Tag: Richard Gadd

Banijay Entertainment looks set to present one of the biggest, most powerful and eclectic lineups of any company at this year’s Mipcom content trade fair at Cannes, headlined by ‘Half Man,’ from ‘Baby Reindeer’ creator Richard Gadd, whacky but popular gameshow “Let’s Play Ball” and “Wild Reckoning With Bear Grylls.”   

Set for an HBO U.S. release, “Half Man” marks the latest from “Baby Reindeer” creator-star Richard Gadd who also heads the cast of with Jamie Bell (“Rocket Man”) in a tale of two men, close as brothers as teens, now embittered enemies. 

Of new offers, Banijay Entertainment’s scripted slate also takes in upcoming Channel 4 drama “Falling,” from “Adolescence” co-creator Jack Thorne – when anybody connected to that series, especially is writer, is likely to spark a feeding frenzy, and “A Woman of Substance,” a new adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s best-seller whose Channel 4 makeover in 1984 remains the U.K. broadcaster’s most watched show of all time.

Packing broad family and more particularly YA appeal, the whacky Dutch high concept “Let’s Play Ball” – seeing celeb lead teams rolling a big ball down narrow streets, across rivers and up the Netherland’s steepest hill – weighs in as Banijay Entertainment’s flagship format. First bowed on YouTube, posting 1.2 million views, it is now launched on Dutch broadcaster SBS6, hitting No. 1 for its slot, 84% up on slot average in the 20-34s demo.

Among unscripted hit titles, “Shaolin Heroes,” a Danish premium adventure reality format, has captivated viewers by surpassing TV2’s primetime slot average by 31%, scoring a re-commission. It has also scored bullish launches on Belgium¡s VTM and RTL in the Netherlands, as well an order, announced late July from major French commercial broadcaster M6. More deals are expected, says Banijay Entertainment.    

Meanwhile, comedian reality TV contest “Last One Laughing, created by Hitoshi Matsumoto, is now produced in 11 markets by Banijay Entertainment’s labels. 

One big highlight on Banijay Entertainment’s factual slate could well be “Wild Reckoning With Bear Grylls,” made for BBC One, BBC Cymru Wales, and iPlayer where the survival doyen abandons the jungle to turn fractured relationship counsellor in rugged North Wales.

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

“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.”

Here’s a closer look at potential new or newer highlights, plus a reminder of returning titles and evergreen powerhouses:  

Scripted

“Two Years Later”

From Australia, romantic dramedy “Two Years Later,” made for Paramount+, is set in Brisbane in a post-pandemic world as thirty-somethings Ryan and Emily test an unexpected relationship across eight dates, picking up two years after their daily bus flirtations which ended with COVID-19 broke out. Major Australian stars Brenton Thwaites (“Pirates of the Caribbean”,” Maleficent”) and Phoebe Tonkin (“H2O: Just Add Water”) head the cast.   

“Falling,”

Written by Jack Thorne, a long-term leading light of U.K. drama series whose credits include not only “Adolescence “but Shane Meadows’ “This is English” trilogy and Series Mania Grand Prix winner “The Virtues” and “Best Interests.” “Falling” stars Keeley Hawes (“Bodyguard,” “It’s a Sin”) and Paapa Essiedu (“I May Destroy You”) in a romantic drama where a nun falls in love with a priest.   

“Half Man,”

When Ruben shows up unexpectedly at Niall’s wedding, it sparks an explosion of violence that throws viewers back through their lives, spanning almost 40 years from the 1980s to the present day. From Gadd, whose “Baby Reindeer” won six Primetime Emmy Awards, “Half Man” is described as a series which captures the wild energy of a changing city – a changing world, even – while asking: What does it mean to be a man? Mam Tor Productions, a Banijay company, produces for the BBC and BBC Scotland, in co-production with HBO. 

“Maigret,”

Leading the charge for Banijay Entertainment at the London TV Screenings, the first contemporary TV adaptation of the iconic detective novels by Georges Simenon, for PBS Masterpiece. Written by Patrick Harbinson (“Homeland,” “24,” “The Tower), produced by Playground, behind “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light,”  the revamp introduces a fresh take on the legendary Parisian Chief Inspector Jules Maigret. This reimagining features a young, unconventional debonair Maigret, played by Benjamin Wainwright  (“Belgravia: The Next Chapter”). 

“These Sacred Vows,”

Week-long drinking for an Irish wedding in Spain ends up disastrously with a priest’s death. Told in dazed flashback, by screenwriter-director John Butler (“The Outlaws,” Season 3), and produced by Treasure Entertainment for Irish public broadcaster RTÉ. Tom Vaughan-Lawlor (Love/Hate) Justine Mitchell (“Derry Girls”) and Jason O’Mara (“Agents of Shield) star.

“Wallander,” 

A modern-day Swedish-language reboot of the iconic global crime brand which won Kenneth Brannagh a Bafta and helped Nordic drama break out worldwide. It now stars Gustaf Skarsgård (“Oppenheimer,” “Vikings”) and is produced by Jarowskij/Yellow Bird, TV4 and Banijay Rights, catching the sleuth at 42, separated and estranged from his daughter as his life seemingly unravels. 

“A Woman of Substance,”

Another show from The Forge, a brand new adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s “A Woman of Substance” which sold over 30 million copies worldwide while a Channel 4 mini-series makeover in 1984 gave it 13.8 million viewers, its biggest audience ever. This time round, Brenda Blethyn takes the Deborah Kerr role as the older Emma Harte, once an impoverished Yorkshire maid who builds from one clothes shop to becoming the richest woman in the world. Produced for Channel 4 from scripts penned by “The Buccaneers” scribes Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley.  

