BBC AND NBCUNIVERSAL CO-COMMISSION HIT FORMAT "DESTINATION X"

Photo credit: VTM Belgium

Second Alliance Between Broadcasters Following "The Traitors"

Cannes, France, London, England & Universal City, CA - April 17, 2023 - BBC and NBCUniversal announced today the co-commission of the hit adventure reality competition show, "Destination X." Created by Geronimo, the format originated in Belgium and is distributed globally by Be-Entertainment. This follows the recent global phenomenon of "The Traitors," which was also a co-commission between the two broadcast giants. The North American rights were secured by Toby Gorman and Ed Havard for Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group, for development at NBC, led by Corie Henson. Whilst for the BBC, Director of Unscripted Kate Phillips and Editor of Unscripted, Syeda Irtizaali, secured UK rights for BBC One and iPlayer.

"Destination X" crosses fantasy with reality in this larger-than-life adventure competition. Ten contestants embark on the road trip of a lifetime, but have no idea of their location. Once they're on the innovative Destination X bus, reality is tweaked to mislead them and the viewers. Information comes with a number of clues designed to help the contestants decide if they can trust what they see. They need to be on top of their game at all times to figure out where they are. At the end of each episode, the contestant who places their X on a map furthest away from the bus's actual location has to leave the game and loses their shot at winning a cash prize. The surviving participants search for the location of the host, who interacts with them from the secret command post. Mind-blowing and spectacular gameplay will keep viewers engaged and playing along on all screens.

"Destination X" was created and produced by Geronimo, the award-winning team behind "The Big Job Switch" and "Doctor Davy," and launched in Belgium on February 20th on commercial broadcaster VTM. It is consistently winning the slot on Monday evening, with an impressive 42% market share over the first 8 episodes (18-44, Consolidated). Whilst the show is clearly a hit in linear viewing, "Destination X" is also drawing eyeballs to VTM's AVOD platform VTM Go. Immediately after the regular episodes on VTM, viewers can see in the online plot twist episodes what clever clues they missed and how contestants were misled by the production crew.

Kate Phillips, BBC Director of Unscripted, says: "Following the must-see success of The Traitors, I'm delighted that once again we're partnering with NBCUniversal on another very smart, very addictive and very innovative competition show. With countless red herrings and brain-teasing clues, we were gripped from the start. It promises to be a hugely challenging adventure for our ten brave contestants, with plenty of play along for all BBC viewers, as everyone hopes they've got the 'X' that marks the spot!"

Corie Henson, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Programming, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, added: "'Destination X' is a big unique format that pairs spectacular adventure travel with the ultimate guessing game. 'The Traitors' instilled confidence that big formats are back, and 'Destination X' is incredibly ambitious. We're thrilled to have the perfect traveling partners in Universal Television Alternative Studios, BBC and, of course, BE-Entertainment, for this one-of-a-kind immersive gameplay set among stunning locations."

Gepke Nederlof, MD of Be-Entertainment, said: "It's amazing to see how "Destination X" has literally taken off since its launch! It's a true adventure both in and outside of the Destination X-bus, and we could not be more proud than to partner with two of the leading content companies in the world in such an early stage of our international journey."

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About BBC

The BBC is the world's best-known broadcaster and most-used media organization in the UK. Informing, educating, and entertaining audiences across the length and breadth of the country by delivering world-class, universally available, and easily accessible content. As the most trusted UK news provider, the BBC plays a key role in civic life and reflects UK stories, voices, and talent on a local, national and global stage.

About NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a premium ad-supported streaming service. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

About Universal Television Alternative Studio

Universal Television Alternative Studio (UTAS), a division of Universal Studio Group, creates premium quality unscripted programming and formats. Led by President Toby Gorman, the studio develops and produces game shows, competition programs, true crime, documentaries and docuseries. The studio is known for series with A-list talent, including the music and comedy event series "That's My Jam," hosted by Jimmy Fallon; the competition series "Baking It," hosted by Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph; "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning," executive produced and narrated by Amy Poehler; and a new true-crime docu-series from Dick Wolf, "Blood & Money." Additionally, the studio creates hit formats that are replicated worldwide: longtime NBC favorite "Hollywood Game Night," for which Jane Lynch has won two Emmy Awards as host, has been remade in 25 territories; "The Wall" has been sold into 29 territories internationally; and "That's My Jam" is one of the fastest selling formats in the world with options in over a dozen territories. Upcoming series include "The Americas," a 10-part natural history show; "Surviving Earth," a documentary series that will recreate critical mass extinctions in Earth's history; and "LA Fire and Rescue" from Dick Wolf.