Popstars returns to Denmark after a decade

Music reality format Popstars is returning to Danish screens after ten years away.

SBS Discovery has commissioned Banijay-owned Nordisk Film TV to produce a local adaptation for Kanal 5, and casting is already underway ahead of an autumn 2014 launch.

The format previously ran for four seasons on Danish channel TV2 between 2001 and 2004, but is enjoying a new lease of life after distributor Banijay International repackaged it for the market.

Popstars first launched in New Zealand on TV2 in 1999, originally created by Screentime, which Banijay acquired in 2012. The format went on to sell around the world, with more than 50 versions launching across the world in the likes of the UK, US, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America.

Maiken Wexø, programme director at SBS Discovery said: “We are very honoured to bring the biggest talent show of them all to Danish viewers this autumn. Popstars offers fantastic “feelgood” entertainment for the whole family which is the DNA of Kanal 5.”

After Banijay acquired Screentime, it focused on repackaging the format and has begun re-selling it globally. The show relaunched in Turkey and France last year after Banijay International secured deals with Star TV and D8, respectively.