Star China takes up Infinite Challenge

MIPTV: Chinese media group Star China is to adapt hit South Korean entertainment reality format Infinite Challenge.

Star China’s deal with South Korean broadcaster MBC will extend its studio-based talent focus into new factual entertainment and reality territory for the first time.

The group currently produces local version of Talpa’s The Voice, China’s Got Talent, Amazing Chinese and So You Think You Can Dance. It also launched its own local talent show, Sing My Song, which generated a 37% share on CCTV3. The latter is distributed globally by ITV Studios.

Weekly variety show Infinite Challenge, which featured as a case study at this year’s MipFormats, is one of MBC’s top rated programmes, consistently winning its timeslot at 18.30 on Saturdays since its launch 10 years ago.

The comedy-driven format involves six comedians teaming up to carry out silly and/or sometimes impossible challenges, dubbed 3D: Dirty, Dangerous and Difficult.

“We are confident that this unique show will be a hit in China,” said Vivian Yin, Star China’s chief representative and VP of Starry Productions. “We have a strong history of creating and producing the country’s top rated formats such as The Voice of China and Sing My Song and look forward to taking Infinite Challenge to that level. We thank MBC for entrusting Star China with their most prized format.”

Star China’s operations span TV and film production, broadcasting, artist management, music and concert production. It owns and operates three channels aimed at Chinese-speaking audience across Hong Kong, Macau and South-East Asia.