Abu Dhabi TV orders ‘Celebrity Game Face’ series from NBCU

Ana Langenberg

Abu Dhabi TV has ordered a local version of NBCUniversal Formats’ comedy gameshow Celebrity Game Face, marking its first international series adaptation. 

The 13 x 60-minute UAE version is being produced by local prodco In Media Plus, which has previously been behind remakes of The X Factor and produced Arab Idol.

It will be hosted by Egyptian comedian Shaimaa Seif and sees local celebrities from across the Middle East & North Africa region taking part in a variety of fun trivia games and physical challenges.

The original US version was created by Critical Content and is hosted and executive produced by Kevin Hart for E!.

The show was also turned into a one-off Christmas special for BBC One in the UK last year, where it was titled Miranda’s Games With Showbiz Names. It was produced by Monkey, which is part of NBCUniversal International Studios and – like NBCU Formats – is a division of Universal Studio Group.

Ana Langenberg, SVP of format sales & production at NBCU Formats, said: “We are thrilled to be building on our presence across the MENA region with such great partners and a fun, COVID friendly format. With a formidable host and rich ensemble of celebrity guests, we look forward to introducing what we hope will be a welcomed hit for local audiences.

“This deal, alongside the recent commission of our format Drive Thru-Oke in Saudi Arabia, is testament to the dynamism of the MENA region and appetite for more universal entertainment content.”

Juma Al Houti, acting executive director for TV at Abu Dhabi Media, added: “We are committed to bringing together global expertise and local insight to create programmes our viewers can’t do without – and Celebrity Game Face is a perfect example.