BBC Worldwide sells Mastermind format to TVNZ

BBC Worldwide sells Mastermind format to TVNZ

BBC Worldwide Australia & New Zealand (ANZ) has licensed the Mastermind format to TVNZ, it has been announced.

A new local New Zealand series of the hit BBC quiz show is being produced by Warner Brothers International Television Production New Zealand for TV ONE, and is set to air in 2016 following a 20 year hiatus.

Veteran broadcaster Peter Williams has been confirmed as the new host of the show, which will once again see contestants face the unrelenting pressure of the spotlight and the black chair as they answer questions on their specialist subjects and test their general knowledge. For the first time, the new series will add a New Zealand knowledge round to the challenge.

Mastermind, which has aired in the UK for over 40 years and 42 series, has been commissioned in seven other countries including India, Israel and Russia, and is known for testing the boldest and brightest of contestants with the toughest of questions.

Helen Pendlebury, Head of Business Development, BBC Worldwide ANZ, said: “Mastermind is a giant among TV game shows, with hundreds of contestants having answered questions under the spotlight in the famous and fearsome black chair. We’re delighted that TV ONE and Warner Brothers are bringing the series back to New Zealand.”

Andrew Shaw, TVNZ General Manager of Commissioning, Production and Acquisitions, said: “Mastermindis a TV institution, and we’re thrilled to be reviving the hugely iconic series for TV ONE. Peter Williams is one of New Zealand’s most experienced and long serving broadcasters having been at TV ONE since 1979, and he is the perfect fit as the host for such an iconic show. After its 20 year hiatus, it’ll be exciting to see a new generation of New Zealand contestants come through and we look forward to crowning the next Kiwi Mastermind.”

ENDS

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