YouTube Red orders Rabbit reality show

Online service YouTube Red has commissioned a reality competition series from Finland’s Rabbit Films.

Ultimate Expedition will see eight celebrities with no climbing experience attempt to scale the 19,970ft Mount Tocllaraju, with YouTube star and Rabbit USA president Jukka Hildén presenting.

The ten-part show will roll out on Google-owned SVOD service YouTube Red in 2018.

“Viewers love to see their favorite YouTube stars in unique settings, and Ultimate Expedition will stretch the cast far beyond their comfort zones in new and unexpected ways,” said YouTube’s global head of original content, Susanne Daniels.

“The audience will get to experience the climb by not only watching the series, but through the personal journeys each star will share on their YouTube channels – keeping fans connected each grueling step of the way.”

YouTube will be hoping Hildén, best known for extreme prank show The Dudesons, can bring some of his 4.6 million channel subscribers to the series.

The global profile of his prodco, Rabbit, has increased since former NBCUniversal International Studios formats director Jonathan Tuovinen joined as head of international last year.

YouTube Red, which offers TV and music services for a monthly fee, is currently available in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and South Korea.

The service has previously ordered unscripted shows such as the Ludcris-fronted Best.Cover.Ever.