Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP) announced that it will handle the international distribution of the latest original formats commissioned by Magnolia Network, the media joint-venture between Warner Bros. Discovery and Magnolia co-founders Chip and Joanna Gaines. The collaboration will see WBITVP distribute three new unscripted titles, all executive-produced by Chip and Joanna Gaines: “Roller Jam,” “Human vs. Hamster” and “Second Chance Stage.” The new series are part of the network’s all-new family-friendly unscripted slate debuting this fall on Max in the U.S. WBITVP will launch all three of these Magnolia Network shows to international buyers at MIPCOM next month.
Andrew Zein, WBITVP’s EVP creative, format development, and sales, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Magnolia Network and thrilled to introduce these new formats to global buyers in Cannes. Primetime formats that families and friends can enjoy together are in huge demand at present, and these three titles, designed for both linear and streaming family audiences, are highly original and hugely entertaining.”
Allison Page, President of Magnolia Network, added: “WBITVP has an enviable record for selling programmes and making formats fly around the world, so our new shows are in the best possible hands. We are looking forward to the journey ahead with Andrew and the team, which will hopefully see the Magnolia Network name, along with our passion for family-friendly content and growing reputation for creativity, become increasingly well-known and respected on the international stage.”
“Roller Jam” (format), produced by Nikki Boella (“America’s Got Talent,” “Rhythm + Flow”) and Brian Lando (“A Very Brady Renovation”), brings together the country’s top roller-skating crews, dancing through the decades for a chance to win a major cash prize and donation to their local rink. The U.S. version, hosted by Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter and actress Jordin Sparks, with two-time U.S. Olympian and national figure skating champion Johnny Weir and roller-skating legend Terrell Ferguson serving as judges, will be the first-ever televised national roller dancing competition.
“Human vs. Hamster” (8x60’ + format), produced by A. Smith and Co. (“Floor is Lava,” “American Ninja Warrior”), is a cheeky competition series where the world’s most remarkable pet hamsters go toe-to-toe with teams of humans in scaled challenges that will test their speed, strength, agility – and eating prowess – to see which species is superior. Saturday Night Live cast member, comedian and actress Sarah Sherman will host with football commentator Kyle Brandt, plus television personality Brian Balthazar as the resident hamster enthusiast.
“Second Chance Stage” (8x60’ + format), produced by Sony Pictures Television’s The Intellectual Property Corporation (“Selena + Restaurant,” “We’re Here”), is a talent competition that offers contestants who have pushed their dreams aside for years, even decades, a second chance at their big break. With performances ranging from dancing to singing to stand-up comedy and more, one winner will receive a $100,000 cash prize in front of an audience full of talent scouts, agents and producers looking for the next big star. Judges include country music superstar Martina McBride, acclaimed stage and screen actor Taye Diggs, and ”Saturday Night Live” cast member, comedian and actress Heidi Gardner, with sports broadcaster and New York Times bestselling author Emmanuel Acho tapped to host.
WBITVP holds full worldwide rights for these titles, excluding the U.S.
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