Let’s Play Ball rolls into Finland as YouTube-first format finds third int’l buyer

Pilvi Hämäläinen will host Finland’s Let’s Play Ball

Disney-owned Star Channel in Finland has commissioned a local-language adaptation of YouTube unscripted format Let’s Play Ball.

The third international version of the madcap show will be produced by Banijay Finland. Hosted by Pilvi Hämäläinen, the eight-part series will take the competition across Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, Kuopio and Oulu.

The physical gameshow sees celebrity teams transport a gigantic ball across varied terrains, from busy city streets to rivers and countryside. Along the way, they face physical puzzles and escalating twists.

Let’s Play Ball was originally co-developed by Banijay Benelux label EndemolShine Nederland, Talpa Studios and Signal.Stream and piloted on the latter’s YouTube channel StukTV.

It went on to be coproduced by EndemolShine Nederland and Signal.Stream for Dutch broadcaster SBS6. In the UK, the format is in development with Banijay UK’s Initial and Zeppotron, while Banijay Americas’ Bunim/Murray Productions is taking the show to market in the US.