The Taste Scores Two New Asian Deals

HONG KONG/MUNICH: MediaCorp in Singapore has secured the first-window rights for the cooking competition The Taste, scoring the U.S. version as well as the option to make its own local treatment, while the Lifestyle Network channel in the Philippines took on the ready-made ABC show.

ABC is ready for an eight-episode version of The Taste that is led by Nigella Lawson and Anthony Bourdain, who will lead a panel of four judges. The show was created by Kinetic Content, Red Arrow’s U.S. production company. The international rights are held by Red Arrow International.

Joy Olby-Tan, the VP of network acquisitions at MediaCorp Channel 5, said, "We were sold on The Taste‘s hot-formula pedigree of two of the culinary world’s superstars. MediaCorp is pleased to have picked up the first-window rights for Singapore and we can’t wait to bring this potential hit to our viewers across multiple platforms in 2013."  

Macie Ferreros Imperial, the head of program acquisition at creative programs Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation, commented, "We are very excited to air The Taste in the Philippines not only for it’s interesting format but also because it showcases two very popular celebrity chefs. Nigella Lawson and Anthony Bourdain have quite a following on the Lifestyle Network channel and we are eager to watch how their chemistry develops on the show."

Jamie I, the senior sales manager Asia at Red Arrow International in Hong Kong, added, "This is amazing. With its key ingredients of nerve-wrecking competition and delicious food The Taste created a huge buzz all over the world. After the sale to India we are absolutely psyched that it will now air in two more Asian territories."