Banijay Entertainment has unveiled a new dating reality format, Date Knight, joining its international lineup. Produced by Nordisk Film TV, part of Banijay Nordic, for Danish public broadcaster DR, the format transports singles into a spectacular romantasy world where romance, roleplay and adventure collide.Reimagined as knights, elves, witches and warriors, participants meet and date entirely in character, temporarily leaving behind the conventions and pressures of modern dating. Through grand balls, secret encounters and romantic quests, they are encouraged to form connections and take emotional risks they might not normally dare to explore in real life.Inspired by research suggesting that roleplay can help boost confidence, empathy and self-awareness, Date Knight asks whether stepping into another identity can ultimately lead to a more authentic connection. Guided by DR P3 radio host Jannik Schouw and couples therapist and anthropologist Julie Houe, the singles gradually shed their fantasy personas and reveal their true selves. But once the costumes come off, will the romance survive beyond the castle walls?
James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development, Banijay Entertainment adds: “With Date Knight, Nordisk Film TV has transformed the powerful cultural trend of romantasy into a highly original dating format. Using roleplay as a gateway to genuine human connection, this visually ambitious, emotionally engaging new series is set to bring a touch of romance to the Croisette.”Ulrik Jørgensen, CEO, Nordisk Film TV, says: “Date Knight changes the dynamics of modern dating and introduces a new kind of thoughtful dating. Freeing participants from many of the expectations and insecurities shaping first impressions, the format allows them to be bolder and more emotionally open. The result… humour, surprise and heart-filled connections that transform into compelling love stories.”
Isabella Alonso De Vera Hindkjær, Head of DR P3, comments: “We were drawn to Date Knight because it offers something genuinely different within the dating genre – an imaginative and entertaining world where contestants can lower their guard, build trust and discover unexpected chemistry. This really is escapist entertainment with real emotional authenticity.”
The format joins Banijay Entertainment’s MIPCOM 2026 slate of original titles, alongside 100 Knives, Last One Standing and Million Dollar Idea, as well as upcoming streamer titles Beat Luke Littler, Netflix, Will You Marry Me?, Simon Says, The Mob, and Monopoly.
As the world’s leading format creator and owner, Banijay Entertainment plays home to an extensive repertoire of relationship heavyweights, which include Temptation Island, adapted in 27 markets worldwide and returning for a third US season on Netflix; Celebs Go Dating; Bad Boyfriends; Going Home for Love; Save the Date; Love Triangle; and Undercover Lover. The company also produces Netflix hit Love is Blind across four international markets.
One of Denmark’s leading production companies, Banijay Nordic label Nordisk Film TV is known for developing innovative original formats across a range of genres. Its portfolio includes groundbreaking tech-driven docu-series AI Love You and the recently announced Danish version of Virgin Island, alongside entertainment hits All Against 1, Wonderkids, Home of the Year, Quest Heroes.
