Format

Belgian format distributor Primitives has unveiled the first international adaptation of its original adventure reality format The Expedition, with France Télévisions commissioning a local version of the series. The French edition will air during the winter season and was produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production France. The series was filmed earlier this year in Greenland, following the format’s previous success in Belgium, where three seasons (8x60’) have aired on Play4 and SVOD platform STREAMZ, produced by award-winning independent company Roses are Blue.

The Expedition challenges eight celebrities to navigate some of the world’s most extreme environments, testing their endurance, teamwork and resilience as they face the toughest conditions nature has to offer. The French adaptation takes place in Greenland, where participants must survive the Arctic Circle Trail during winter, facing temperatures as low as -40°C (-55°C felt). Guided by a polar expert, the group undergoes intensive preparation before confronting the challenges of the frozen wilderness, pushing their physical and mental limits while discovering the power of teamwork and human connection.

Bruno Henriquet, president at WBITVP France said: “This show has been, by far, one of the toughest I’ve ever had to oversee. From geopolitical uncertainties to extreme, even by local standards, weather conditions, we had it all. But I think that the best answer and true testament to the strength of this format, is that even with all this turmoil what truly shines is the human adventure. Seeing those celebrities under a new light, sharing both a personal and a common goal, pushing themselves to their limits… will make viewers feel like they are in the Expedition themselves…But let’s not forget our main character: Greenland. Such a beautiful setting with awe inspiring landscapes, and the best possible back drop for such a great adventure. Can’t wait to share this wonderful and emotional show to the French audience.”
Simone de Pruyssenaere de la Woestyne, managing director at Primitives said "We're incredibly proud to see The Expedition make its first international journey with such outstanding partners in France Télévisions and Warner Bros. France. The format's unique blend of spectacular adventure and authentic human storytelling has resonated strongly with Belgian audiences, and we're thrilled to see it travel to a major international market for the very first time. This commission marks an important milestone for the format, and we can't wait for French viewers to embark on the journey themselves."