Hit Reality show Survivor, “one of the world’s most successful TV formats,” is all set for a British reboot on the BBC, according to the public broadcaster on Monday.
“A new U.K. adaption of the entertainment phenomenon has been commissioned by BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Banijay U.K. company Remarkable Entertainment, run by leading entertainment producers Natalka Znak and Claire O’Donohoe,” the broadcaster said.
The BBC said, it “promises viewers a compelling test of brains, brawn and betrayal as players compete to outwit, outplay and outlast their rivals to be crowned the Ultimate Survivor,” when summarizing the format’s tried and tested formula. “Twenty people, carefully selected from across the U.K. will be marooned in a tropical location. They will be divided into two tribes, going head-to-head in a range of physical and psychological challenges. Following a number of eliminations that will take place at the iconic tribal council, the tribes will eventually merge before one person takes away a cash prize and proves that they have what it takes to be the Ultimate Survivor.”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Charlie Parsons-created television programme Survivor, which made its debut in Sweden in 1997. “Fifty versions have been commissioned around the world to date, and the CBS version of the show from the USA will soon be airing its 43rd (season),” the BBC said.
The news follows the BBC's recent announcement that it would revive Gladiators, the British adaptation of American Gladiators, a programme that rose to prominence on British Saturday night television in the 1990s. “Survivor is a global television hit and to be able to bring one of TV’s most successful formats to audiences in the U.K. in a uniquely BBC way is a very exciting prospect indeed,” said Kate Phillips, director of unscripted at the BBC.
Znak, CEO of Remarkable Entertainment, added: “Survivor is ‘the greatest gameshow on earth’ for a reason — it has everything — reality, adventure, drama and the ultimate game. I can’t wait to be boots on the ground, working with Paul Osborne, Stephen Lovelock and the fantastic team at Remarkable to make this epic series for the BBC.”
Further details on the BBC version of Survivor will be unveiled “in due course,” the broadcaster said.
25 Million Global Viewers For ‘Rings Of Power’ on First Day; Amazon
