Red or Black? Leads Off ITV Studios’ Slate

LONDON: ITV Studios and ITV Studios Global Entertainment are to launch a number of new formats at MIPCOM, among them the prime-time entertainment series Red or Black?, developed by Simon Cowell’s Syco TV.

Red or Black? is co-produced by Syco and ITV Studios. The show debuted on ITV1 with a 37 percent share. Each episode sees thousands of hopefuls narrowed down to just one person through a series of games where the outcome is always red or black. The last person remaining stands to win a life-changing sum of money.

Also on the MIPCOM slate is the prime-time game show Holding Out for a Hero, which launched on ITV1 last week (and was the most successful debut for a Sunday night entertainment series this year). The series sees contestants tested in skill, luck and strategy, standing to win a large sum of money that will go to a deserving local hero. Born to Shine, also for ITV1, is a prime-time entertainment format that sees famous faces getting tutored by talented kids in a whole new skill. The children have the talent, and the celebrities who they’ve mentored must perform in a live show and be judged by the public. There’s also the factual-entertainment format Buried Treasure, as well as the daily cooking competition There’s No Taste Like Home.

The ITV Studios Global Entertainment format catalogue also includes Come Dine With Me, produced in some 30 countries; May the Best House Win; Four Weddings, which has been produced in 17 territories; and Coach Trip, making its French debut later this year.

Paul Buccieri, the managing director of ITV Studios International, commented, “Our formats portfolio for MIPCOM showcases a range of shows from high impact, primetime entertainment to the best in flexible, simple and cost-effective properties. We have titles packed with edge-of-your-seat entertainment, offering huge primetime hits plus high-volume shows providing fantastic content to be stripped across daytime; as well as properties which can be developed to suit either slot for local broadcasters.”