Mind-tickling fun begins this April on Claire Hooper’s House of Games

Hands on buzzers! It’s time to play Claire Hooper’s House of Games.  The ABC is thrilled to announce the hilarious new nightly quiz show will premiere Monday, 21 April at 6.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.

Hosted by one of Australia’s favourite stand-up comedians Claire Hooper, the play along at home quiz show will see four celebrity players battle it out each week to test their skills in an entertaining series of trivia-based puzzles, riddles and brain teasers.  

Host Claire Hooper says: “Well, I’m officially doing my dream job. House of Games, the UK cult favourite quiz show, is now here at the ABC. Each weeknight, before the news, I, Claire Hooper, will be testing celebrities with a series of ridiculous brain games and laughing when they struggle – in a fun way! Play along at home and work out if you’re smarter than the weekly lineups of my great mates”.

Each Monday to Friday night, four competing celebrities will back it up as Claire dishes out a different mix of head-scratching games all designed to fuel the celebrity players’ competitiveness and test their mental prowess.

Stepping up to the podium is an eclectic mix of famous faces, including Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm, television personality Jamie Durie, celebrity cook Julie Goodwin, ABC presenter favourites Costa Georgiadis and Zan Rowe, actor and performer Eddie Perfect and comedians Lizzy Hoo, Rhys Nicholson, Nazeem Hussain and Geraldine Hickey.

Following a quick-fire round, a nightly winner is declared each episode, awarding them bragging rights and their pick of the kitsch-inspired ‘House of Games’ merchandise. Who wouldn’t want to walk away with their very own ‘must-have’ salad spinner or fun fondue set?

At the end of the week points are then tallied and an overall weekly winner will be crowned champion and awarded the highly coveted ‘House of Games’ trophy. 

Fun, witty and full of surprises, Claire Hooper’s House of Games is a limited series game show where the quiz is king, but the game will make you grin.

 Always free and Always entertaining, watch all your favourite comedy and entertainment programs on ABC iview now.  

Production Credits:  Commissioned by the ABC.  Produced by Endemol Shine Australia. The format, originally created by Remarkable Entertainment, is represented by Banijay Entertainment globally. 

For further information please contact:

Rob Caulley, ABC Publicist

Caulley.rob@abc.net.au

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.

Meet The 24 Contestants Back To Win. MasterChef Australia: Back To Win. Coming Soon To 10 And 10 Play.

Season 17 of MasterChef Australia will welcome back 24 familiar faces through its hallowed doors. Daring to don their aprons once more, a new group of fan favourite contestants will go head-to-head in a series of enthralling challenges as they vie for another shot at the MasterChef Australia title and $250,000 in prize money.

While all 24 chefs are hungry for the glory, some came closer than others, including former runners-up Callum Hann, Laura Sharrad, Rhiannon Anderson, Pete Campbell and Sarah Todd. For Callum, Laura and Sarah, they’re hoping third time is a charm!

Alongside podium finishers, other faces are fresh from Season 16 like Darrsh Clarke, Sav Perera, and Snezana Calic, while others are stepping back into the kitchen for the first time in years, including Andre Ursini who competed in the inaugural season 16 years ago.

Social media sensations Steph de Sousa and Declan Cleary will serve up their best, alongside some returning favourites who have enjoyed a taste of the other side of the bench since their series debut. Audra Morrice from Season 4 has appeared on the judging panel for MasterChef Singapore and MasterChef Asia, while Depinder Chhibber from Season 13 joined MasterChef India as a guest judge.

A stellar line up of cooks from Season 1 through to Season 16 will face off under the guidance of our fab four MasterChef Australia judges, Andy Allen, Poh Ling-Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Sofia Levin.

Showcasing just how much they’ve grown since they first set foot inside the iconic MasterChef Australia kitchen, the pressure will be on from the very beginning, with the inimitable Gordon Ramsay kicking off the all-star lineup of guest judges.

Give a warm welcome to the Top 24 of MasterChef Australia 2025:

ALANA LOWES, QLD (Season 3)
Instagram: @alanalowes

Alana Lowes first appeared on Season 3 of MasterChef Australia, catapulting her into the food industry and allowing her to travel the globe as a food, travel and lifestyle television presenter, travel writer, and magazine editor. Alana has also worked as a recipe developer, food stylist, photographer and evenlaunched her own sauce range.

