Banijay to represent ZDFE’s classic Wanna Bet? format

ZDF Enterprises and Banijay Group have agreed a worldwide format deal for classic Saturday night game show Wanna Bet?. Under the terms of the deal, Banijay will manage international sales of the 37 year-old format outside German-speaking Europe and the US.

Wanna Bet? involves members of the public performing unusual, outrageous and often difficult tasks in front of high profile celebrity guests. The celebrities then bet on the outcome of each task by agreeing to perform an embarrassing, amusing or charitable activity. The show first aired on ZDF in Germany, securing a 40% market share in its debut season. It has since been adapted in 12 territories and is just starting a run on Mediaset’s Canale 5 as Vuoi Scommettere.

Commenting on the deal, Ralf Rueckauer, VP ZDFE.unscripted, said: “Wanna Bet? has been sold around the world and works well in the most diverse territories: in nations close to Germany either geographically or emotionally, such as The Netherlands, UK, Poland and Turkey, as well as in Russia and China. We are delighted to partner with Banijay to build the global footprint of ZDF’s hit format.”

In addition to managing the format sales operation, Banijay Group will produce a number of its own international versions. It will also handle international distribution for any versions of the title.