Small World, Whoopi prep gameshow

US indie format company Small World IFT is teaming up with Whoopi Goldberg’s One Hoe Productions and Red Arrow Studios’ 44 Blue Productions to develop a US version of quizshow Win Your Country.

Tim Crescenti

Based on a format from Romania’s Zucchero Media, the US version sees contestants answer questions about their state, region or city. Each starts with a chosen territory and must ‘conquer’ neighbouring regions to make it to the next level before one person takes home the prize money.

The original is now in its fourth season on Romanian broadcaster TVR2, with 200 episodes produced. The format is also in development at a Canadian broadcaster and has been optioned in France.

The US adaptation will be exec produced by Goldberg and Tom Leonardis for One Hoe in partnership with Stephanie Noonan Drachkovitch, president and co-founder, and Dan Snook for 44 Blue. Noah Bonnett (Ellen’s Game of Games) is onboard as showrunner.

“We love the civic nature of this show and the positive focus on unity and identity. It gives the players and the audience a chance to take pride in the place they call home and have a great time doing it, along with a little healthy competition,” said Goldberg.

Tim Crescenti, president at Small World IFT, said: “The format guarantees plenty of humour, fast-paced quiz/trivia action and viewer interaction. One Hoe and 44 Blue were quick to recognise its strong potential for the US market.”