Format

BBC Studios announced today that it has agreed to license a new series of the iconic quiz show format Weakest Link to France. Produced by BBC Studios France, the new series, known locally as Le Maillon Faible, marks the return of the format to French Television and will be hosted by renowned presenter Olivier Minne. It will begin airing on the M6 channel from next season and follows two successful specials that aired on M6 in October 2024.

In each episode, eight contestants enter the studio as total strangers but must work together to bank the maximum amount of prize money available in each round. The contestants take turns to answer general knowledge questions to build chains of correct answers. Consecutive correct answers greatly increase the value of the chain, while incorrect answers break the chain and force the contestants to start over on the lowest rung with the smallest amount of money. At the end of each round, contestants vote to eliminate the fellow contestant they consider to be the “Weakest Link” in the chain. The contestant who receives the highest number of votes leaves the game as the host declares the iconic phrase, “You are the Weakest Link. Goodbye.”

The BBC Studios format has been licensed to 46 international territories, with a celebrity edition set to air in the U.S. on Fox later this year, produced by BBC Studios LA Productions.

Commenting on the new licence, Pierre-Marie Gadonneix, Managing Director of BBC Studios France Productions at BBC Studios said: “BBC Studios are delighted to bring back Weakest Link to French television with a new host joining the global Weakest Link family; Olivier Minne. Weakest Link has been a beloved family favourite for years with that iconic catchphrase ‘You are the weakest link, goodbye’ sparking recognition and joy all across the world. We are so excited to be re-launching this format to a new audience, and we are confident that this new series, produced by BBC Studios France will captivate viewers and deliver strong ratings.”