Sony orders Gogglebox South Africa

Sony Pictures Television has commissioned a local version of hit entertainment format Gogglebox for its own-brand channel in South Africa.

Gogglebox was created by Studio Lambert and has proved one of the most travelled entertainment formats of recent years, with All3Media International on distribution duty.

The Sony Channel version will run to ten, one-hour episodes and will be coproduced by local prodcos Eject Media and Picture Tree. It will launch on the channel, which is carried on the DStv pay TV platform in the country, early next year.

Gogglebox films people watching the big TV shows of the week, capturing their reactions to news and events. It originally launched in the UK on free-to-air broadcaster Channel 4 (pictured).

All3Media secured another African deal for the show, with prodco De Père En Fils optioning it for French-speaking Africa.

Meanwhile, All3Media formats The Cube, Undercover Boss and Cash Mob have all been optioned in South Africa, with local producer Rapid Blue snagging the rights.

Sabrina Duguet, senior VP international format sales at All3Media International, said: “Broadcasters and producers are looking for proven formats which are innovative and unique, yet also simple and cost-effective to adapt to local tastes and requirements.

“Gogglebox has been a standout success – charming everyone with its unique combination of humour, controversy, current affairs and poignant moments, and we’re delighted to see its debut confirmed in Africa.”