Televisa eyes US format deals

Mexican broadcaster Televisa is expanding its format catalogue following the local success of shows such as El Pantera (The Panther) and Trece Miedos (Thirteen Fears).

Formats director Jose Luis Romero expects to close a US format deal soon for Los Cinco Magnificos (The Magnificent Five), the Channel 2 show where teams compete on a circus style stage and perform a range of challenges.

He is also targeting European deals for horror format Thirteen Fears following good ratings on Channel 5. “Trying to do something different can give you great viewing figures,” he says. A second season of Channel 5’s The Panther has also been commissioned. “Five used to have shows like Lost and 24 in that timeslot but we put these Mexican shows there instead,” he adds.