Non-English language Banijay shows also take in “Disenchanted,” sneak-peeked at this month’s La Rochelle Festival, for France Télévisions and from Banijay Studios France. Returning favorites include Banijay Entertainment’s “Rogue Heroes” (Kudos) for BBC iPlayer and MGM+; the modern day and serialized “Bergerac” (BlackLight TV) for U and U&DRAMA; and “Anonymous”(NL Film)for NPO. Third-party pick-ups includes “Signora Volpe” (Route 24) for Acorn TV; and “The Hardacres” (Playground in association with Screen Ireland and Red Berry Productions) for 5.

Variety has profiled new or recent shows. A significant number of Banijay Entertainment’s standouts, potential or proven, however, are ordered or acquired by global streaming services. Banijay label Kudos has produced “House of Guinness,” now boasting a powerful trailer on Netflix. Its catalog also takes in the final chapter of the “Culpa Mía” movie trilogy for Prime Video from Spain’s Pokeepsie Films, rated as one of the streaming service’s most-watched fiction offers ever. Also on streamers are Season 3 of Groenlandia’swomen’s empowerment tale “The Law According to Lidia Poet” for Netflix, and the concluding series of Salma Hayek’s lush, sensual and socially-pointed “Like Water for Chocolate” for HBO Max, produced by Endemol Shine Boomdog and Endemol Shine North America.       

Formats

“Fear Factor: House of Fear,”

One of the most anticipated of Banijay Entertainment’s new unscripted shows, a reimagining of the IP from Endemol Shine North America as a serialized, high-stakes social experiment. Living together in the Fear House, a group of strangers face OMG stunts, challenges, and a twisted game of social strategy, Banijay teases. Set to hit screens in 2026 on Fox.  

“Foodish,”

A culinary hit for Banijay Italy, just recommissioned by Sky Italia’s digital free-to-air TV8. Host Joe Bastianich and a celebrity evaluate contestants’ versions of iconic regional recipe, from Milan risotto to authentic carbonara in Rome, competing to claim the “Foodish” apron.  

“Football Island,” Netherlands

A Dutch format hailed by Banijay as a groundbreaking sports competition format and a co-production from SimpelZodiak, behind the local adaptation of “Survivor” and “Hunted,”  and Banijay Benelux label Southfields, the largest sports production company in the Netherlands. 13 legendary footballers are deposited at a remote tropical location where they must survive and win football-inspired challenges.

“Let’s Play Ball,”  

Billed by Banijay as the ultimate larger than life adventure gameshow as two celeb-led teams attempt to roll a gigantic ball across terrain in a real-world race. Originally piloted on YouTube via StukTV before being developed by EndemolShine Nederland, part of Banijay Benelux, Talpa and Signal.Stream for SBS6. A U.K. version is now being worked on by “Big Brother” producer Initial and Zeppotron, behind “Would I Lie To You?”

“Shaolin Heroes,” 

A next-gen super brand, Banijay notes, the premium adventure reality sees celebrities embark on a potentially life-changing journey to master the ancient disciplines of the Shaolin Warrior Monks. From Banijay Nordic’s Danish label Metronome, but breaking out across the world. 

“Villa of Temptations,”

Already a hit, from Banijay Germany, which scored a significant commission from Sat.1 and associate streaming service Joyn. Announced this June with the German original shot in Thailand, celebrities are flown into what they think is a luxury vacation to be told they have nothing, must pay for everything from a $250,000 prize pot.    

Banijay Entertainment’s globally renowned non-scripted catalogue also includes of course superbrand ratings powerhouses “Big Brother” and “MasterChef” and newer high-profile reality TV titles such as “The Summit “and “Good Luck Guys”, a beach-set reality TV format. Third-party non-scripted portfolio takes in unique culinary format “Atypical Critics,” from Pixcom International, featuring autistic food critics who voice unfiltered opinions of renowned Quebec eateries,and competitive knitting series “Game of Wool,” from Hello Halo for Channel 4, hosted by Olympic Champion diver Tom Daley with contestants competing to become the U.K.’s knitting champ.

Factual 

“Eva Longoria: Searching for France,” 

A CNN Original series produced by Hyphenate Media Group and the latest instalment in the host-led culinary travelog franchise. After seasons set in Mexico, Italy and Spain, Longoria explores the origins of French cuisine and its current mix of centuries-old tradition and cutting-edge creativity. 

“Lost and Found in the Lakes,”

Another potential breakout Mipcom highlight, as has been the case in the U.K., proving the BBC’s most-watched unscripted show in its slot this year and now returning for a second season. Helen Skelton and a team of divers, detectorists and magnet fishers try to locate all manner of lost items lost on lakebeds and forests in the U.K.’s most mountainous region – reuniting them with their owners. 

“Mission To Space: With Francis Bourgeois,”

Made for Channel 4 by Shine TV, a byword for popular factual TV, social media star Bourgeois endures the rigors of astronaut training, testing if he has the Right Stuff to leave earth. Shine TV produces in association with Untold Studios. 

Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home

A third-party pickup, produced for BBC One and iPlayer by Expectation in association with Joks Productions, chronicling the life and final three years of former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne.

“Wild Reckoning With Bear Grylls,”

Produced by Wrexham-based Tŷ’r Ddraig, part of Banijay UK’s Workerbee Group, the all-new show sees Grylls attempt to resolve challenged relationships – from feuding families and broken friendships to neighbor disputes and long-standing workplace grudges – joining a team of mediators, psychologists and survival mentors to present participants with physical and psychological challenges in wild North Wales. “I’ve spent a lifetime learning from the wild and, above all, I believe in its power to heal,” Grylls has said.