Format Focus: To Understand and Forgive
- Published: 20 November 2007 17:56
- Author: Will Hurrell
- More by this Author
- Last Updated: 26 November 2007 16:22
A show from Russia is being touted as a new TV genre: the psychotherapy docu-drama.
The format
To Understand and Forgive is a daily programme that revolves around psychotherapists trying to solve real life issues, from adultery and betrayal to rivalry and blackmail.
Each episode follows a self-contained drama portrayed in a real-life style. After the drama has concluded, the psychotherapists get the chance to give their advice and help solve the problems that have been portrayed.
The original programme first aired on Russia's First Channel. Some 200 episodes have been broadcast so far and To Understand and Forgive continues to be a high-rating show. It is being pitched as a format that mixes the investigation genre with psychological intrigue.
Who's showing it?
The Russian version of the programme is produced by Zodiak Vostok's subsidiary Tele Alliance. Plans are in place for Paris-based production company A Prime Group and Vostok to co-produce episodes for French audiences.
Coming to the UK?
Zodiak owns the international rights to the format and there are plans to pitch the show to
UK broadcasters.
Will it work here?
Could do. The format could almost be pitched as EastEnders meets The Jeremy Kyle Show. The level of "bear baiting" will need to be cleverly formatted.
