Something Special's Korean formats head to France after deal with Studio TF1

Something Special has closed a pair of option deals with Studio TF1 for two hit Korean formats: the spooky game show "Still Alive" and high-stakes financial competition series "The Penthouse Game", created and produced by Channel A.

Jin Woo Hwang, President & Executive Producer at Something Special stated: “Something Special enjoys a truly wonderful partnership with Studio TF1, and we are thrilled they’ve acquired two of our most popular competition formats, the engaging and spooky gameshow 'Still Alive' and financial-themed format competition, 'The Penthouse Game'. Something Special is pleased to offer a wide variety of Korean-born formats for global audiences.”

InSoon Kim, EVP & Head of Content at Something Special added: “Studio TF1chose well with Still Alive and The Penthouse Game, as French viewers will be very drawn to these two exciting shows like our Korean viewers. Something Special continues to deliver on our motto – create and connect.”

POPULAR FORMATS

"Still Alive" is a reality competition program where ten contestants find clues and compete with challenges in a mysterious mansion. They participate in the 24-hour game by ignoring some new forbidden rules presented. With hidden “elimination rules” that cause immediate removal, contestants and viewers alike will be filled with apprehension, solving the riddles and trying to stay in the game. Unlike other competition-themed formats, the show is filled with comedic twists. This marks the 14th license deal for the format, including Germany, Italy and Nordics region.

"The Penthouse Game" is an experimental reality competition show featuring Hierarchy and distribution with individuals going through financial difficulties and competing for a cash prize. This thrilling competition features challenges to determine who will occupy the ultimate power of the penthouse, which also holds the distribution of foods and prizes. The players utilize gold tokens and move around using the elevator in the middle while three hosts play different key roles within the show. 

These two Korean formats were optioned by Flanagan Productions, one of Studio TF1’s flagship production labels. Florence Boudaud, Head of Flanagan Productions, said: “We are delighted to bring these fresh, high-concept Korean formats to the French audience. Their unique mechanics and creative ambition align perfectly with Flanagan’s editorial line and Studio TF1’s vision for innovative storytelling.”