Format

Banijay Entertainment’s adventure reality format, Shaolin Heroes, originally created by Danish label Metronome, is set for international expansion with two new adaptations. Banijay Belgium has secured a deal with broadcaster VTM, while SimpelZodiak has received a green light from RTL in the Netherlands.

Since its debut on TV2 Denmark last year, Shaolin Heroes has captivated audiences with a 31% market share, surpassing the channel’s primetime average and earning a second-season renewal. The format follows celebrities as they embark on a physically and mentally demanding journey to master the ancient martial art of the Shaolin Warrior Monks. Guided by two Shaolin Masters, contestants face rigorous trials that push their endurance and self-discovery.

Isabelle Dams, Managing Director of Banijay Belgium, highlights the format’s immersive and transformational nature, while Justine Huffmeijer, Managing Director of SimpelZodiak, praises its respectful portrayal of Shaolin tradition. Metronome’s Tina Christensen emphasizes the show’s global potential, blending human endurance with breathtaking visuals.

Banijay Belgium, known for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Hunted, continues to deliver high-quality TV, while SimpelZodiak, behind Survivor and Temptation Island, specializes in impactful reality formats. Metronome, the format’s creator, remains a powerhouse in non-scripted entertainment with hits like MasterChef and Taskmaster.