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Fans felt surprise over 6 MIPCOM formats this week. The market moved fast at MIPCOM, with global buyers racing to option formats that blend cinematic production and creator-driven energy. Variety and Deadline reporting shows Banijay snapped up the forest-set psychological series Werewolves, while Bunim/Murray is prepping a YouTube-born hit for U.S. buyers. One pick even started as a cult board game – will you be watching these in 2026?
Why these 6 MIPCOM formats matter to reality TV fans in 2026
- Banijay acquired “Werewolves” on Oct 15, 2025; impact: international rollouts across 12 territories.
- Talpa’s “Caught In The Middle” booked launches in Netherlands (Jan 2026) and Australia; prize: €50,000.
- Bunim/Murray will push “Let’s Play Ball” to U.S. buyers after 1.2 million YouTube views.
If you loved big-scale game shows, this matters. Read on to see which formats you should bet on.
The 6 MIPCOM picks that will shape reality TV programming
1 – Werewolves: The forest-set psychological format that travels
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Banijay bought the format after Canal+ success in France, and plans local versions across 12 territories, including the U.S. and UK. The show adapts the cult board game Les Loups-garous de Thiercelieux into a cinematic, elimination-style social experiment. If you like cinematic tension, this one looks built for watercooler debate.
2 – Caught In The Middle: A €50,000 arena quiz built for spectacle
Talpa’s new quiz pits a duo against 100 opponents inside a giant LED arena, with a €50,000 jackpot at stake and Dutch and Australian versions ordered. The scale screams international licensing potential – expect broadcasters to fight for the live-event energy. Want spectacle? This is the kind of show that fills appointment viewing.
3 – Let’s Play Ball: YouTube viral energy goes television
Originally a YouTube format with 1.2 million views, Bunim/Murray plans a U.S. rollout after Banijay promoted it at MIPCOM. Two rival teams, chaotic geography, and creator sensibilities make it ideal for young-adult audiences and social clips. If short-form success matters to you, this is the clearest pipeline to streamer commissioning.
4 – Red Carpet Survival: Celebrity chaos that sells overseas
Nippon TV’s celebrity-driven game already earned a Season 2 Italy pick-up on Prime Video and will bring bigger celebrity guests in 2026. The format’s mix of comedy and hazard-based challenges is tailor-made for local-star casting and short-form highlight reels. You’ll probably see clips trending on socials.
5 – Atypical Critics: A culinary format with a twist worth licensing
Listed on Banijay’s MIPCOM slate, this culinary concept leans on unexpected critics and outsize verdicts to generate heated moments. Culinary formats still perform well globally, and this one’s contrarian premise could spark reaction videos and local host spin-offs. If you eat with your eyes, this will get your clicks.
6 – The Game of Wool: Competitive knitting becomes a TV sport
A competitive knitting series noted in Banijay’s slate uses craft-as-contest to create oddly addictive tension and visual hooks. It’s niche, but niche formats often convert into dedicated fan communities and steady international sales. Try watching one episode; it’s oddly satisfying.
How 6 MIPCOM formats could drive global sales in 2026
| KPI | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Territories cleared for “Werewolves” | 12 territories | Rapid international rollout planned |
| “Let’s Play Ball” initial reach | 1.2M views | Proven YouTube-to-TV pipeline interest |
| Jackpot for “Caught In The Middle” | €50,000 | Big-stakes hook for live audience drama |
These figures show clear licensing and engagement advantages for buyers in 2026.
What these 6 MIPCOM hits mean for streamers and buyers in 2026?
Streamers will chase formats that promise clip-friendly moments and easy localization. Bold, spectacle-led shows like “Caught In The Middle” and “Werewolves” give broadcasters promotional hooks and social virality. Which of these six will become the next global franchise – and which will stay a niche favorite?
Sources
- https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/studiocanal-dreamspark-reality-format-werewolves-banijay-1236553375/
- https://variety.com/2025/tv/global/mipcom-banijay-asia-talpa-studios-nippon-tv-1236552194/
- https://deadline.com/2025/10/bunim-murray-format-lets-play-ball-1236573942/
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.