Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy head to new RTL net

RTL has ordered two 60-episode runs of classic gameshows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy for its soon-to-launch RTL Plus channel.

The new service rolls out on June 1^st and ahead of launch has ordered new versions of the classic gameshows.

Both will go into production this summer for an autumn debut on RTL Plus.

The formats are owned and distributed by CBS Studios International.

The local arm of Sony Pictures Television will make the RTL versions of the formats, which have been off-air in Germany for over a decade.

SPT Germany boss Astrid Quentell said: “We absolutely love game shows and believe Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy (pictured) fill a huge gap in the current market, and appeal to both those who fondly recall the original runs as well as viewers who’ve never seen the shows.”

The RTL Plus brand was originally used for the main RTL free-to-air channel in Germany, before the Plus was dropped in the early 90s.

The new RTL Plus will have a line-up that includes a local version of The Farmer Wants a Wife as well as local series including Family Court, Juvenile Court and Criminal Court.