Format

Keshet International (KI) has licensed its hit physical word search format The Search to Belgian production company Free Kings, who will adapt it for VRT’s children’s and youth channel, Ketnet.

Co-created by KI and Youngest Media for Keshet 12 in Israel, The Search is a simple yet addictive game show that turns the classic word search puzzle into a large-scale, high-energy television event. In the studio, pairs of contestants test their trivia knowledge, speed, and teamwork while navigating a life-sized LED letter grid. Dynamic big-screen visuals ensure that every moment is as entertaining for viewers at home as it is for the studio audience.

Geert Willems and Muriel Maebe, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Free Kings, said:“From the moment we saw The Search, we knew it had huge potential—not only as a high-energy entertainment show but also as a smart way to engage young viewers with language and learning. The format is visually striking, fast-paced, and inherently playful, making it the perfect base to create something both fun and enriching. Ketnet immediately recognized the value of a show that strengthens vocabulary, spelling, and critical thinking through gameplay. We’re very proud of Lettersoep and confident it will both entertain and inspire.”

Annemie Gulickx, Channel Manager for Ketnet, added:“When Free Kings presented Lettersoep, we instantly saw the opportunity. Language is a key theme for Ketnet, and this format perfectly blends entertainment with learning. It also marks the long-awaited return of a studio quiz to our channel. We’re thrilled to bring it to audiences later this year and can’t wait for children and their parents to play along.”

Kelly Wright, KI’s Managing Director of Distribution, said:“The magic of The Search lies in its flexibility. At its core, it’s a brilliantly simple idea—finding answers hidden in a giant LED grid—but every version can be customized for local audiences. Its success on Aragón TV, where Sopa de Letras has aired daily across three seasons and boosted the channel’s share by 39%, proves its universal appeal. We’re particularly excited to see the format evolve in Belgium as its first-ever kids’ version, opening the door to new audiences worldwide.”

Produced by Free Kings, the Belgian version is titled Lettersoep (Alphabet Soup). Commissioned by VRT for Ketnet—which runs mainly on VRT MAX but also airs on VRT’s broadcast channels and YouTube—the show launches with 30x15’ episodes, hosted by Emma Vanthielen. Each episode sees two teams compete across three themed rounds, designed to reinforce Ketnet’s educational values while delivering fun, fast-paced gameplay. The colorful studio set features a 64-square interactive LED grid, with episodes rolling out in two batches: the first later this year, and the second in early 2026.

Lettersoep is the third international adaptation of KI’s format. The first came in Uruguay, where Canal 4 successfully launched Sopa de Letras (Alphabet Soup), commissioning 70 episodes to date. In 2024, KI licensed the format to The MediaPro Studio in Spain for Aragón TV, where the daily strip has delivered over 150 episodes across three seasons. The show has averaged 8.6% SHR—up 39% from the slot’s previous programming—and hit record highs of 16.4% SHR, revitalizing its timeslot with a returning-contestant mechanic that keeps audiences hooked.