UKTV Makes First Foray into Korean Formats

UKTV has commissioned Battle in the Box, a new comedy reality game show for the entertainment channel Dave and the free streaming service UKTV Play that is based on a hit Korean format.

Battle in the Box will see pairs of comics and some of the nation’s favorite celebrities spend 24 hours in a box with only cameras and each other for company. Over the course of the day and night, they will need to earn everything by winning a series of physical and mental challenges, with Jimmy Carr tapped to host—and orchestrate the chaos.

Carr commented: “We all know comedians are at their best when they’re tired, hungry and lacking the most basic of human comforts. So, I can’t wait to see how they’ll fare in the box, with space at a premium and cameras watching their every move. What could possibly go right?”

The new series is based on a Korean format created by Korean company NMedia, which is represented by Seoul-based format agency Something Special. Filming starts next month, and contestants will be announced nearer to broadcast on Dave and UKTV Play. Battle in the Box is produced by Interstellar.

Mark Iddon, senior commissioning editor, said: “Finally, we get to answer the classic age-old question of what would happen if Jimmy Carr locked two pairs of comedians in a giant box for 24 hrs to battle to the death (ok, not death) whilst a moving wall threatens to make them live in a space the size of a photo booth? Because, you know, there is nothing like a wall inching in on your personal space to bring out the best in comedy!”

Cherie Hall, Dave channel director, said: “This format balances the perfect mix of challenge in the gameplay, jeopardy via the moving and claustrophobic wall, and a tonne of fun and comedy from the trials and tribulations of our celebs being locked together in a box. An exciting launch for Dave in 2024.”

Jamie Ormerod and David Williams, executive producers at Interstellar, said: “Battle in the Box combines our two favorite genres, comedy and reality, in one stand-out format that challenges comics and celebs to think outside the box while living inside one. We’re delighted to be partnering with Jimmy Carr and the team at Dave to bring it to U.K. screens.”

Jin Woo Hwang and Praise ChanMi Shin of Something Special said: “Something Special is thrilled to collaborate with UKTV and Interstellar on Battle in the Box and see our exciting format come to life on the screen. Audiences love watching celebrities go through tough challenges, and it will be fascinating to watch how they strategize to secure their space.”