Free Monkeys to build The Bridge as HBO Max takes survival format to Hungary

The Bridge was adapted for the UK by Workerbee

Warner Bros Discovery-owned streamer HBO Max has become the latest buyer to adapt survival format The Bridge, with the SVoD service set to screen the show in Hungary.

Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay, made the announcement today, extending the reach of a format that has already been adapted in the UK, Spain, Australia, the Netherlands and US.

The deal was negotiated by Veronique Verges, Banijay Right’s senior VP for Germany, Hungary and Poland, who said: “After performing so well in other territories, we are thrilled this incredible series will go on to delight Hungarian viewers.”

The Bridge was created in Spain by Zeppelin, part of Banijay Iberia, and sees contestants attempt to build a 250 metre bridge across water to an island in just 20 days. They must work together to achieve the daunting task, with a large cash prize up for grabs.

The new Hungarian version will be made locally by Free Monkeys Production and filmed around Lake Bells, close to the Hungarian border. It will be presented by YouTube video blogger Csabi Magyarosi.

A UK adaptation of The Bridge was made by Workerbee in 2021, with Brazilian and Australian versions added this year, both produced by Endemol Shine.

Banijay Rights struck multiple deals for the UK series with broadcasters in the Netherlands, plus across Africa and Latin America. The UK series also aired on HBO Max in the US, Latin America and Asia.

Annelies Sitvast, head of unscripted original production for HBO Max EMEA, said: “The Bridge is a unique combination of adventure format while also questioning fundamental human nature.”