Canuck net takes Burnett’s Detour

Canadian channel W Network is developing a travel reality series with Mark Burnett and his United Artist Media Group.

The Voice producer Burnett (pictured) is working up a one-hour pilot for Destination Detour (WT) alongside UAMG, Omnicom Media-backed funding firm Highway Entertainment and Insight Productions.

The format is being developed for the Canadian and international markets and production begins in August in Ontario ahead of broadcast on female-skewed Corus Entertainment net W next year.

It follows three couples from vastly different backgrounds expecting a once-in-a-lifetime holiday who are thrown into worlds they never expected and forced to compete in tough challenges.

“This project continues our strategy to develop new unscripted-reality series and strengthen our relationships with other best-in-class producers to develop content that engages audiences in Canada and viewers around the world,” said John MacDonald, VP, television at Corus and head of Corus Women & Family.

For Burnett, the show is the second Canadian series he has worked up after gameshow Spin Off, which CHCH ordered in 2013.

The show is latest he has gotten away since selling his production business to United Artists owner MGM Television.

“Destination Detour is a unique and fun format that takes people out of their comfort zone and reminds us that trying new things can be a real eye opening experience,” said executive producer Burnett.

“We have been looking for the opportunity to expand our Canadian production relationship and working with the teams at Corus, Highway and Insight Productions made this a very easy project to say yes to.”