BBC and NBCU kick off search for next joint hit

The BBC and NBC Universal (NBCU), co-commissioners of the UK and US versions of hit formats The Traitors and Destination X, are kicking off the search for their next joint unscripted tentpole for UK and US audiences.

As part of their unscripted development partnership, formed in 2021, the two companies are inviting independent UK production companies to pitch “bold and original” ideas across a variety of genres including reality competitions, dating and relationships and talent or performance shows for delivery by spring 2027. They will also welcome ideas which could be hubbed or co-produced.

The BBC and NBCU will aim to select between five and 10 ideas for £10,000 of paid development each, starting on 17 October and a commissioning decision will be made by the end of March 2026.

The pitching process will be overseen by the BBC’s interim editor of unscripted Michael Jochnowitz and head of business, unscripted Jason Emerton and NBCU’s senior vice-president of alternative programming Ed Havard and senior vice-president of business affairs Steven Bercovitch.

Havard and BBC interim unscripted director Syeda Irtizaali, who forged the partnership, said: “We’re after the next tranche of ambitious, groundbreaking ideas which move the creative dial again.

“The relationship between the BBC and NBCUniversal has been extraordinarily innovative, and our shared DNA creates a rare opportunity for British producers to develop at scale for two of the largest broadcast ecosystems in the global market.

“So, we encourage indies to challenge us with bold and original thinking that builds on the success of our global hits and helps us create the next one.”

Details on the process for submissions, timelines and selection criteria are available here. The deadline for submissions is Friday 3 October. 

The call comes ahead of the launch of Destination X on BBC1 on 30 July, produced by Twofour and hosted by Rob Brydon. The show’s US version, also produced by Twofour, has so far reached 6.7m viewers across NBC, Peacock and other platforms since its May launch. Twofour beat competitors in a massive tendering process to adapt the Belgian original format.

The BBC and NBCUniversal have also worked together on hit unscripted formats including The Weakest Link, The Wall and The Americas.