BBCS quiz formats extended around world

The original UK version of Weakest Link

MIPCOM: UK quiz formats Weakest Link, Mastermind and A Question of Sport have been licensed around the world in deals signed by BBC Studios (BBCS).

After garnering almost six million viewers on its return to NBC in the US two weeks ago, hosted by Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning host and actor Jane Lynch, classic quiz format Weakest Link has been renewed by Skai in Greece and Mir TV in Russia.

In Greece, an agreement has been struck with JK Productions to produce an 80-episode second series for free-to-air broadcaster Skai. Tasos Tryfonos, who also hosts the Cypriot version of the format, resumes hosting duties for the Greek show.

Next month, production also begins on a 32-episode second season for Russia’s Mir TV. The Russian show is produced by Studio 2V and hosted by former Olympic champion Maria Kiselyova.

In Australia, Mastermind has been renewed by SBS after debuting last year, with BBC Studios ANZ commissioned to make a third series for the broadcaster. A further 85 episodes of Mastermind and five more episodes of Celebrity Mastermind have been ordered, with filming due to begin early next year.

A Question of Sport, meanwhile, has been picked up for a 60-part run by Greece’s ERT-1, produced by Foss Productions. The Greek version airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays in primetime, starting today.

The news follows the launch of the same format in Slovakia on the pubcaster RTVS Jednotka this month, with former ice hockey player Ján Lašák and Slovak basketball star Radoslav Rančík as team captains.

“Gameshows resonate around the world, as viewers can play at home with their friends and family,” said Andre Renaud, senior VP of global format sales at BBCS. “Brands like Weakest Link, A Question of Sport and Mastermind prove that this genre can still find new homes and also reach new audiences.”