NBC orders US version of Talpa reality format ‘Million Dollar Island’

Million Dollar Island

US network NBC has ordered a local version of Talpa’s new reality adventure format Million Dollar Island.

All3Media-backed Studio Lambert will produce this adaptation of the Dutch series, after partnering with Jon De Mol’s Talpa in January to take the format into both the US and the UK.

Million Dollar Island is a high-stakes social experiment in which 100 contestants must forge friendships and build alliances as they plot to stay on a remote desert island for up to 50 days and compete to win their share of the ultimate $1m prize.

Upon arrival each contestant is given a bracelet worth $10,000. During their time on the island, contestants gain and lose bracelets through various challenges, but when a player leaves the island, they must choose who will receive their portion of the money.

Studio Lambert’s Stephen Lambert, Tim Harcourt and Jack Burgess and Talpa’s John de Mol will serve as executive producers.

“We’re excited to partner with a powerhouse team to bring this fresh and bold social experiment to NBC,” said Jenny Groom, EVP of alternative programming and development. “This series is sure to entertain with ever-evolving alliances, trust, deceit and the ultimate will to survive.”

Stephen Lambert, CEO of Studio Lambert, added: “We’re thrilled to be making this big new format for NBC. The storytelling and strategy, along with a breathtakingly beautiful and remote landscape, will combine to offer viewers a gripping competition.”

“I’ve enjoyed great success with NBC on ‘The Voice,’ so I’m delighted that they’ll provide the perfect U.S home for this exciting new show,” commented John de Mol, founder and chairman of Talpa.

Marble Mania creator Talpa has partnered with numerous producers around the world for its format remakes, signing up Holey Moley outfit Eureka Productions in Australia, Dok1 Media in Belgium, Satisfaction Group in France and Seven.One Entertainment Group in Germany.