ANDRE URSINI, SA (Season 1)
Instagram: @andreursinicooks

Andre Ursini returns to the kitchen to rediscover the very passion for cooking he unveiled on screen 16 years ago. Following the competition, he opened Andre’s Cucina & Polenta Bar, which became an Adelaide dining institution for some 10 years before closing its doors. Andre has launched three more successful venues - Orso, Lost Phoenix Farm and Villetta Porcini - alongside other business ventures.

AUDRA MORRICE, NSW (Season 4)
Instagram: @audramorrice

Now splitting her time between Sydney and Singapore, Audra is an in-demand television presenter, cookbook author and catering business proprietor in both locations. Audra is also currently a judge on MasterChef Singapore and was on the judging panel of MasterChef Asia. Putting on her apron once more, Audra is inspired to demonstrate diversity and culture through her food in the MasterChef Australia kitchen.

BEAU COOK, VIC (Season 4)
Instagram: @beaucook

Following his last stint in the kitchen, Beau took up his dream opportunity to become a firefighter, but his love for food never waned and he has continued to build his skills in the kitchen. Inspired early by
Jamie Oliver, Beau’s speciality is simple food made well from his own homegrown ingredients whenever
possible. As an advocate for ‘re-wilding’, Beau’s future food dream involves more land, a bigger veggie
patch and some animals.

BEN MACDONALD, NZ (Season 6)
Instagram: @foodie_ben

Ben Macdonald comes Back To Win with the same dry sense of humour and determination he is
remembered for. Having run a café, a bistro and a fresh pasta delivery business in Auckland, New
Zealand, Ben has added considerably to his culinary skillset in the 11 years since he first landed in the
MasterChef Australia kitchen.

CALLUM HANN, SA (Season 2, Season 12)
Instagram: @callums_kitchen

Though Callum Hann knows the MasterChef Australia kitchen inside out, he still admits to feeling nerves
as he prepares for his third tilt at the prestigious title. Callum comes Back To Win in 2025 having added
even more accolades to his business empire – opening two new restaurants, Olive and Roma in
Adelaide’s CBD, to join Lou’s Place in the Barossa Valley. Callum’s long-running cooking school, Sprout,
has also grown, offering even more classes with cookbooks, appearances, events and media
commitments keeping Callum’s calendar full.

CATH COLLINS, VIC (Season 15)
Instagram: @cathskitchen_au

After claiming fifth place in 2023, Cath returns to the competition a wiser, calmer cook, and plans on having more fun this time around. Cath embraced change in a big way since 2023’s competition, makingfood her life and following her dreams to launch her own food business, Cath’s Kitchen, where she runs intimate cooking classes.

DARRSH CLARKE, VIC (Season 16)
Instagram: @darrshclarke

Fresh from Season 16, Darrsh Clarke is going back-to-back for another crack at the title. He has relocated
from Perth to Melbourne for the best opportunity to chase his food dreams, immersing himself in Melbourne’s thriving culinary scene. He also locked in some house mates who are fairly handy in the kitchen: none other than MasterChef Australia 2024 winner Nat Thaipun, and fellow contestant David Tan – the three combining at times for powerhouse private dining experiences.

DECLAN CLEARY, NSW (Season 15)
Instagram: @declancleary

Fish is still Declan’s game, and while seafood will feature, Declan has also worked hard to expand his repertoire and push his creativity, ready to show the judges more depth. While maintaining his building business, Declan has also become a global brand ambassador, travelling, presenting cooking demonstrations and creating content. He still dreams of opening his own farm-to-fork style venue and starts every day determined to be the best version of himself.

DEPINDER CHHIBBER, NSW (Season 13)
Instagram: @depinder_

Since her last appearance in the MasterChef Australia kitchen, Depinder launched a supper club called
Ghar - meaning home in Hindi – to offer an Indian-style home dining experience. In 2023, Depinder also
appeared on MasterChef India as a guest judge. Inspired by the amazing cooks in her family, Depinder is
well remembered for her incredible take on Indian cuisine, and her calm nature in the kitchen. She never thought she would experience the magic of MasterChef Australia twice, so this time is doing it to show her daughters what it’s like to believe in yourself and follow your passion.

JAMIE FLEMING, QLD (Season 6)
Instagram: @jamieflemingofficial

With his time on MasterChef Australia Season 6 having sparked his dream of owning his own venue, Jamie launched and ran the award-winning Alba Bar & Deli in Brisbane for five successful years, before opening Spill Wine in Maleny in 2024. Admitting that food is his love language, Jamie strives always to cook with connection to create meaningful experiences for diners whenever he shares his food.

