TBI Formats Hot Picks: Hot Yachts – Miami

Producer: Curve Media | Distributor: Fifth Season | Broadcaster: Paramount+ (UK)

Sea, sun and sex-appeal are the watchwords for this new reality format in which a group of super-competitive, good looking, party-loving, yacht brokers compete ruthlessly to sell everything from $1m motor launches to $100m super yachts.

Miami and Fort Lauderdale are home to the largest yacht brokerage in the world, as well as the biggest boat show and the largest number of luxury yachts – making it the ideal location for the show.

“Miami is the Mecca of high-end yachting in the US and is known for its glam, money and cultural diversity,” says Travis Webb, SVP of sales, Americas, at Fifth Season, which is why it was only natural that the 8 x 60-minute series is set in sunny south Florida.

“I see this as Selling Sunset meets Below Deck. So, it’s easy to understand the appeal,” says Webb. “It couples the wish-fulfilment of seeing ultra-high-end property (in this case luxury yachts) with the drama, competitiveness and scandal that ensues when you have a bunch of big personalities doing business in this small world.”

The brokers were selected because of their “success, charisma and penchant for drama,’ explains Webb, who sees international potential in the format.

“I know from my experience at Netflix that shows like Selling Sunset have universal appeal and travel well. You’re getting a glimpse into a world that few have access to and that’s interesting whether you’re in the US, France or South Korea.”