Talpa's "Million Dollar Island" makes its way to the Middle East

Talpa's “Million Dollar Island” will now be made for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). A regional version of the show has been commissioned by MBC GROUP following NBC's decision to acquire the format for US audiences. “‘Million Dollar Island’ is a format never seen before in the MENA region, and there’s no doubt that thousands of adventure enthusiasts from around the region will be signing up to experience this one-of-a-kind adventure," Ali Jaber, Group Director of TV at MBC GROUP, said.

The new trailblazing reality survival show will be produced in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, by Talpa’s new partner, Blue Engine Studios. It’s set to air on a yet-to-be-announced MBC GROUP TV channel, as well as on Shahid VIP, the world’s leading Arabic subscription video on demand (SVOD) platform, also part of MBC GROUP.

“Million Dollar Island” is a format created by John de Mol's Talpa Concepts and Monday Media. Distributed by Talpa Distribution, “Million Dollar Island” was first launched on Sunday, 6 March, 2022, on SBS6 in the Netherlands. Amazon Prime has a day-and-date SVOD second window. "We are very excited about this project with Blue Engine Studios and MBC GROUP," Sebastian van Barneveld, Director of International Sales at Talpa, said. "The astonishing pace at which this unique and adventurous social experiment is conquering the globe is a testimony to its ingenuity.” 

On SBS6, the average consolidated market share in the target demo 20-49 over six episodes is 17.3%. This is more than 78% above the channel average (9.7%). A lot of new viewers tuned in, as the program lead in had a market share of 6%.

The title shows a groundbreaking social experiment where 100 people try to stay on a remote desert island for two months for a chance at winning $1 million. Surviving the harsh conditions with limited means isn't the only challenge. Each contestant starts the adventure with a bracelet worth $10,000. 

While they're on the island, contestants can gain and lose bracelets by competing in various games. They can also receive bracelets from other contestants. When someone gives up and decides to leave the island, they must give their bracelet(s) to a contestant who stays behind.  By the last day, only a few contestants are left on the island. “'Million Dollar Island” to NEOM is further proof of the confidence the industry has in our ability to deliver multiple productions seamlessly," Wayne Borg, Managing Director for Media, Entertainment and Culture at NEOM said.