"Let´s play ball"
Content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment announced "Let’s Play Ball," a giant new co-development from Banijay Benelux label, EndemolShine Nederland, Talpa Studios, and Signal.Stream. Commissioned by SBS6, the eight-episode series will make its international debut in the Netherlands this summer, and will be co-produced by EndemolShine Nederland and Signal.Stream.
A flagship new international format joining Banijay Entertainment’s pipeline, "Let’s Play Ball" is a larger-than-life physical game show that becomes a wildly exhilarating race across regional terrains, with contestants rolling a gigantic ball as they go. Each episode features two celebrity-led teams navigating varied landscapes, from narrow city streets to rivers and countryside meadows. What begins as a seemingly straightforward task unravels into comedic chaos and strategic gameplay, demanding quick-thinking, teamwork, grit, and determination. Each team, captained by a celebrity and joined by their friends or relatives, must adapt to the ever-changing terrain and escalating twists.
"Let’s Play Ball" was originally piloted on YouTube via StukTV and drew over 1.2M views. Filming for the series will take place across the Netherlands, including Friesland, Utrecht, and Limburg. Conversations are already underway for international roll-out.
James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development, Banijay Entertainment, highlighted the potential of the game show: '“Let’s Play Ball is a bold, scalable, and riotous format that perfectly reflects our commitment to delivering fresh, escapist entertainment for broad audiences. Its proven online success demonstrates strong young-skewing viewership, and with non-scripted co-productions thriving, this collaboration exemplifies what Banijay Entertainment is all about—building partnerships to maintain and grow the best portfolio in the business," explained.
Meanwhile, Sil Geurtsen, Head of Development, EndemolShine Nederland, praised the distinctive visual aspect of the product: '"After the pilot’s success on YouTube with StukTV, we’re excited to scale it up, especially with the excellent Signal.Stream team. The game might sound simple, but rolling a gigantic ball across different landscapes serves as a catalyst for surreal and hilarious entertainment. This show has a distinctive visual identity, is high-energy, competitive, and absolutely ludicrous—we think audiences will love it," stated.
Finally, Wouter van der Pauw, Founder, Signal.Stream, emphasized the emotions evoked by the game show: "At Signal.Stream, we test our ideas where it counts: in front of a real audience. “Let’s Play Ball” first ran as a pilot on our StukTV YouTube channel, giving us the chance to see what worked, what didn’t, and importantly, what made people laugh. Those learnings shaped the format into what it is now: a playful, high-energy race packed with chaos, surprises, and momentum;" commented.
Last year saw Banijay Entertainment launch over 250 new non-scripted formats, and "Let’s Play Ball" joins Banijay Entertainment’s globally renowned catalogue. The title will sit alongside new IP like "AI Love You" (Nordisk Film and TV) and "Football Island" (SimpelZodiak, Southfields); next-generation superbrands "The Summit" (Endemol Shine Australia), B-Prod’s "The Fifty" and "Good Luck Guys"; streamer launches "Celebrity Bear Hunt" (co-produced by Banijay UK’s Workerbee, The Natural Studios, and Talkback for Netflix), "Building the Band" (Remarkable Television for Netflix), and "Last One Laughing UK" from Zeppotron and Initial for Prime Video, created by Hitoshi Matsumoto and produced by Banijay Entertainment labels in 11 markets; and thriving superbrands like "Big Brother," "MasterChef," and "Temptation Island."