Banijay Bets Big on ‘Sportainment’ with New Dutch Formats
Banijay Entertainment is doubling down on unscripted content, unveiling two new formats – Last One Standing and The Bicycle Race – at the London TV Screenings. Both shows, originating from the Netherlands, signal a growing trend towards “sportainment” and a renewed focus on Western European formats.
The Rise of ‘Sportainment’
The convergence of sports and entertainment, often dubbed “sportainment,” is gaining momentum globally. Viewers are increasingly seeking content that combines the thrill of competition with compelling storytelling and emotional connection. Last One Standing and The Bicycle Race tap directly into this demand.
Last One Standing, co-developed by RTL Creative Unit and SimpelZodiak for RTL’s Dutch streaming service Videoland, features celebrities enduring elite-level physical and mental trials in a desert setting. The unique twist? There are no eliminations or votes – the last person standing wins. This format emphasizes resilience and personal growth, aligning with current audience interests.
Cycling Takes Center Stage with The Bicycle Race
Inspired by the global bike-packing trend and the Netherlands’ strong cycling culture, The Bicycle Race takes six celebrity teams on an epic 12-day cycling adventure across India. The show isn’t just about physical endurance; teams must navigate unfamiliar terrain, complete high-stakes challenges to earn money and connect with local communities. This blend of adventure, competition, and cultural immersion offers a fresh take on the reality TV genre.
The series, created by EndemolShine Nederland and Talpa Studios for SBS6, builds on a successful partnership that has similarly produced Let’s Play Ball. This demonstrates a commitment to developing and showcasing innovative Dutch formats.
Why Dutch Formats are Leading the Way
Banijay Benelux CEO Sandra Hilster notes that Dutch producers are known for their “inventive spirit” and ability to create “globally disruptive formats with scalable potential.” The Netherlands has a long history of successful entertainment formats, including Big Brother, The Voice, and The Traitors.
This success is attributed to strong broadcaster partnerships willing to take creative risks and trust in production labels to deliver engaging content. The Dutch market is proving to be a fertile ground for innovation in the unscripted space.
The Future of Adventure Reality TV
These new formats suggest several key trends in adventure reality TV:
- Emphasis on Mental Resilience: Last One Standing prioritizes mental fortitude alongside physical strength.
- Cultural Immersion: The Bicycle Race integrates local communities and cultures into the competition.
- Unique Elimination Mechanics: The absence of traditional voting in Last One Standing offers a novel approach to competition.
- Celebrity Partnerships: Both formats leverage the appeal of celebrity contestants paired with friends or family.
James Townley, Banijay’s chief content officer, development, believes Last One Standing arrives “at the right moment,” as audiences prioritize fitness, mental resilience, and personal growth. He also anticipates that the “uplifting, visually striking and character driven” nature of The Bicycle Race will resonate with multiple markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘sportainment’?
Sportainment is the blending of sports and entertainment, creating content that combines athletic competition with compelling storytelling and emotional engagement.
Where did these formats originate?
Both Last One Standing and The Bicycle Race were developed in the Netherlands.
Which broadcaster aired the original run of The Bicycle Race?
SBS6, a Dutch broadcaster, aired the eight-episode series.
What makes Last One Standing different from other competition shows?
Last One Standing doesn’t leverage votes or eliminations; the winner is simply the last contestant remaining.
Who is Banijay Entertainment?
Banijay Entertainment is a global production giant and distributor of entertainment formats, including Big Brother and The Traitors.
What is Banijay’s Genre Accelerator Fund?
Banijay’s Genre Accelerator Fund is an unscripted development investment initiative.
What is Banijay Benelux?
Banijay Benelux is a regional branch of Banijay Entertainment.
What is RTL Creative Unit?
RTL Creative Unit co-developed Last One Standing.
What is SimpelZodiak?
SimpelZodiak co-developed Last One Standing.
What is Talpa Studios?
Talpa Studios created The Bicycle Race.
What is EndemolShine Nederland?
EndemolShine Nederland created The Bicycle Race.
What is Videoland?
Videoland is RTL’s Dutch streaming service.
What is SBS6?
SBS6 is a Dutch broadcaster.
What is Let’s Play Ball?
Let’s Play Ball is a digital-first format produced by EndemolShine Nederland and Talpa Studios.
What is Signal.Stream?
Signal.Stream is a production company that co-produced Let’s Play Ball.
Who is James Townley?
James Townley is Banijay’s chief content officer, development.
Who is Sandra Hilster?
Sandra Hilster is Banijay Benelux CEO.
What is the London TV Screenings?
The London TV Screenings is an event where Banijay Entertainment unveils new formats to buyers.
What is ‘bike-packing’?
Bike-packing is a form of self-supported cycling adventure, often involving overnight trips and carrying gear on a bicycle.
What is Banijay’s drive in the sportainment space?
Banijay is focusing on content that combines sports and entertainment.
What is Banijay’s expectation for The Bicycle Race?
Banijay expects The Bicycle Race to resonate across multiple markets.
What is the desert backdrop for Last One Standing?
The desert backdrop is a key element of the show’s setting.
What are the elite-level trials in Last One Standing engineered by?
The trials are engineered by top athletes and AI tools.
What is the journey length in The Bicycle Race?
The journey is 12 days long.
What is the role of local communities in The Bicycle Race?
Teams rely on the generosity and insight of local communities.
What is the relationship between EndemolShine Nederland and SBS6?
EndemolShine Nederland has an ongoing relationship with SBS6.
