Prime Video bets on live content with ‘Operación Triunfo’ & revives ‘Takeshi’s Castle’

Amazon Prime Video is moving into live content in Spain later this year with the launch of Operación Triunfo, one of the most successful talent shows in the country.

The show, which is being produced by Banijay Iberia’s Gestmusic, had been a flagship programme for pubcaster RTVE from 2001 to 2003 and from 2017 to 2020.

It was also part of Telecinco’s schedule from 2005 to 2011, making Prime Video the third home for Operación Triunfo. David Bisbal, Aitana or Edurne are some of the singers who were born on the show, with the 12th edition also available in Latin America via Prime Video.

The streamer will offer weekly live galas, as well as access via a YouTube channel.

“We’ve been listening to the fans and we will [revive] this iconic show. Prime Video is always looking for innovative and emotional content and Operación Triunfo is a great example,” said Óscar Prol, head of unscripted originals at Amazon Studios in Spain.

The company also talked up its ability to host live content, with Prol adding that “we already offer live sports and music events in other territories.” Netflixmade headlines last week after it tried but failed to live stream a special around Love Is Blind.

Ramping up revivals

Following the nostalgia trend, Prime Video will also revive Takeshi’s Castle, the Japanese gameshow that was very popular in Spain in the 1990s. The show will be dubbed by successful comedians, premiering on 10 July.

María José Rodríguez, head of Spanish originals at Amazon, also announced today in Madrid new comedy series En Fin, created by young talents David Sáinz and Enrique Lojo.

High-end dramas Reina Roja and Los Farad will reach Prime Video later this year, together with terror YA series Romancero. “Ambition, diversity and local stories with international appeal are the pillars of our scripted strategy,” said Rodríguez.

Docuseries El Circo De Los Muchachos is also in production. The story follows Father Silva, a priest who set up his own educational programme for homeless teenagers in the north of Spain, starting in 1956 and lasting for 50 years. Award winning writer and director Elías León Siminiani is attached to the show.

After launching its first Spanish feature film, Mañana Es Hoy, in December 2022, Prime Video also confirmed it will offer two more this year and is working on an additional three original movies to be launched directly on the service.