Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, announced it has acquired the format rights to "Alumni Lovers", a dating reality show from Middle East group MBC, which launched in South Korea last December. The deal will see Banijay’s SimpelZodiak and Endemol France represent the format in the Netherlands and France. The news was revealed by its Global Head of Acquisitions, Helen Greaterox, on a MIPTV panel titled: ‘What Buyers Want’.
"Alumni Lovers" invites singletons who share the common bond of graduating from the same school to a special dating reunion. Unforgettable moments unfold as the singles reunite and take a trip down memory lane on a series of themed dates designed to help them reconnect and find love. As the nostalgia grows and emotions run high, will love blossom between any of the contestants in this quest for love?
Helen Greaterox, Head of Format Acquisitions at Banijay referred to some of the appealing features of the format: “'Alumni Lovers' is a beautifully romantic series, with a distinctive take on the dating genre. Fresh off the back of a successful launch in Korea, we anticipate interest building across the Netherlands and France given this title’s unique approach to the concept of ‘finding love’. With emotionally-fuelled entertainment at its heart, this show is a brilliant and complementary addition to our burgeoning portfolio of dating formats," noted.
Jean Hur, Director of Format Sales and Co- Development, MBC bets on the format's resonance with audiences.: “'Alumni Lovers' presents an innovative twist on the dating reality format, with a mixture of heart- warming and heart-wrenching moments, as the contestants take a nostalgic journey through their old school days together. With universality and relatability at its heart, we are confident this show will resonate with global audiences and we are pleased to be partnering with Banijay to roll it across the Netherlands and France," commented.
There are more updates about the company. Recent additions to Banijay’s third-party portfolio include "The Fortune Hotel" from Tuesday’s Child, set to launch on ITV soon; "Genuis Game" from CJ ENM, which has been adapted by Banijay UK’s Remarkable Television, with David Tennant hosting for ITV; and "Bloody Game", originating from Korea’s MBC, which debuted in Norway and was re- commissioned for a second season by TV2, with Mastiff Norway producing. These titles complement Banijay’s new IP offering of "The Summit", "Deal or No Deal Island", "Shaolin Heroes", "Banged Up", "Upside Down" and" Will They, Won’t They", and prolific catalogue of world-class IP and brands.
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