CBC & Radio-Canada Distribution’s "Fridge Wars" heads to ProSiebenSat.1

CBC & Radio-Canada Distribution’s "Fridge Wars" to premiere on ProSiebenSat.1 in Germany. Endemol Shine Germany, part of Banijay Germany, who optioned the format rights last year, is producing the local version of CBC’s original culinary competition series for leading broadcaster Sat.1.

Set to premiere on April 7th, this marks the first local adaption of the format, entitled “Kühlschrank öffne dich!” which loosely translates to “Fridge Open Sesame!”. “We are thrilled to have partnered with Endemol Shine and Sat. 1 on a German adaptation of 'Fridge Wars'.” says CBC’s Director, Global Distribution Gwen Jones McCauley. “We’re extremely proud of the series and believe it has enormous potential in localized versions. It is really exciting to be working with our partners to see it become adaptable for their own local viewing audiences to enjoy.”

Co-created and co-produced by The Gurin Company and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the original "Fridge Wars" (6 44) pits two celebrity chefs against one another with a challenge to create extraordinary meals using only the ingredients taken from the ordinary fridges of typical families. The improvised dinners must win over two families who act as judges to determine which chef wins each epic battle. The German adaptation will be 6 x 95 and feature three families.

“With the adaptation of 'Fridge Wars' we are bringing an entertaining and innovative format to the German market, which not only focuses on the fun aspects of cooking but also curiosity and education.” says Managing Director of Endemol Shine Germany, Fabian Tobias. “Working together with great partners like the CBC and The Gurin Company allows us to delight the German audience with promising formats from other markets. We are looking forward to seeing 'Fridge Wars' make its way into German living rooms!”

The series first premiered on the CBC in 2020 with the CW Network quickly picking it up for broadcast in the US thereafter. Phil Gurin, President & CEO, The Gurin Company adds “Ever since we co-created this fun food format with the CBC, the world has stood in front of refrigerators staring blankly deciding what to make for dinner. With 'Fridge Wars', celebrity chefs and ordinary families help us laugh and learn about what to do with anything left lurking in the fridge. This entertaining and accessible new show is ready to be served up around the world.”

CBC & Radio-Canada Distribution plans to delve further into the format space, with the distributor launching a dedicated format catalogue at this year’s forthcoming MIPTV & MIPFormats 2022.