Fremantle drives in Holey Moley European hub

Fremantle is building a European hub for Eureka Productions’ mini golf-focused comedy entertainment competition Holey Moley.

The super-indie, which owns Eureka, has secured global production and rights for the format, which has proved a hit on US broadcaster ABC, and aims to capitalise on its global potential with the hub.

Fremantle is building the Holey Moley production hub in Portimão, Portugal, and aims to enhance production values and deliver cost efficiencies by filming multiple versions there. Initial filming on the format is slated for May and June 2026, with local adaptations to be announced in due course.

Holey Moley combines mini-golf with Ninja Warrior-style extreme physicality through extreme mini-golf competition where contestants face off against each other on massive, larger-than-life holes designed to test their putting precision, agility, and nerves of steel.

Along the way, they brave wild obstacles like spinning windmills, erupting volcanoes, planetary rings and slippery slopes, with their exploits commentated by quick-witted and humorous hosts.

When it first launched in the US on ABC, the series was hosted by comic actor Rob Riggle. The then Disney-distributed titles was earmarked by Broadcast as one of the international formats to watch out for in the global arena.

Since launching in the US and Australia, the format has proven a breakout success, according to Fremantle. On ABC in the US, Holey Moley was a summer ratings hit, regularly ranking as the #1 show of the night. On Channel 7 in Australia, the consolidated audience more than doubled the channel’s primetime average.

Jennifer Mullin, Fremantle’s group chief executive, said: “Holey Moley has proven its success in the United States, with its unique blend of comedy, competition, and large‑scale spectacle, attracting a significant broad audience.

“We are excited to drive the format’s international expansion through our new global production hub in Portugal.

“Led by Fremantle Global Entertainment in close collaboration with the Fremantle Portugal team, this theme‑park‑scale set and world‑class production infrastructure enable us to deliver premium, high‑impact entertainment while achieving the production efficiencies essential in today’s global market.

“This hub underlines our ambition and further strengthens our growing Fremantle entertainment portfolio.”