ViacomCBS, Fremantle take ‘Balcony Stories’ to the world

ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) has begun production on Balcony Stories, a series of short-form shows that celebrates the “positive and creative ways” people are coping with the current global lockdown.

The series, co-produced by VIS and Fremantle, is based on content generated by both audiences and talent, and will premiere tomorrow – 22 April – on ViacomCBS’s linear channels MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, Paramount Networks, Spike and BET, as well as digital platforms, across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

The content will be localised into 27 languages and will air across 130 countries and 100 channels, with four daily episodes airing Monday to Friday. A selection of the best content from the week will also be aired every Saturday in an extended edition.

Raffaele Annecchino, president of ViacomCBS Networks EMEA, said: “Now that we are living in this unprecedented situation, more than ever, we need to stay connected and close to our fans, helping them to stay positive. Balcony Stories was born with this spirit.

“During these months, our eyes have opened up as well as our imagination, our sense of humor, and the artist within us all. Sharing the fun and emotional stories that we are all living can underline even more the fact that we are still all together, reflecting the empathy, creativity, and positive vibes from around the world. With Balcony Stories, we want to celebrate this positive attitude.”