Banijay Mexico & US Hispanic falls head over heels for dating format Star Crush

Cristina Sarnoff, left, and Carlos Ponce

LA SCREENINGS: Banijay Mexico & US Hispanic is teaming with actor and TV personality Carlos Ponce (Hollywood Heights) and executive Cristina Sarnoff to develop dating game show, Star Crush.

The original unscripted series will see the Mexico City-based studio work with content development outfit Ponce & Sarnoff on the reality format, with plans to pitch it to buyers from the Latin American and US Hispanic markets later this year.

Star Crush brings devoted fans face-to-face with their celebrity crushes for a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime date, and possibly more. In each episode, one celebrity meets three superfans, each competing for a romantic night out with their favourite famous person.

Puerto Rican actor Ponce serves as creator, executive producer and host of the show.

Banijay Mexico & US Hispanic is part of Banijay Americas and was launched in 2022. It has produced formats such as LOL: Last One Laughing and Temptation Island.

Marie Leguizamo, MD of Banijay Mexico & US Hispanic, said: “Since we launched Banijay Mexico & US Hispanic, I’ve wanted to find a way to work and develop projects together with both Carlos Ponce and Cristina Sarnoff and Star Crush is the perfect series for us to do so.

“We believe Star Crush will resonate deeply with a new generation of viewers, as it blends humour, romance and celebrity in a way that we’ve never seen before in the unscripted space.”

Cristina Sarnoff, founder and CEO of Sarnoff Media, said: “Star Crush is more than a show — it’s a celebration of multicultural identity, connection and joy.

“Partnering with Banijay Mexico & US Hispanic and Carlos Ponce allows us to center Latino talent and stories in a way that feels fresh, elevated and authentically ours, where brands are excited to join forces.”