After successful rollouts in the Netherlands and French Canada, Let’s Play Ball is headed to Finland, with Banijay Finland producing for STAR Channel.
STAR Channel, part of The Walt Disney Company Nordic, has commissioned eight episodes of the Banijay Entertainment format, originally co-developed by EndemolShine Nederland (part of Banijay Benelux), Talpa Studios, and Signal.Stream. EndemolShine Nederland and Signal.Stream produced the show, which originated as a digital-first pilot on YouTube via StukTV, for SBS6.
Tatu Ferchen, CEO of Banijay Finland, noted, “Let’s Play Ball is the kind of format that immediately captures your attention. As producers, it’s exciting to work with a concept that began life on YouTube and has proven success in a key market like the Netherlands. The scale, unpredictability and physical comedy make it highly entertaining and a great fit for the audience at STAR Channel.”
Lucas Green, chief content officer for operations at Banijay Entertainment, added: “Let’s Play Ball delivers a bold visual identity, standout comedy and fiercely entertaining competition. What’s especially exciting is its journey from a digital-first series to a major international format. Following its success in the Netherlands and French-Canada, it’s fantastic to see the format gathering international momentum, with Finland becoming its latest destination.”
The format is in development with the Banijay UK labels Initial and Zeppotron, producers of Last One Laughing UK. Banijay Americas’ Bunim/Murray Productions is pitching it in the U.S.
