Observed Signal · Sep 14, 2026 · Market Signal · Source: BBC Studios · Impact: 3.5/5
BBC Studios unveils next generation of reality formats at MIPCOM 2026
The Yacht, The Big Date, Silent Attraction and Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro launching to international buyers in session Reality Check: A New Era of Unscripted Formats, on Monday 12 October.
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RTLZwei Reveals 2026/27 Reality and Documentary Slate
RTLZwei announced a major programming investment for the 2026/27 TV season, committing to 17 new seasons of established formats, at least eight new program brands, more than 1,000 new episodes and an expansion of its feature-film offering by over 500 titles. The broadcaster is prioritizing reality formats, documentary and reportages, and new storytelling forms for streaming. Highlighted new and returning shows include the dating format "Maison Tabou" (autumn 2026), a "#CoupleChallenge – Halloween Special", new seasons of "Love Island VIP" and "Der Promihof", a vertical-drama spin-off of "Berlin – Tag & Nacht", and several documentary series such as the six-part "Ackern auf der Alp", "Wildes Leben – Im Zoo ist die Hölle los" (produced by Vincent Productions), and the society-focused "Auf Wiedersehen Leben". RTLZwei frames the slate as part of a strategy to expand its position as a "Home of Reality" and to exploit content across platforms.
RTL+ launches reality shows with celebrities and creators
RTL+ is expanding its streaming content with two new reality formats. Starting November 10, the streaming service will premiere 'Prominent verwandt', a show where celebrity parent-child duos move into a villa in South Africa to confront personal issues and compete in games. The show is produced by Seapoint Productions and will consist of ten regular episodes plus a reunion special. Additionally, RTL+ has already released all four episodes of 'Closed!', hosted by Marc Eggers, where he and various creators visit locations closed to the public at night, such as an abandoned hospital, an arcade center, an amusement park, and an outdoor store. 'Closed!' is produced by Banijay Productions Germany.
Format Market Shrinks as Banijay Dominates with All3Media
At MIPCOM, The Wit's 'Fresh TV' presentation revealed a significant contraction in the non-scripted format market, with new format entries down 62% from the 2013/14 peak. However, successful formats are being adapted faster, and Banijay Rights, boosted by its All3Media acquisition, now accounts for 25.8% of all format sales, more than triple its nearest competitor. The UK leads as the top format exporter, followed by the US and the Netherlands. The presentation also highlighted a lack of standout new formats, with many trailers relying on generic AI-generated content. Notable formats included Keshet's 'Who wants to start?', NBCUniversal's 'The Wargame', and various new dating shows from Talpa Studios, All Right Media, BBC Studios, and Banijay.
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