The physical comedy gameshow, built around gigantic coloured balls, was originally co-developed by Banijay Benelux label EndemolShine Nederland, Talpa Studios and Signal.Stream, and co-produced by EndemolShine Nederland and Signal.Stream for SBS6.
Produced by Sphere Media, the bumper 10 x 60’ adaptation will see two rival teams go head-to-head in a relentless race to transport a massive colored ball across a series of increasingly punishing Montreal terrains: from narrow city streets and open countryside to flowing rivers.
Jane Rimer, SVP Canada, Banijay Rights, said: “Let’s Play Ball is a bold, highly visual format with universal appeal, combining larger-than-life, laugh-out-loud comedy with a healthy dose of competition. Securing our first international deal for Let’s Play Ball with Bell Media here in Quebec is a fantastic milestone, and we cannot wait to partner with Bell Media again to bring this uniquely entertaining format to life for French-Canadian audiences.”
Suzane Landry, Vice President, Content Development, Programming and News Quebec at Bell Media, said: “We at Bell Media are delighted to pursue our collaboration with Banijay Rights, our long-standing and much-trusted partner. We are confident the Quebec adaptation of the new Rocamboulesque format – produced by Sphère Média – will captivate our audiences and establish itself as must-watch TV thanks to its humour and originality.”
The format initially piloted on YouTube via StukTV, where it drew over 1.2M views. Evolving from a digital hit into a breakout primetime summer success its Dutch debut became SBS6’s strongest new launch of the year for the 25-44 demo and it has been recommissioned for a second season, set to air this summer. In the UK it is in development with Banijay UK’s Last One Laughing UK producers Initial and Zeppotron, and in the US, Banijay America’s Bunim/Murray Productions is taking the show to market.
