including MasterChef, alongside third-party formats such as Next Level Chef, Sewing Bee and The Voice Portugal. Shine Iberia also creates premium branded content such as Hairstyle: The Talent Show, producing five local versions covering Spain, Italy, the U.S., Mexico and Brazil, and Mistura Beirão. It recently moved into scripted programming with biopic Bosé, a collaboration with Elefantec Global and Legacy Rock for Paramount+.

  11. Banijay Entertainment and SimpelZodiak Kick Off Football Island at London TV Screenings

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    Content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment today unveils Football Island, a groundbreaking format blending sports, survival and competition reality. Created by SimpelZodiak (part of Banijay Benelux), the premium title is set to be a highlight in the exclusive London TV Screenings line-up for Banijay @ BAFTA 195 Piccadilly. Football Island will be the first co-production between SimpelZodiak and Banijay Benelux label Southfields, the largest sports production company in the Netherlands.

    Making its global debut in the Netherlands, Football Island drops 13 legendary footballers in a remote tropical location, stripping them of stadiums, status and comfort. Battling the elements they fight for the basics, and victory, in high-stakes, football-inspired challenges. With friendships tested, rivalries reignited, and legacies on the line, this raw and unscripted adventure brings the beautiful game into the brutal wild. 

    Justine Huffmeijer, Managing Director at SimpelZodiak says: “Football Island is a one-of-a-kind concept bringing legendary footballers back into the heat of fierce competition. This is more than just a game – it’s also a test of strategy, and endurance. Watching football icons relive past clashes and push their unceasing competitive spirit in a high-stake survival environment is set to be a thrilling spectacle for audiences to enjoy.” 

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development, Banijay Entertainment: “Football Island’ electrifying fusion of genres will appeal to sports and entertainment fans alike, offering an intense, character-driven reality format to meet the needs of our many clients around the world. With an outstanding track-record producing high-profile global formats like Survivor and Hunted, SimpelZodiak has raised the bar, pushing survival and reality to the next level, where strategy, resilience and football collide.”

    Banijay Benelux label, SimpelZodiak, specialises in adventure reality and factual entertainment for linear and VOD platforms. The company is behind local versions of global hits including Survivor, Special Forces and Hunted. Other credits include Good Luck Guys, Shaolin Heroes, and Banged Up.

    Additional titles within Banijay Entertainment’s format line-up for London TV Screenings include Against All Odds (Meter/Jarowskij), Mission Unknown: Atlantic (Banijay Productions Germany), The Rest of Your Life (Pineapple Entertainment), AI Love You (Nordisk Film TV) and 30 Days and 30 Dates (Cuarzo Producciones).

    This new title taps into Banijay Entertainment’s growing efforts in sport following its launch of Banijay Sports.

  12. Banijay Entertainment Brings Comedian Cupids to London TV Screenings with Date on Stage

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today unveils Date on Stage, a fresh and hilarious new dating format joining its exclusive London TV Screenings event, Banijay @ BAFTA 195 Piccadilly. Created and produced by Banijay Benelux label TwentyTwo, and commissioned by Omroep Zwart for NPO Start and NPO3, this format puts love and laughs literally in the spotlight.

    In Date on Stage, singles search for romance without looks getting in the way. Blindfolded, one single embarks on a date with two potential matches, guided only by conversation, chemistry and instinct. But there’s a twist, imagine a first date live on a theatre stage, with a real audience watching every awkward moment and flirtatious attempt. Thankfully, the singleton isn’t all on their own. Two quick-witted comedian cupids are on hand to stir the action, and they aren’t shy at sharing their honest and entertaining opinions, making sure the journey to love is anything but predictable.

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at BanijayEntertainment, comments: “This original new format is packed with real heart and a huge dose of chaotic comedy energy, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. It is a unique take on the dating genre, mixing humour, theatre and romance. Date on Stage is perfect for buyers looking for a scalable, high-energyseries to draw fans of comedy and love, whether they’re searching for romance or just a good laugh.”

    Paul van der Maesen, Producer, TwentyTwo Productions says: “Dating is sometimes taken too seriously, both on television and in real life. But it can be light-hearted, and full of hilarious moments. Date on Stage brings romance and comedy together: it’s live, unfiltered and packed with surprises. This format taps into the most popular dating trends you see on social media, bringing them to life in an unpredictable and wildly entertaining way. With witty comedians leading the charge, and real singletons putting their heart, and dignity on the line, it’s dating at its most spontaneous and fun.”

    Other titles within Banijay Entertainment’s format line-up for London TV Screenings include Spain’s 30 Days and 30 Dates (Cuarzo for Mitele Plus), Sweden’s Against All Odds (Meter/ Jarowskij for SVT), Germany’s Mission Unknown: Atlantic (Banijay Productions Germany for Prime Video), Denmark’sThe Rest of Your Life (Pineapple Entertainment for DR1 and DR TV) and AI Love You (Nordisk Film TV for TV 2).