JIMMY WONG, NSW (Season 8)
Instagram: @jimmywongeats

Last time he entered the MasterChef Australia kitchen back in Season 8, Jimmy Wong had his sister
Theresa competing alongside him. Now, Jimmy returns solo and is ready to tackle the competition a second time. Having pursued a career in food full time in the years since his season, Jimmy works as a food photographer, content creator and brand ambassador, with his passion for great food remaining as strong as ever.

LAURA SHARRAD, SA, (Season 6, Season 12)
Instagram: @laurasharrad

Will third time be the charm for Adelaide chef Laura? With two runner-up titles to her name, best
believe that Laura has every intention of taking it one step further this season. Laura has parlayed her
skill and many years of hard work in professional kitchens, into an enviable food career as co-owner of
Adelaide’s successful Fugazzi Bar & Dining and pasta bar Nido. While Italian cuisine, flavours and techniques will always be close to her heart, Laura’s talent spans all corners of the kitchen.

MATT HOPCRAFT, VIC (Season 7)
Instagram: @matt_hopcraft

Since leaving the competition, Matt continued his career in dentistry and is now an associate professor at Melbourne University, and respected industry expert. Having also worked in several kitchens to further enhance his pasta making skills, Matt remains a fan of down-to-earth, simple and tasty dishes, with sugar and sweets never high on his list. Matt plans to showcase more refinement in his dishes this time around, and looks forward to letting his creativity loose.

PETE CAMPBELL, NSW (Season 13)
Instagram: @my.mate.pete

Though pipped at the post in MasterChef Australia’s Season 13 finale, Pete dove straight into the heat of the kitchen after the competition, joining the esteemed Peter Gilmore as a commis chef at Sydney’s Quay restaurant. Having hosted pop-ups in New York City, most recently Pete has been on the pans at Sydney’s Poly restaurant and is ready to show he can finish top of the table.

RHIANNON ANDERSON, QLD (Season 15)
Instagram: @rhiplenish

With a love of South East Asian cuisine and ‘punch in the face’ flavours full of spice, chilli and of course finger lime, Rhiannon feels ready for what the season ahead may bring. Since leaving the kitchen, Rhiannon created her own business, Rhiplenish, running cooking demonstrations and working with brands. Rhiannon has a renewed mindset and intends on staying focused to go one better this season.

RUE MUPEDZI, WA (Season 15)
Instagram: @ruetendom

Dental hygienist Rue Mupedzi admits fear held her back from reaching her full potential in Season 15 of MasterChef Australia, so she is determined not to squander this second chance to come back and do it right. Since leaving the MasterChef Australia kitchen, Rue worked part-time as a chef for private catering events, and completed cooking courses to perfect her skill and technique. Rue returns ready to showcase her growth and perseverance and promises to bring her competitive nature to the kitchen every day.

SAMIRA EL KHAFIR, VIC (Season 5)
Instagram: @samiraelkhafir

Joining the competition in 2013 where she placed third, Samira was a qualified hairdresser and former telecommunications worker, busy raising her young family alongside her husband. After the competition, Samira capitalised on her experience in the kitchen to launch her own café, serving a modern Middle Eastern menu, and has since authored a cookbook, launched a range of low-carb products and worked as a recipe developer.

SARAH TODD, VIC, (Season 6, Season 14)
Instagram: @sarahtodd

Following her previous MasterChef Australia appearances, Sarah has created a lauded culinary career as
an international chef, restaurateur, author, TV host and business owner. Blending classic French technique with her deft understanding of Indian flavours, Sarah’s creations are as unique as they are unforgettable. Sarah’s immense influence in India reached a pinnacle in 2023 when the country’s Prime Minister recognised her for her extraordinary contributions to the food industry. That same year Sarah launched her own sauce brand Hot Toddy, which quickly made its mark in the gourmet food sector.

SAVINDRI PERERA, SA (Season 16)
Instagram: @savisquishles

After placing third last season, Sav is determined not to waste her second chance and will be seizing every opportunity. The former banking consultant started her own business after leaving the competition last year, now working as a private chef and in event catering. Her star is on the rise in her beloved Sri Lanka too, where she enjoyed a hero’s welcome on recent visits, such is the pride her community felt at seeing her bring traditional Sri Lankan food to the global stage.

