Netflix moves into reality formats with Stallone

Netflix has ordered Ultimate Beastmaster, its first reality series.

The competition series, which will localised, will be produced by movie star Sylvester Stallone and The Biggest Loser producer Dave Broome.

The show will see competitors take on “one of the most demanding obstacle courses ever devised”.

As well as Netflx’s first unscripted move, it is also the SVOD giant’s first attempt at formatting an entertainment show.

There will be six versions of Ultimate Beastmaster show, with 18 competitors from each country attempting the assault course.

The winner of each local episode will be crowned ‘the Beast’ and the triumphant participants will then compete in a grand final for the ‘Ultimate Beastmaster’ crown.

Taking its lead from international formats such as Wipeout, production will revolve around a central hub, which Netflix said will be located in the US.

The six local versions will span the US, Brazil, South Korea, Mexico, Germany and Japan.

With its move into reality, Netflix will stick with its simultaneous release pattern, making all ten episodes available at once across all of its international services.

Each local version will be fronted by local celebrity and sporting talent. The presenter line-up includes Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) in the US, UFC champion Anderson Silva in Brazil, actor Luis Ernesto Franco in Mexico, comedian Luke Mockridge in Germany and sports anchor Yuji Kondo in Japan.

“The invitation to partner with Netflix and mega-producer Dave Broome on this revolutionary concept was an opportunity I couldn’t resist,” said Rambo and Rocky star Stallone.

“The world will watch in awe as amazing competitors from around the globe overcome gruelling physical challenges – and in the process become champions and heroes. The course is unequalled in its daring creation and I am excited to be a part of it.”

Erik Barmack, vice president, international originals at Netflix added: “As a global internet TV network, Netflix can uniquely create a compelling event that pits great competitors from six countries against one another, with commentators that audiences from these countries love and then unleash all of the episodes, at once, in multiple languages for our members to enjoy no matter where they are.”

Broome’s 25/7 Productions is making the series.