La Banda to Get Local Treatment in Greece

LONDON: Greek free-TV broadcaster Skai has ordered an adaptation of the popular singing reality entertainment format La Banda in a deal with FremantleMedia International and Syco Entertainment.

La Banda puts fans in control of finding a country’s next ultimate pop band. The show was developed by Syco Entertainment and Saban Brands. The International Emmy-nominated U.S Hispanic version debuted on Univision in 2015 and was number one in its time slot among 18- to 49-year-old Hispanics in such key markets as Chicago, Miami, New York and Houston.

Alkistis Maragoudaki, the program director for Skai, stated: “At Skai TV we always aim to select and include in our program lineup the best and most popular shows in the world. For the new season, we have the most exciting suggestion for the Greek viewers; La Banda! Having established a strong and highly successful collaboration with FremantleMedia International and Syco, we continue on with the show, which will give audiences the chance to find the best pop band in all of Greece. We truly believe that La Banda is the next step in the realm of entertainment shows!”

Anahita Kheder, the senior VP for the Middle East, Africa and Southeastern Europe at FremantleMedia International, noted: “Having achieved fantastic results when we previously partnered with Skai on The X Factor, we couldn’t be more thrilled about working together on La Banda. The format, which has interactivity as its heart, has had a great reception worldwide and we’re looking forward to the search for Greece’s ultimate pop band.”

George Levendis, the head of international at Syco Entertainment, added: “La Banda has already achieved excellent results launching CNCO, the hottest new Latin boyband in more than a decade, winning awards and currently breaking [records] globally with the new single ‘Reggaetón Lento.’ We are excited to bring the format to Greece, extending our successful relationship with the Skai team in the hope of finding another superstar boyband and entertaining audiences in the process.”