Endemol Scores First International Deals on Marriage Ref

CANNES: Endemol has reached an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Media Company that includes both a local version of the new Jerry Seinfeld-executive produced series The Marriage Ref as well as the original NBC edition.

Abu Dhabi Media Company has commissioned Endemol Middle East to produce its own edition of the comedy-panel series about marriage, launched this week at MIPCOM. Seinfeld is exec producing with the show’s co-creator, Ellen Rakieten. Endemol is selling the format rights worldwide, while Endemol Worldwide Distribution is selling the NBC version, which premieres in March after the Winter Olympics in a Sunday night slot.

Karim Sarkis, executive director of broadcast at Abu Dhabi Media Company, noted: "Abu Dhabi Media Company is constantly looking for original and innovative content for our viewers. We are confident The Marriage Ref will be a hit with our audience as it addresses the universal theme of marital life in a fun and entertaining way."

Ziad Kebbi, the managing director of Endemol Middle East, added: "We are thrilled to be partnering with Abu Dhabi Media Company for The Marriage Ref. This is the show that everyone is talking about and we are extremely excited about producing a local version for the Middle East. The theme of the format couldn’t be more universally appealing and I’m in no doubt that audiences across the region will love it.”

Paul Romer, chief creative officer of Endemol Group, stated: “The reaction to the launch of The Marriage Ref at MIPCOM this week has been quite phenomenal. It’s becoming clear that people see this as a must-have show and are rushing to buy it before the competition does. Having Jerry and Ellen here in Cannes to share their belief and enthusiasm in this project has been another major boost to this momentum.”

The show will feature opinionated celebrities, comedians, sports personalities and international A-list stars who will candidly comment, judge and offer different strategies to real-life couples in the midst of a classic marital dispute.