Format

At MIPCOM 2025, BBC Studios took center stage with a compelling session titled “BBC Studios Presents: Premium Unscripted Formats”, spotlighting its next generation of entertainment hits. From fresh BBC One game shows to breakout international comedies, the presentation reinforced the studio’s position as a leading force in global unscripted storytelling.

Hosted by Sumi Connock, EVP Global Creative Network & Formats at BBC Studios, the showcase unveiled a line-up of innovative formats poised to capture international audiences, including The Inner Circle, Wisdom of the Crowd, and the expanding success story Nation’s Dumbest.

The session brought together a distinguished panel of commissioners and creative executives shaping the global entertainment landscape: Sumi Connock, EVP Global Creative Network & Formats, BBC Studios – overseeing an extensive catalogue of global icons like Dancing with the Stars, The Great Bake Off, The 1% Club and Weakest Link, Connock emphasized BBC Studios’ commitment to “bold, high-concept formats that combine intelligence, emotion, and play.”

Kate Philips, Chief Content Officer, BBC – newly appointed in June 2025, Philips highlighted the BBC’s strategy to continue nurturing premium unscripted content, noting that “shows like Strictly Come Dancing, The Traitors and Gladiators demonstrate the enduring appetite for event television that unites audiences.”

David Marshall, Head of Entertainment, Tern TV – presented The Inner Circle, a new BBC One quiz format where general knowledge meets social strategy. Marshall described it as “a show about trust, deception, and human instinct – where knowing who to trust can be more valuable than knowing the right answer.”

Julien Degroote, EVP Content Development, TF1 Group – discussed his network’s appetite for smart, scalable entertainment formats, stressing the importance of “formats that can travel and adapt culturally without losing their core energy.”

Vegard B. Normann, Head of Entertainment, TV 2 Norway, and Niklas Vestberg, Head of Formats & Development, TV4 Sweden – both shared insights on local adaptations of Nation’s Dumbest, the hit comedy format that humorously celebrates human error while resonating with national audiences.

Eduardo Escorial, Director of Entertainment & Current Affairs, Mediaset España – joined to discuss the Spanish adaptation of Wisdom of the Crowd, confirming its local version following its official sale to RTL Germany, announced during the session.

New Formats Unveiled
The Inner Circle
(A Tern TV production for BBC One)
In this tense new game show, strategy and trust are as vital as general knowledge. Six contestants start with a hidden sum between £0 and £4,000—only they know how much. Across four rounds, players must navigate alliances and betrayals as they fight to stay in the circle. In the final showdown, the remaining two face a crucial choice: share the jackpot or betray the other and walk away with everything.

Wisdom of the Crowd
(From Magnum Productions for BBC One)
A single contestant goes head-to-head against 200 audience members in a battle of averages. From quirky lifestyle stats to everyday curiosities—how much does the average person spend on an engagement ring?—the show explores whether an individual can outsmart collective intelligence. The twist: if contestants fail, the audience shares the winnings. It’s a thrilling David vs Goliath format, merging psychology, probability, and entertainment.
 The format was also officially sold to RTL Germany, as announced live during the session.

The Ongoing Success of “Nation’s Dumbest”
First launched at MIPCOM 2024, Nation’s Dumbest continues to expand globally, with new international format licenses recently confirmed by BBC Studios for TV 2 Norway, TV4 Sweden, and TF1 Group. The show’s clever mix of humor and relatability—celebrating human blunders with warmth and wit—has made it a standout hit in the comedy entertainment space.