SNEZANA CALIC, VIC (Season 16)
Instagram: @snezanacalic_official

A generous, instinctual home cook, Snezana will continue to proudly represent the Serbian community by cooking more traditional dishes, with her goal always to cook honest and flavoursome food, straight from the heart. The mum of two with a finance background has followed her passion since last season, working in restaurants to improve her skills and teaching pop-up cooking classes. Snezana has also created food content and began work on a cookbook exploring Mediterranean and Serbian style recipes.

STEPH DE SOUSA, NSW (Season 11)
Instagram: @steph_cooks_stuff

The epitome of bright and bubbly, social media sensation Steph de Sousa now has close to three million dedicated online followers. Known as the ‘Frugal Foodie’, Steph has become the go-to for quick, easy, budget-friendly and family-friendly meals. Having authored two cookbooks, hosted her own television series and held ambassador roles after finishing twelfth in Season 11, this time around, Steph dreams of making the Top 10, and beyond.

THEO LOIZOU, VIC (Season 15)

Instagram: @theegram

After finishing in fourth place in Season 15, Theo is focussed and ready to go all the way. Known as the ‘Bread Boy’ from his season, Theo plans to dig deeper into his Greek heritage, ready to show the judges how much he has grown as a cook. Though still working as an electrician, Theo has been diligently gathering restaurant experience and his dream of opening his own bakery is well and truly alive, with the wheels in motion to share his baked goods with the masses sooner rather than later.

TIM BONE, VIC (Season 11)
Instagram: @timbonefood

Placing fourth in Season 11, Ballarat’s Tim Bone took the ball and ran with it after his season ended, creating the hugely popular Tim’s Toasties, a mobile gourmet toasted sandwich business celebrating regional produce. Success followed and Tim has since proudly opened a bricks and mortar store this year. The host of TV’s Good Chef, Bad Chef returns to the MasterChef Australia kitchen a changed man.

MasterChef Australia is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment Company).

MasterChef Australia: Back to Win.

Coming Soon To 10 And 10 Play.

Join the conversation:

Facebook.com/MasterChefAU

Instagram.com/masterchefau

Twitter.com/masterchefau

10play.com.au/masterchef

#MasterChefAU

Want to know more? Please get in touch with:

Jasmine Burford

National Publicist (Contestants)

E: jasmine.burford@networkten.com.au

Tess Fisher

National Publicist (Judges)

E: tefisher@networkten.com.au

IT’S A DATE! MEET THE SINGLES OF THE NEW SEASON OF LOVE TRIANGLE PREMIERING APRIL 6 ON STAN

WITH CHRISHELL STAUSE AS HOST OF THE FIRST EVER REUNION SPECIAL

March 12, 2025 – Stan has dropped the official trailer for the new season of the Stan Original Series Love Triangle - and it’s serving drama, romance, and a serious shake-up. Along with introducing five fresh singles ready to risk it all for love, the trailer also gives a glimpse at the show’s first-ever Reunion Special, hosted by Emmy®-nominated actress, reality star, and best-selling author Chrishell Stause. The new season kicks off with a double-episode premiere on Sunday April 6 on Stan.

From Endemol Shine Australia Director of Content Tara McWilliams (Married At First Sight), Stan's Head of Originals Amanda Duthie, and 9Network Executive Producer Andy Ryan, Love Triangle challenges a group of singles to relinquish their visual perception of the perfect partner and choose someone based on a deeper connection. In a ‘swipe left’/ ‘swipe right’ culture, often based on pictures alone, the bold dating show returns to test and push the boundaries of preconceived notions of modern dating like never before.

Five brave singles must choose from two potential suitors, sight unseen. Once they date their first pick, they move in together and build on the connection they’ve formed… until their second choice comes knocking… and the drama dials up as they embark on a highly unpredictable and explosive relationship journey filled with love, let-downs, betrayal and heartbreak.

In a Love Triangle first, the singles and suitors will return to take a look back on their dating experiences at the Reunion Special hosted by the one and only, Chrishell Stause - best known for her starring role in global hit reality real estate series Selling Sunset. There will be nowhere to hide as they are confronted with shocking truths, massive revelations and an opportunity to ask the hard questions.

