NENT’s Viaplay lines up Dutch version of Dragons’ Den as first local original

Nordic Entertainment (NENT) Group-owned streamer Viaplay in the Netherlands has commissioned its first local production, a Dutch version of Nippon TV format Dragons’ Den.

The format, which sees entrepreneurs pitch business ideas to potential investors, will be adapted in the Netherlands by Vincent TV (Five Days Inside, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?).

The show was launched in Japan on Nippon TV in 2001 and has travelled the world, with versions commissioned by broadcasters including the BBC in the UK, Seven Network in Australia and NTV in Kenya.

Dragons’ Den, which is known under a number of titles including Shark Tank and Lions’ Den, is distributed internationally by Sony Picture Television.

NENT Group announced it was taking Viaplay to the Netherlands last year, giving a launch date of March 1, 2022. The move is part of the group’s plan to roll out Viaplay in 16 territories by 2023.

Filippa Wallestam, NENT Group’s chief content officer, said: “Viaplay’s pitch to Dutch viewers is simple: we offer local and original productions, the best of Hollywood, high-quality kids’ content and the most attractive sports – all on a single service that represents excellent value for money. Dragons’ Den is a proven format that blends the brilliant with the unexpected, and which has both kick-started great businesses and entertained viewers around the world.”