ITV Studios arrived at MIPCOM 2025 with a slate reflecting both scale and creative ambition, combining hit thrillers, bold reality formats, and fresh global collaborations. The company confirmed that its premium dramas “Coldwater” and “The Guest” have each been licensed to more than 40 countries, including SHOWTIME in the U.S., TVNZ in New Zealand, and OSN Group across the Middle East.
Starring Andrew Lincoln, Ewan Bremner, and Eve Myles, “Coldwater” and “The Guest” showcase ITV Studios’ commitment to character-driven storytelling with international resonance. “Coldwater” explores how an ordinary man becomes entangled with a dangerous neighbor, while “The Guest” follows two women whose friendship turns into a dark, gripping tale of manipulation and moral chaos.
Tom Clark, EVP Global Sales & Commercial Strategy at ITV Studios, said: “On top of the recently announced SHOWTIME acquisition of these gripping thrillers, we’re delighted to announce swathes of new international sales for ‘The Guest’ and ‘Coldwater’. As these attention-grabbing dramas continue their global expansion, we can’t wait to see their widespread success with audiences worldwide.”
Beyond drama, ITV Studios reinforced its dominance in the global format business with new acquisitions and territorial expansions. The company has added the daring competition series “Solitary” to its international format catalogue. Originally a FOX Reality Channel hit, the show challenges contestants to endure isolation and psychological tests until one remains — a concept both bold and timely.
Meanwhile, “A Party to Die For” will launch its first Spanish adaptation on Atresmedia, “Come Dine With Me” marks its 50th territory with “Come Dine With Me Africa” on CANAL+MAGIC, “The Chase” expands to New Zealand, and “My Mum Your Dad” returns for a second season in Brazil following its successful first run on Globoplay.
Further strengthening its creative engine, ITV Studios announced a new overall deal with acclaimed Nordic creators Karsten Bartholin and Kenneth Kristensen and their company Banjo Formats. The partnership aims to develop globally appealing, high-concept reality formats and enrich ITV Studios’ international slate with distinctive Nordic storytelling flair.
Bartholin and Kristensen bring extensive experience from Viaplay Group, where they commissioned hits such as “Love Island,” “Survivor,” “MasterChef,” and “Paradise Hotel.” Bartholin also co-created the Rose d’Or-winning series “I Survived a Japanese Game Show,” while Kristensen previously oversaw content strategy for MTV and Comedy Central across Northern Europe.
Mike Beale, Managing Director of ITV Studios’ Global Creative Network, commented: “The new deal will see Karsten and Kenneth using their amazing experience commissioning and developing shows from around the world, to boost our international format slate and create diverse new concepts that will resonate globally," noted.