MEET THE SINGLES

Ariana – 29, Executive Assistant / Wedding Pet Chauffer, VIC
Ariana isn’t here to waste time – she is keen to get married and have children and will even ask a man on the first date if they are on the same page! Loud and proud, you’ll know when Ariana is in a room by her voice alone. Often told by guys that she is ‘too much’, Ariana knows if they can’t handle her, they don’t deserve her. While she struggles to trust and can be jealous, she is fiercely loyal. Not one to shy away from the drama, Ariana is feisty and will call anyone out if she feels the need. She’s sick of dating walking red flags and is here to change up her usual type of the gym junkie, tattoo guy, to a dad bod – in the hope they will treat her better!

Bernie – 27, Business Analyst, VIC
Bernie first moved from Portugal to Australia to follow love. While the relationship has since ended, Bernie fell in love with the country – and the women! He gets along with women both romantically and platonically, boasting to have the gift of the gab when it comes to meaningful conversation. Bernie is charming and claims to have emotional maturity that many Aussie men don’t possess. He is looking for a girl who is equally as vibrant, can keep him on his toes, and isn’t averse to living life against the norm. Bernie admits that the endless options that come with modern online dating make it difficult for him to put his energy into one person. Love Triangle poses a new experience for him where he has no choice but to stay and work at a connection with someone – he hopes he might even find love during the process.

Chloe – 25, Nurse Manager, NSW
Chloe is an absolute ray of sunshine and a high achiever – currently studying two Master’s Degrees on top of a full-time job as a nurse manager. Chloe is bisexual and her last relationship left her heart broken after her fiancé abruptly ended their engagement. Since then, she is down the middle with dating a guy or girl; she’s just trying to find that elusive spark. Despite her bubbly nature, Chloe is oblivious to her own charm, often not realising when people are flirting with her. Never wanting to regret not taking a chance, Chloe is jumping into this experience and the opportunity to find her person – she just wants to feel fulfilled and loved.

Mike – 50, Videographer, QLD
Mike has been on a rocky road when it comes to finding love since he first graced our screens on Season 6 of Married at First Sight. As a 50-year-old single man, he knows he looks better than a lot of younger guys but still struggles on the dating scene. When given the chance, women discover him to be a kind soul, and while he finds himself a little lonely at times, Mike is a very happy dog dad. He’s keen to have a family of his own, even if that means becoming a stepdad. He believes he has grown since his MAFS days and become more self-aware – the concept of Love Triangle works for Mike, as he can focus on making a connection with someone before they judge him on his MAFS past.

Payton – 25, Concreter / Business Owner, NSW
Payton is funny, quick-witted and backs herself – loud and proud, she knows if someone doesn’t like her looks, they’ll love her personality. Having recently started her own business, Payton decided to move back home to her parents in Coffs Harbour to save money. Payton has received lots of attention on the dating apps – just not from the kind of guys she’s after. The hardest part about living in a small town is the lack of boys so she's hoping to find love elsewhere. A typical Gen Z, Payton is always up for some texting banter; she’ll read into all the emojis and isn’t afraid to roast her match for a laugh.

Since the global premiere of the series on Stan in 2022, Love Triangle has captured international attention and the first two seasons have been sold into 13 territories. The format has also been adapted for audiences in Finland and the UK – where Love Triangle UK will premiere its second season this year on E4 - and will also be available to stream on Stan.

The Stan Original Series Love Triangle is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) in conjunction with the 9Network.

The first two episodes of the Stan Original Series Love Triangle Season 3 will premiere April 6, followed by a brand new episode every Sunday, only on Stan. Every episode of seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming.

Global Hit NCIS: Sydney Renewed For Season Three.

Filming Begins In Sydney Following Successful Launch Of Season Two Of The Paramount+ Australian Original Series.

Following a hugely successful second season launch, Paramount+ Australia today announced that international smash hit Australian original series NCIS: Sydney has been renewed for a third season. 

Filming for the thrilling third instalment will commence in Sydney on Monday, 24 February, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant harbour as the backdrop for the action-packed series. 

The first international iteration of the global NCIS franchise outside of the U.S., NCIS: Sydney is a brilliant and eclectic team of U.S. NCIS Agents and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) who have been grafted into a multi-national taskforce to keep naval crimes in check. 

