Mattel and ITV announced a brand-new game show "Pictionary" (25 x 30”) based on the world’s most popular drawing game. The show will be produced by Whisper North and hosted by Mel Giedroyc. The format deal was brokered by Laura Burrell, Vice President, International Formats, Paramount Global Content Distribution.
"Pictionary" is a Whisper North production for ITV. The series has been commissioned by Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning, ITV, and Leanne Clarke, Assistant Commissioner, ITV. The Executive Producers are Kerri Reid and Tom McLennan from Whisper North, who also produce the current UK versions of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune on ITV. The U.S. series is hosted by Jerry O’Connell, produced by Fox First Run, Bill's Market & Television Productions, and Mattel Television Studios, executive produced by David A. Hurwitz and Noah Bonnett, distributed in the U.S. by CBS Media Ventures and internationally by Paramount Global Content Distribution along with the format rights.
Following a successful run and currently in its third season in the U.S., "Pictionary" will launch on ITV1 and ITVX at the end of this year. Based on Mattel’s popular board game of quick-fire sketches and hilarious guesses, Pictionary will follow the same rules as the familiar at-home game and will see two teams battle against each other. In the classic sketching and guessing game, Mel Giedroyc will be joined by two celebrity team captains who will lead their teams of contestants. Their mission is to draw images to match a word or phrase from a specific category, and the teammates will have to guess correctly to score. The show proves you don’t have to be an artist to draw, and in fact, if you can’t draw, it makes it even funnier! With the chance to win an incredible prize, the stakes are high. The show will launch in December with a Christmas special, and then series one will include a run of 24 episodes.
Alex Godfrey, Vice President of Content Distribution, Mattel, claimed that it will impact UK audiences: “Mattel is excited to see Pictionary’s popularity with viewers, and we can’t wait to bring this beloved game show to UK audiences, inviting even more fans of the classic game to join in on the fun," noted.
Meanwhile, Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime ITV, praised the host: “I am thrilled we are bringing this much-loved game show to the UK. It’s perfect for all the family to enjoy and play along at home. With Mel Giedroyc at the helm, 'Pictionary' is in the hands of a true entertainer. Her infectious energy and quick wit make her the perfect choice to host the show," commented.
Additionally, Sunil Patel, Whisper Co-Founder and CEO, identifies as a fan of the game: “I have played Pictionary with my children for many years and know this show will be a great hit across the UK - especially as a Christmas Special. We have an incredible production team, as well as great talent at the helm in Mel," stated.
Finally, Laura Burrell, Vice President, International Formats, Paramount Global Content Distribution, emphasized that the game show will undoubtedly impact the viewers: “We are thrilled to bring the world’s most popular drawing game show to the UK audience with Pictionary. Our relationship with Mattel, as well as Whisper North and ITV, continues to grow with this brand;" she added.