Factual

London-based TV format distribution company CAN’T STOP media has acquired the exclusive global distribution rights, excluding the UK, to the acclaimed factual entertainment and reality format Pilgrimage.
Originally produced by multi-award-winning production company CTVC, Pilgrimage has become a successful and distinctive presence in BBC Two’s primetime schedule since its debut, combining celebrity-led storytelling with themes of faith, identity, spirituality and human connection.

The format follows a group of well-known personalities from different backgrounds, beliefs and worldviews as they leave behind the comforts of modern life and undertake a physically demanding and emotionally charged journey along ancient pilgrimage routes. Living and travelling together, the participants are invited to reflect on some of life’s most profound questions, generating authentic, intimate and often transformative conversations about morality, spirituality and contemporary society.

Across its multiple seasons on BBC Two, Pilgrimage has consistently resonated with audiences. Its latest instalment, Season 8, titled The Road to Holy Island, aired in April 2026 and delivered a strong ratings performance, reaching an average total audience of 1.8 million viewers. The season also confirmed the format’s ability to perform across both traditional broadcast and digital platforms, with an average linear audience of 900,000 viewers, representing a 9% audience share, and a further 900,000 viewers on VOD by Day+28.

The acquisition follows CAN’T STOP media’s international success with The A Talks, the breakout format that has already seen 20 versions airing worldwide. The company sees Pilgrimage as a format with similarly strong global potential, thanks to its universal themes of self-discovery, empathy, spirituality and shared human experience.

Matthieu Porte, co-founder of CAN’T STOP media, commented: “We have seen first-hand with The A Talks, which now has 20 versions airing globally, that international broadcasters are looking for authentic, deeply moving television that brings people together. We believe Pilgrimage has that same global potential. Its universal appeal lies in its brilliant simplicity: taking famous faces out of their comfort zones and allowing genuine human stories to unfold.”

Arnaud Renard, co-founder of CAN’T STOP media, added: “Pilgrimages are experiencing an incredible real-world resurgence. Participation on routes such as the Camino de Santiago, for example, has multiplied by ten compared with twenty years ago, as more people seek meaning and a slower pace of life. This cultural phenomenon is perfectly reflected in the sensational ratings for the show’s latest season. Drawing 1.8 million viewers, balanced equally between linear and digital viewing, demonstrates how relevant this concept remains for contemporary audiences. At a time when buyers are looking for high-impact primetime formats capable of driving both linear ratings and digital conversation, we believe Pilgrimage stands out as a proven winner.”

Caroline Matthews, CEO of CTVC, said: “The enduring power of Pilgrimage lies in its authenticity. You never quite know how the journey will unfold and transform the celebrities, and that makes for gripping, surprising and honest television. Season 8 performed brilliantly across both BBC Two and iPlayer, reinforcing the fact that viewers continue to look for meaningful, feel-good primetime content. We are absolutely delighted to partner with CAN’T STOP media. Given their incredible track record in turning unique, purposeful content into global phenomena such as The A Talks, they are the perfect partner to guide Pilgrimage through its next exciting international chapter.”