WBTV’s Ricochet herds rights for Aussie series Muster Dogs in UK format deal

WBTV’s Ricochet has acquired Muster Dogs for the UK

Ambience Entertainment’s reality series Muster Dogs has been acquired as a format for development in the UK by Warner Bros International TV Productions owned Ricochet.

Originally commissioned by the ABC and launched on ABC TV in 2023, Muster Dogs is based on an original concept by producer Michael Boughen for Ambience Entertainment. The format, developed in partnership with the ABC, has spawned three seasons with a fourth currently in production. ABC Commercial also handles international distribution for the Australian series.

UK-based Ricochet will be adapting the format in conjunction with Pippa Lambert from Hellcat Productions, who has acquired the US rights to the format.

ABC Commercial has confirmed that it is in further format sales negotiations with partners in Spain, France and the Nordics.

The original format formula follows six farmers from across regional areas, that are tasked to rear a puppy from the same litter and train them to be herding dogs in one year.

Ricochet’s creative director Damon Pattison, said: “It’s a brilliant format and I think the combination of utterly adorable puppies, the beautiful British countryside and a dose of competitive reality will make this series a sure fire hit in the UK.’’