Banijay’s Bunim/Murray gets the ball rolling for SBS6 physical gameshow in US

Let’s Play Ball was Holland’s biggest new launch in the 25-44 demo

Banijay-owned US unscripted outfit Bunim/Murray Productions (BMP) is set to introduce US buyers to Dutch format Let’s Play Ball, which started out as a YouTube series before being greenlit by SBS6 for television.

The physical gameshow format, which was co-developed by Banijay Benelux label EndemolShine Nederland, Talpa Studios and Signal.Stream, sees celebrity-led teams take part in over-the-top challenges as they race giant balls through city streets and countryside and down rivers.

The original version has been a hit in Holland, becoming the biggest new launch in the 25-44 demo and earning a season two renewal from SBS6.

Banijay UK labels Initial and Zeppotron, which are behind the British version of Last One Laughing (Prime Video), are also developing a UK version of Let’s Play Ball. The format will be introduced to international buyers at Mipcom next week.

BMP, which sits inside Banijay Americas, is behind franchises and projects including The Challenge (Paramount+/MTV), Vanderpump Villa (Hulu), The Chrisleys: Back to Reality (Lifetime) and A Killer Among Friends with Jennifer Love Hewitt (Investigation Discovery). It is also in development on a new competition format with X Games, as well as a survival adventure series with Reacher star Alan Ritchson.

BMP president Julie Pizzi said Let’s Play Ball, and its origins, “perfectly reflects today’s creator-driven storytelling,” while executive VP of development Rupert Dobson said the format will create “hilarious, viral moments.”

Other Banijay Entertainment formats set to be introduced to buyers at Mipcom include Football Island, Lost & Found in the Lakes, Foodish and Villa of Temptations.