Germany’s SAT.1 Localizes Back to School Format

The Italian format Back to School is getting a local treatment in Germany for SAT.1 to air next August.

In each episode, four celebrities face a real elementary school exam. They attend a summer camp and are later tested on one subject they have prepared for as well as a “surprise” subject.

Mediaset Distribution licensed the Back to School format into Germany, where Cheerio Entertainment is working on a local version (titled Zurück in die Schule) for SAT.1.

Jörg Pilawa will present the local version. Former Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Dr. Kristina Schröder, is among the participants, as are presenter Sonya Kraus, TV host Britt Hagedorn, journalist Marcel Reif, actor Wotan Wilke Möhring, singer Patrick Lindner and actress Janine Kunze.

Claudia Marra, who handles the format rights for Mediaset Distribution, said: “I am very happy with the success of this format that is collecting interest worldwide after its first presentation at MIPTV ‘Fresh Around the World’ in April. Everyone likes the idea of mini-teachers having to do with celebrities in an entertaining reversion of roles. After lockdown and sad things continuing to happen, [this is] a show that will reunite family and large target groups of all ages for a good moment of relaxation and fun. I guess we really need it.”