The BBC is looking for entertainment shows with youth appeal and ‘positivity, humour and optimism’ to receive an elongated release pattern on iPlayer.
Building on the impact of shows such as The Traitors, Race Across the World and Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC has issued a commissioning brief for studio entertainment and constructed reality as it looks to build a year-long offering of shows that can use iPlayer to boost their profile and build anticipation.
It includes a desire to find the next ‘summer staple’ to air weekly between June and August, ideas for spin-offs and brand extensions, and formats with ‘real pull for under-35s’ and C2DE audiences.
The wish-list divides into four key categories:
Timeless laughs – playful humour and light-hearted formats in studio entertainment. Shows cited: Would I Lie To You? (BBC), Taskmaster (Channel 4), Last One Laughing UK (Amazon Prime)
Mind mischief – formats with ‘game-driven storytelling’ that are driven by ‘psychological gameplay’ and fuelled by ‘curiosity and creativity over correctness’. Shows cited: The Traitors (BBC), Destination X (BBC), The 1% Club (ITV)
Friends and family – shows that celebrate family bonds, lifelong friendships and unlikely pairings. Shows cited: Stacey and Joe (BBC), Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (BBC), Clarkson’s Farm (Amazon Prime)
Signature worlds – big event formats in which viewers enter worlds with clearly-defined rules and become emotionally involved with contestants. Shows cited: Gladiators (BBC), The Apprentice (BBC), Strictly Come Dancing (BBC)
