TV 2’s Dorthe Thirstrup

The entertainment slate at Denmark’s TV 2 includes big-name brands such as Dancing with the Stars and The X Factor, but with risk-taking as part of its DNA, there are some brand-new format concepts coming to the screen as well. Dorthe Thirstrup, channel controller at TV 2, gives TV Formats a look at the entertainment strategy. 

TV FORMATS: What’s guiding TV 2’s entertainment strategy at present?
THIRSTRUP: In a world dominated by closed echo chambers, we at TV 2 try to focus on all the things we have in common. We believe in bringing people together to share experiences and important discussions. That goes for all genres, entertainment most certainly included. At TV 2, we try really hard to open a wide range of arenas, offering as many original experiences as possible for our audiences. And at best, the formats work both on linear and streaming.

 TV FORMATS: What have been some of the most successful adaptations of international formats, historically, for TV 2? What about format adaptations currently on air?
THIRSTRUP: We have finished our 19th season of Dancing with the Stars and are looking very much forward to the anniversary! In this playful arena, all sizes, colors and ages are welcome—and I love that beautiful diversity! The X Factor has been with us for a few years now and is doing extremely well. The Taskmaster format has cracked the streaming code and has a really broad audience. 

 TV FORMATS: Do you require a solid track record before you’ll evaluate a format for adaptation on TV 2 or is risk-taking on new concepts part of the TV 2 mission?
THIRSTRUP: Actually, we like both! We are doing quite well in the Danish market with more hit formats, but to stay relevant to the audience, you need to revitalize continuously. So, alongside some of the international smash hits, we test new formats and co-develop a few new formats from scratch, with a special Danish touch.

 TV FORMATS: What’s on your wish list for entertainment/format acquisitions at present?
THIRSTRUP: The Danish version of Bake Off is so well produced and is highly popular—it would match our slate beautifully!

TV FORMATS: Are you looking more for prime time, access prime, daily strip?
THIRSTRUP: For a few seasons, we have been focusing on developing new reality formats custom-made for TV 2. It has been a wonderful process in close collaboration with some of the best creative minds in the business. It has resulted in four brand-new reality formats, none of them produced before! Common features are that they will be produced in spectacular scenery, they will offer food for thought and focus on personal development and the power of community.

Having all that in the pipeline, we are focused on weekend entertainment. Both the formats that bring the families together and the ones that stream well, but also those that do well when rerun. 

TV FORMATS: Anything you’re not seeing enough of in the market that you’d like to see more of?
THIRSTRUP: Quizzes, talent shows and lots of dating! It is hard to find those formats that really stick out. 

For a few years, we haven’t been able to find new reality formats that matched our profile and ambitions at TV 2. So, we initiated a very rewarding and giving process with some of the brilliant Danish production companies that has resulted in four formats. We are taking quite a risk here, but I am confident that it will pay off. It is obvious that there is so much blood, sweat and tears put into these formats—people have really been working hard. And it feels original! I like that, and I think the audience will too.