Dutch broadcaster intent on Keeping the Netherlands alive

Dutch public broadcaster Ned 1 has ordered a local version of the Keeping The Nation Alive format.

The ob-doc is pitched as a behind-the-scenes snapshot of 24-hours in the nation’s healthcare system.

The show was created by ITV-owned producer The Garden and the original version, Keeping Britain Alive, went out on UK channel BBC2.

ITV Studios sells the format and finished show and has already sealed deals for a French version for France Televisions’ France 2 and a Norwegian version for TV Norge, which has gone out and rated well.

The 5x60mins Dutch version will be made by iCare Productions and air on Ned 1 later this year.

Tobias de Graaff, director of Global Television Distribution for ITV Studios Global Entertainment, said: “Keeping The Nation Alive offers a unique insight into all the emotions of human life, through personal health stories spanning birth to death. The format has enjoyed successful runs in the UK and Norway and we expect it will be just as popular in The Netherlands.”