Banijay lands ABC order for Gervais gameshow

ABC has ordered Five to Survive, a new gameshow created by Ricky Gervais and being made by the US arm of Banijay.

The one-hour gameshow will see The Office star Gervais interacting with kids as they try and help grown-ups answer questions and win a cash prize.

Gervais comments: “I’ve never understood the saying ‘never work with animals or children.’ As a producer and director, I prefer either to Hollywood actors. They’re cheaper, they do as they’re told, and the filming hours are better.”

The producers are looking for a host for the studio show now. The format has an adult try and answer ten questions correctly. If they answer incorrectly they can seek help from a group of five kids who have been asked the same question.

“When Ricky presented his idea for Five to Survive, we immediately knew this was a project that needed to land here at ABC,” said Robert Mills senior VP, alternative series, specials, & late night programming, ABC Entertainment.

“It has spirit, it’s fun and it will have the unforgettable comedic moniker that is Ricky Gervais.”

David Goldberg, Banijay Group president and CEO, Banijay Studios North America said: “You never know what’s going to come out of a kid’s mouth and with Ricky Gervais, one of the funniest comedians in the world wrangling and asking the questions, it’s certain to be a rollercoaster ride.

“This should be the type of show that appeals to audiences all over the world.”