Banijay Entertainment announced it has acquired the global rights to new factual-entertainment format, “Atypical Critics.” The culinary format was created, developed and produced in French-Canada by Pixcom, producers of hit series “MasterChef Quebec.”
“Atypical Critics” is a format featuring autistic food critics who bring their distinct perspective to the culinary world. In each episode, the foodies descend upon coveted restaurants to assess renowned chefs and their three-course meals. With no fixed boundaries, the connoisseurs offer unfiltered and insightful feedback and advice to improve the dining experience, with a mix of humour, spontaneity and authenticity. The show champions inclusion and celebrates neurodiverse minds, aiming to make the gastronomic world more welcoming and accessible to everyone.
Helen Greatorex, Head of Format Acquistions, Banijay Entertainment, said: “‘Atypical Critics’ is a bold, heart-warming format highlighting neurodiversity while challenging the conventions of culinary critique. This format not only expands our portfolio with a fresh, inclusive take on the genre, complementing our successful food offering of hits like ‘MasterChef,’ but also encourages important conversation about representation and inclusion. We believe this show has the potential to entertain audiences in multiple markets and spark meaningful conversations about neurodiverse perspectives.”
François-Étienne Parent, Vice President Content, Pixcom, added: “We are thrilled to see ‘Atypical Critics’ achieve global distribution through our partnership with Banijay Entertainment. The show thrives on the dynamic interplay between acclaimed chefs and our autistic critics, where diverse perspectives meet culinary mastery. This interaction not only brings fresh insights to the table but also challenges preconceived notions, fostering a better understanding of neurodiversity.”
Isabella Federigi, Vice-President, Content Development and Programming, AMI-télé, broadcaster of the original version, commented: “At AMI-télé, we give a voice to people with disabilities through accessible content, authentic storytelling, representation, and positive portrayal. Seeing a format like ‘Atypical Critics’ acquired by a world-renowned distributor such as Banijay Entertainment speaks not only to the quality of the production, but also to the growing recognition of neurodiverse talents and perspectives on the global stage. This is an important step for inclusion and for enhancing the visibility of people with disabilities.”
These titles sit alongside Banijay Entertainment’s format highlights for MIPCOM 2024, which included “Three Are The Champions,” “By Land, Air and Sea,” “Dream Home,” “Origin Odyssey,” “Headliners,” “The Never Ever Mets,” “Deal or No Deal Island,” “Dessert Masters” and “The Fortune Hotel.”
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