FremantleMedia Strikes First Deal for 5 Against the Quizmaster

LONDON: FremantleMedia has sold the new game show 5 Against the Quizmaster to Channel Russia, scoring its first deal for the series since it launched at MIPCOM. 

The show, originally acquired from i&u TV Produktion in Germany, will debut in Russia with Maxim Galkin, a former host of Who Wants to be a Millionaire in Russia, as the Quizmaster. He will test his knowledge, and nerves, against five contestants. The show will go to air in December with the local title 5 Against Galkin.

The quiz format was Germany’s highest rated new entertainment launch of 2009. It ranked number one in its time slot on RTL across all key demographics under the local title 5 Gegen Jauch.

Andreas Zaik, the CEO of i&u, said: “Following the success of 5 Against the Quizmaster in Germany, we are delighted that it has also been picked up by Russia. Working with FremantleMedia on this format has allowed it to travel successfully and we hope that Russian viewers enjoy the show as much as our German audience.”

Rob Clark, the president of worldwide entertainment for FremantleMedia, added: “When FremantleMedia acquired 5 Against The Quizmaster, we instantly recognized its potential as a global format. It’s a fantastic game-show concept with a great twist, and the ratings in Germany were phenomenal. We’re very pleased to be using our global network to bring this fantastic show to viewers in Russia.”