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Lucy Smith: MIPCOM 2025 Marks the Biggest Step Change in a Generation

Lucy Smith: MIPCOM 2025 Marks the Biggest Step Change in a Generation

MIPCOM 2025 concluded on a high note, confirming its role as the premier global market for television and streaming content, with over 10,600 delegates from 107 countries and 350 exhibiting companies, including 88 newcomers. The event, held from 13 to 16 October at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, showcased a vibrant mix of global creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange.MIPCOM’s 2025 edition also marked a significant evolution for the event itself. According to Lucy Smith, Director of MIPCOM CANNES and MIP LONDON, “This has been the biggest step change in a generation for MIPCOM.” The introduction of the Creator Economy at the heart of the market, the first major presence of YouTube, and the launch of the BrandStorytelling summit on brand-funded content all signaled a new phase of convergence between content creation, digital influence, and commercial innovation.

In terms of attendance, the largest delegations came from the UK, USA, France, Germany, Türkiye, Canada, Spain, Italy, Japan, and South Korea, with 3,340 buyers representing major global markets. The pre-market MIPJUNIOR (11–12 October) also registered strong participation, attracting 940 delegates from over 60 countries and reinforcing its importance in the kids’ content sector.

Looking ahead, the 42nd edition of MIPCOM CANNES is set for 12–15 October 2026, preceded by MIPJUNIOR (10–11 October). Meanwhile, the second edition of MIP LONDON will return from 22–24 February 2026, continuing to expand the brand’s international footprint.

 

A central theme of this year’s edition was the “Turkish Wave,” as Türkiye made a powerful statement with 28 companies promoting a diverse slate of dramas, films, documentaries, animation, and formats. Hit titles such as Eşref Rüya (starring Çağatay Ulusoy and Demet Özdemir), Reborn (Çarpıntı)The Fall of the King (Kral Kaybederse), and A Mother’s Oath (Sakıncalı) drew strong international attention. A major highlight was Global Agency’s glamorous launch of A Mother’s Oath in Venice, held just before MIPCOM. The company flew buyers from Cannes to Venice for an exclusive preview, accompanied by lead actors Özge Özpirinçci and Salih Bademci.This high-profile event — featuring press conferences, photo shoots, and celebrations — demonstrated how Turkish drama has evolved into a form of cultural diplomacy, exporting storytelling and values to nearly 170 countries while generating significant economic impact.


Japan also stood out with its “Treasure Box Japan” showcase, curated by BEAJ (Broadcasting Exchange Association of Japan), offered a dynamic look at the latest wave of Japanese unscripted formats, reinforcing Japan’s global reputation for originality and emotional engagement.

The 2025 lineup featured a rich mix of new concepts from major broadcasters:


  • Mega Catch (Nippon TV / Gyokuro Studio) – a thrilling game where contestants catch giant flying objects;
  • Secret Little Assistant (Nippon TV) – a heartwarming hidden-camera show featuring children helping their parents at work;
  • Big Bad Bluff (Nippon TV) – a fairy-tale-themed mind-game reality format;
  • The Laughing Throne (Kansai TV) – a comedy competition in which laughter rules the kingdom;
  • Infinite Loop (TBS) – a clever time-loop-based challenge show;
  • I Doubt It! (Fuji TV) – a quiz-based format blending deduction and humor;
  • Love Time Travel (TV Asahi) – a romantic reality experiment across different eras;
  • Wait, What? (ABC TV) – a reaction-driven variety show;
  • Just Circle It! (NHK Enterprises) – a puzzle-style interactive format;
  • 6 Gems Game (YTV) – a team-based mental challenge; and
  • Sumo King (TV Tokyo) – a funny yet competitive physical-comedy show inspired by Japan’s national sport.

Together, these titles showcased the breadth and inventiveness of Japanese creativity — from high-concept physical games to emotionally resonant family formats — underscoring Japan’s renewed ambitions for international adaptation.


Equally impactful was the K-Content & Format Showcase, celebrating the ongoing global success of Korean drama and entertainment formats. Presented by KOCCA (Korea Creative Content Agency), the K-Content & Format Showcase was one of MIPCOM’s major attractions, held on October 14 in Auditorium A.The session unveiled a curated selection of both scripted and unscripted formats from leading Korean studios, reflecting Korea’s strategic focus on global format sales and cross-genre innovation. Among the standout titles were:


  • Half-Star Hotel in Lost Island (MBC) – a reality-adventure format blending humor and survival themes;
  • Chef & My Fridge (SLL) – a competitive cooking talk-show where celebrity guests cook from ingredients found in each other’s refrigerators;
  • Iron Squad (Something Special) – a high-intensity competition among former special-forces soldiers, acclaimed for its cinematic production and international appeal;
  • Taxi Driver 3 (Studio S / SBS) – a drama series continuing the globally popular franchise;
  • Last Summer (KBS Media) – a touching romantic drama; and
  • I Dol I (Astory) – a 12-episode drama exploring the emotional side of the K-pop industry with a thriller twist.

The showcase reflected Korea’s expanding presence in the global marketplace — not only through scripted dramas but also through adaptable, export-ready reality and entertainment formats. As noted by KOCCA representatives, the initiative is part of a long-term strategy to consolidate the “K-Format Wave” alongside the worldwide popularity of K-dramas.

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