German free-TV deal for Talpa’s Puppet talent show

German free-to-air broadcaster RTL has ordered a local version of The Puppet Show, the new talent show format from John de Mol’s Talpa.

The series launched on SBS6 in the Netherlands in March and the deal to take it Germany’s largest broadcaster is significant for Talpa, which is now part of the ITV group.

Talpa launched the show at MIPTV. It tests the puppet-making and performing skills of would-be puppeteers. One of the judges is also a puppet.

Talpa has already done a deal for a French version of the show, with TF1 ordering the format.