Endemol to Rep Seinfeld Comedy-Reality Format

HILVERSUM: The Marriage Ref, from comedian Jerry Seinfeld and partner Ellen Rakieten, will be distributed internationally by Endemol, which will also produce local versions of the comedy-reality format worldwide. 

 

Endemol will be the exclusive distributor of the format across all platforms outside of the U.S. and will also globally distribute the NBC series, which is being executive produced by Seinfeld and Rakieten.

The show has been commissioned for a prime-time run of six hour-long episodes on NBC in March 2010. The Marriage Ref will feature opinionated celebrities, comedians, sports personalities and international stars who will candidly comment, judge and offer different strategies to real-life couples in the middle of a marital dispute.

"To me, marriage is this great comedy planet that so many people around the world live on and will relate too," said Seinfeld. "This is not a therapy show, it’s a comedy show. After nine years of marriage I have discovered that the comedic potential of this subject is quite rich."

Rakieten added, "Endemol’s enthusiasm and passion for The Marriage Ref was evident from our first meeting. Their incredible track record speaks for itself. We are proud to partner with them on this project."

Tom Toumazis, the chief commercial officer at Endemol Group, commented: "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with a worldwide legend of Jerry Seinfeld’s status. The Marriage Ref is already a major network commission in the U.S.A. and with someone of Ellen Rakieten’s unparalleled experience behind it has all the makings of a global smash hit."

Toumazis continued: "This is without doubt the most significant third-party distribution deal Endemol has secured since we announced our intention to grow this part of our business last year."