Banijay’s “Fort Boyard” returns to Norway and Russia

Banijay confirmed plans to resume airing for "Fort Boyard" in Poland as the title prepares for debut on Viaplay. The show's Norwegian reboot, "Fangene på Fortet," is also underway, also set to debut on Viaplay and TV 3 following a 10-year pause. “The Fort Boyard production hub offers a unique setting unlike anything else in the world coupled with the security of an established location,” Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay said. ”Capturing audiences worldwide, the family entertainment format continues to be extremely active across Banijay’s global footprint.”

Production for the show's second season was produced for CTC by Mastiff Russia, garnering double the figures compared to prevous launches. Both versions will be filmed at the France-based hub, with all participants testing their mental and physical strength through various challenges. Only one participant will be declared the winner.

Bernt Hulsker and Julie Strømsvåg are confirmed to host the Norwegian version and will lead celebrity contestants as they undergo the challenges. “Now is the perfect time to revive this legendary format as it provides laughs one minute and then has your heart pumping the next,” Jostein Olseng, CEO at Mastiff Norway said. “And, with great hosts and new challenges for our celebrity contestants to navigate, it is sure to entertain all-ages.”

Often credited as a pioneer of fear and adventure gameshows, Fort Boyard was originally created by Jacques Antoine and Adventure Line Productions in 1990. The format has since been adapted in over 30 territories, all of which film in the exclusive location. A continued ratings success, the 32 nd season in France, which aired this summer, increased its slot average by +45%. Having just aired its first episode, Russia’s second series launch doubled the previous series numbers taking the broadcaster to number one in primetime. 

Spikes in demand for formats like these have recently been noted in the region, driving Mastiff Denmark’s 2020 reboot's success after the title was named the best premier for TV3 in five years, surpassing every other demographic. "The first season was incredibly successful, enjoying high scores on all demos. We are looking forward to our Russian audience seeing whether the contestants will get their hands on the Fort’s fabled riches this season," Anton Goreslavsky, Managing Director at Mastiff Russia said.