Independent distributor All3media International has partnered with ITV Studios Australia to sign a new format deal with the Australian broadcaster Network 10 for the award-winning game show “The Cube”. In detail, ITV Studios Australia will locally produce this hit international gameshow, originally created by Objective Media Group for ITV in the UK.
“The Cube” will broadcast in Australia on Network 10 and WIN Network in early 2021, with Australian TV and radio presenter Andy Lee hosting this local version. The commission follows the recent successful reboot of the format in the UK – “The Million Pound Cube” - for ITV, which achieved ratings of over 4 million viewers.
In this format, contestants are placed in a small, enclosed perspex cube to attempt seemingly simple tasks. From throwing to catching, estimating to balancing, memorising to reacting, contestants have nowhere to go and nowhere to hide once inside the high-pressure confines of “The Cube”. Teams will compete for up to $250,000 over seven games. The adrenaline-filled format is made all the more timely as it can be filmed with social distancing in place.
"Andy Lee is one of the most popular and talented comedians in Australia, and we are thrilled he will host this brilliant series. ‘The Cube’ has been a huge success in the UK for years, and to bring this edge-of-your-seat game show to Australia for a local prime time version, with Andy Lee no less, is a fantastic addition to our 2021 schedule," said Daniel Monaghan, Head of Programming at 10 ViacomCBS.
Sabrina Duguet, EVP APAC at All3media International, added: “We are delighted that Network 10, a great home for TV entertainment, has commissioned ‘The Cube’. The show has proven its credentials in finding family viewers across several years, in several countries. We are also excited to see the new features in ‘The Cube’s’ recent reboot, including two player teams, new games and lifelines, adding to adrenaline filled fun of this format. We are confident that the Australian version, produced by the very capable ITV Studios Australia, will engage and enthrall Network 10’s audiences”.
Lastly, David Mott, CEO & Managing Director at ITV Studios Australia, commented. “We are delighted Network 10 is bringing ‘The Cube’ to the Australian market. This fantastic family-entertainment game show had a stellar run on ITV in the UK recently, achieving over 4 million viewers and dominating all demos, and who better to host this brand new format in Australia than Andy Lee, who will bring his own unique style and tone that is perfectly suited to this format. We can’t wait to get started on the production".
In addition to Australia, ITV Studios has acquired rights to produce “The Cube” in France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Israel. The show will also be launching in the United States in 2021, with WarnerMedia ordering a 10-episode series which will be fronted by former NBA player Dwayne Wade.