FREMANTLE AND VIACOMCBS SCORE MULTI-REGION DEAL FOR A LOCAL “TOUGH AS NAILS”

Fremantle and ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group announced their participation in a multi-territory deal for local versions of the CBS original format “Tough As Nails.” Fremantle will be responsible for distributing format rights in Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and the U.K. “This heart-warming format honors working-class men and women, which is relatable to viewers around the world and is crucial in the current global climate," said Paul Gilbert, Senior Vice President, Formats, ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group.

“Tough As Nails” is produced by Raquel Productions Inc. in association with Tough House Productions Inc., with ViacomCBS contributing as its distributor. The show was created by Phil Keoghan and his producing partner, Louise Keoghan, who also serve as executive producers along with Anthony Carbone. Phil Keoghan will be the host for the US adaptation.

“Tough As Nails" is a competition series in which competitors are tested for their strength, endurance, agility, mental toughness, and life skills at real job site settings. They are eliminated until the winner is announced, at which time the contestants then compete in a team competition for additional cash prizes. “This is a reality show for 2020 and beyond," Rob Clark, Director of Global Entertainment, Fremantle, said. “'Tough As Nails' makes heroes of the real people who keep our countries running, and now more than ever it’s important for us all to recognize our essential workers.”

The series aims to reinforce that everyone is capable of being tough. Its launch in July 2020 was CBS’s highest new reality format launch since 2015. “This format has everything; competition, tension, jeopardy, emotion, and drama,” Clark said. “The ratings on CBS were stellar, and we have had a lot of interest in the show and look forward to launching it through our production network around the world.”