MIPTV News: Discovery secures Bear Grylls survival series in Betty deal

Discovery Enterprises International has secured distribution rights to UK prodco Betty’s programming slate and will head to MIPTV with new titles including Bear Grylls: Ultimate Survivor.

DEI, Discovery Communications’ global programming arm, will be selling Betty’s content for the first time in Cannes. This comes after Discovery acquired Betty (The Joy of Teen Sex, Freaky Eaters) in 2011.

“The signing of this deal is a natural extension of our relationship with Betty, and their uniquely entertaining series and formats will bolster our lifestyle portfolio offerings moving forward,” said Nicolas Bonard, senior VP, DEI.

The deal comprises 173 back catalogue hours; all current and future Discovery Networks International commissions, including new 6x60mins survival stories series Bear Grylls: Ultimate Survivor; and first-window rights outside the UK for coproductions with UK-based broadcasters and formats.

In Cannes, DEI will also be debuting Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners and Rip Off Food and second seasons of The Fabulous Baker Brothers, The Undateables and The Food Inspectors.