Produced by Endemol Shine Australia for CBS Studios and Paramount Australia, and distributed outside Australia by Paramount Global Content Distribution, the first season of NCIS: Sydney is one of the most watched local series since the launch of Paramount+ Australia and earned a 2024 TV Week Logie nomination for Best Drama. It later premiered on CBS US as the #1 new drama in the fall of the 2023-2024 season, with the series premiere reaching over 10 million viewers on linear in the U.S., including an encore episode.

Since launching in 2023, NCIS: Sydney has captivated audiences worldwide with its compelling cases, dynamic cast, and unique Australian twist on the beloved crime procedural, earning worldwide praise for its thrilling storytelling and strong character dynamics. Season Three promises to build on this success, delivering more intrigue, action, and unexpected twists.

Paramount Australia’s Creative Advisor Drama, Rick Maier said: “Got to be proud of any Australian series doing this well on a global scale. The second season of NCIS: Sydney (just launched on Paramount+) is already building on the success of the first, and the scripts for series three are in fantastic shape. We’re all very excited to be back in production again.”

Executive Producer and Head of Scripted for Endemol Shine Australia, Sara Richardson said: “Endemol Shine Australia is honoured to be bringing a third season of this proudly Australian production to the screen.

“With the success of season one, and season two rolling out around the world – we are so excited to be back with our team and shooting in some of our country’s most beautiful and breathtaking locations. The entire cast and crew are extremely proud of NCIS: Sydney, and the unique Australian touch we have brought to such an established and universally loved franchise.”

Executive Producer and Showrunner Morgan O’Neill said: “With two seasons under our belt, we are looking forward to upping the ante and bringing even more fun-filled, high-octane action from our incredible NCIS: Sydney team.”

NCIS: Sydney stars Olivia Swann, Todd Lasance, Sean Sagar, Tuuli Narkle, Mavournee Hazel and William McInnes. The series is created by Morgan O’Neill, who serves as executive producer alongside Endemol Shine Australia’s Sara Richardson, Sue Seeary and Louisa Kors.  

NCIS is the world’s most successful television franchise globally. NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: Hawai’i, NCIS: Sydney and NCIS: New Orleans, have been licensed in over 200 markets worldwide with two more franchise expansions, the recently launched prequel series, NCIS: Origins, and the upcoming Paramount+ Original series, NCIS: Tony & Ziva.

NCIS won the International Audience Award as the most watched television series by Médiamétrie and Eurodata in 2014, 2015 and 2017. 

NCIS: Sydney Season Two recently joined a host of the world’s best entertainment currently streaming on Paramount+, including Aussie Shore, Last King of The Cross Season Two, The Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers Season Two, Fake, Yellowjackets Season Three, Star Trek: Section 31, Dexter: Original Sin, The Agency and Landman, with 1923 Season Two and Happy Face streaming soon.

You can stream 20,000 hours of unique stories, iconic stars, live sport and a mountain of entertainment on Paramount+ with plans starting from $6.99 per month for a monthly subscription or from $61.99 for an annual subscription.

Join the conversation:

www.ParamountPlus.com.au 
@ParamountPlusAU 
@NCISverse 
@cbstv 
#NCISSydney    

For more information please contact:
Michael Hickson
National Publicist
E: michael.hickson@networkten.com.au

Endemol Shine Australia Strikes Partnership with Tokyo Broadcasting System

-The Insider unveiled as first format to stem from collaboration-

Sydney, Wednesday 19 February 2025: Endemol Shine Australia (ESA), part of content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces a groundbreaking global partnership with Tokyo Broadcasting System Television (TBS), broadcaster, creator and producer of world-renowned hit series Ninja Warrior, Takeshi’s Castle and more.

Leveraging ESA’s unique and award-winning creative approach to supersizing and supercharging unscripted formats, the co-development deal will give the label the flexibility to access TBS’ new and existing formats with the view to uniquely shaping them for both Australian and global audiences. Combining the expertise of both companies, the arrangement is set to amplify a dynamic and innovative raft of titles on the world stage for networks and streamers alike. As part of the agreement, Banijay Entertainment has a first-look arrangement to produce the co-developed titles locally across its label footprint.

The first TBS format in development with ESA is the hilarious and subversive take on the strategic gameshow, Actor Vs Reactors, produced by Junya Ueda. Now reinvented and scaled by ESA as The Insider, the format sees a group of celebrities in a riotous strategic game where they will be continually and mercilessly pranked. But one celebrity sneakily knows the details of every prank and is faking their reactions. Can the celebrities find The Insider before they win all the cash?   

