Tag Archive: Last One Laughing UK

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

   8th July 2025 1:44 pm Comments Off on Let’s Play Ball: New comedic reality format in development by ‘Last One Laughing UK’ producers Initial and Zeppotron

   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

   16th May 2025 11:39 am Comments Off on Last One Laughing to return for a second series

   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).