Exclusive: Iceland’s 365 launches local version of Masterchef

Icelandic commercial broadcaster 365 Media is launching a local version of Masterchef, TBI can reveal.

The subscription network, which operates the Stöð 2 (Channel 2) station, inked a deal with distributor Shine International two years ago and will launch the format in the autumn.

Pálmi Guðmundsson, executive VP, programming, 365 Media told TBI that it has been preparing the series for one year and production will start in June. This follows the succetoss of formats including Idols and Ready Steady Cook on the channel.

The show will be produced by local independent production company Saga Films.

“We believe it can be the biggest franchise in Iceland after Idols and The X Factor. The next step was to  do a cooking show which would have broad appeal,” he says.

Iceland is the latest market to produce a local version of Masterchef following versions in Australia, India and Israel and a landmark deal to produce it in China with Shanghai Media Group.