TBS is one of Japan’s largest media conglomerates responsible for the original sports entertainment reality format Ninja Warrior. Originally known locally as SASUKE, the show first aired on the network in 1997 and has since been sold into 160 territories. Via this all-new strategic alliance, ESA welcomes the opportunity to build on its existing relationship with the organisation forged through its production of the show for the Australian market.

Marco Bassetti, Chief Executive Officer, Banijay Entertainment said: “As a content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment prides itself on being a home for the world’s best creative talent and a partner to leading ideators in the market. Via this all-new agreement, ESA has a unique opportunity to delve into TBS’ portfolio to apply its expertise in fostering new global hits and supersizing reimaginations. Diversifying and complementing our own catalogue of standout titles, the collaboration will also lean on our 21-territory-strong footprint to localise and scale these next generation superbrands.”

Peter Newman, Chief Executive Officer, ESA said: “We have a worldwide reputation for creating our own groundbreaking formats and supersizing existing ones. Working alongside TBS on this exciting initiative, we are excited to apply our creative lens to reinventing these local formats for a global audience. With The Insider, we have a title built for a broad audience – unpredictable and attention-grabbing. Combining the thrill and addictiveness of strategic gameplay, with explosive laugh-out-loud excitement, this hysterical genre-busting show promises surprises, deception, celebrities, comedy and sleuthing – perfect ingredients for a universal travelling hit.”

Katsuaki Setoguchi, Executive Officer of TBS Holdings, said: “TBS has designated FY2024 as the 'First Year of Global Business,' marking our commitment to strengthening our presence in the global market. We are thrilled to have established a partnership with Endemol Shine Australia, renowned for their outstanding creative capabilities as part of Banijay Entertainment, a leader in the global content market. We have high expectations for the innovative unscripted format that this collaboration will bring to the market; our first project, The Insider, combines the classic prank elements of Japanese variety shows with ESA's supersizing prowess. We look forward to delivering a brand-new form of entertainment to audiences worldwide.”

Jun Fukai, Director of Global Sales and Development at TBS Holdings, said: “In recent years, our Global Sales and Development Department has been focusing on format development with global expansion in mind. In July of last year, the team from Endemol Shine Australia visited Tokyo, where they engaged in three days of in-depth discussions with the TBS Global team and TBS creators. From over 20 proposals, we carefully selected a project to bring to the global market. We have high hopes that The Insider will captivate audiences worldwide and introduce fresh innovation to the global entertainment landscape.”

As a prolific creator and producer of iconic and pioneering Japanese formats, TBS is also behind hit variety show, Fun TV with Kato-chan and Ken-chan, known internationally as America’s Funniest Home Videos.

-Ends-

For further enquiries, please contact:

Bronwen Hodgson – Director of Communications

Email: Bronwen.hodgson@endemolshine.com.au

About Endemol Shine Australia

Endemol Shine Australia (ESA) is a leader in world-class television creation and distribution, producing some of Australia’s most popular programming. 

ESA is home to the creative leaders and visionaries in television and digital production, responsible for some of the most exciting and popular programming on Australian free-to-air networks and pay TV channels, with a major influence on global content. 

With a unique creative approach to supercharging and supersizing existing formats into global hits, credits include MasterChef Australia, Married at First Sight, Australian Survivor, Australian Ninja Warrior, LEGO Masters, Gogglebox Australia, Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, Hunted, The Summit, Love Triangle and The Hundred with Andy Lee. Game shows Tipping Point and Deal or No Deal, as well as acclaimed dramas including NCIS: Sydney and RFDS continue to entertain audiences. 

A multi-award-winning production powerhouse, ESA has secured awards from the International Emmys, The TV Week Logie Awards, AACTAs, New York Festivals TV & Film Awards, Content Innovation Awards, Realscreen Awards, Venice TV Awards, Asian Television Awards, and SPA Awards. 

With offices in Sydney and Melbourne, ESA is part of Banijay Entertainment.      

About TBS Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, Inc. (TBS)

TBS is a major nationwide commercial TV network in Japan, with multiple satellite channels and cable channels, OTT platforms, a nationwide radio network, production companies and theatres under the TBS group. TBS shows have been distributed and localized via format licensing deals around the globe, creating popular titles including America's Funniest Home Videos (UK: You've Been Framed), Takeshi's Castle (US: MXC), and SASUKE/Ninja Warrior.