Format

Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today unveils Date on Stage, a fresh and hilarious new dating format joining its exclusive London TV Screenings event, Banijay @ BAFTA 195 Piccadilly. Created and produced by Banijay Benelux label TwentyTwo, and commissioned by Omroep Zwart for NPO Start and NPO3, this format puts love and laughs literally in the spotlight.

In Date on Stage, singles search for romance without looks getting in the way. Blindfolded, one single embarks on a date with two potential matches, guided only by conversation, chemistry and instinct. But there’s a twist, imagine a first date live on a theatre stage, with a real audience watching every awkward moment and flirtatious attempt. Thankfully, the singleton isn’t all on their own. Two quick-witted comedian cupids are on hand to stir the action, and they aren’t shy at sharing their honest and entertaining opinions, making sure the journey to love is anything but predictable.

James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay Entertainment, comments: “This original new format is packed with real heart and a huge dose of chaotic comedy energy, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. It is a unique take on the dating genre, mixing humour, theatre and romance. Date on Stage is perfect for buyers looking for a scalable, high-energy series to draw fans of comedy and love, whether they’re searching for romance or just a good laugh.”

Paul van der Maesen, Producer, TwentyTwo Productions says: “Dating is sometimes taken too seriously, both on television and in real life. But it can be light-hearted, and full of hilarious moments. Date on Stage brings romance and comedy together: it’s live, unfiltered and packed with surprises. This format taps into the most popular dating trends you see on social media, bringing them to life in an unpredictable and wildly entertaining way. With witty comedians leading the charge, and real singletons putting their heart, and dignity on the line, it’s dating at its most spontaneous and fun.”

Other titles within Banijay Entertainment’s format line-up for London TV Screenings include Spain’s 30 Days and 30 Dates (Cuarzo for Mitele Plus), Sweden’s Against All Odds (Meter/ Jarowskij for SVT), Germany’s Mission Unknown: Atlantic (Banijay Productions Germany for Prime Video), Denmark’s The Rest of Your Life (Pineapple Entertainment for DR1 and DR TV) and AI Love You (Nordisk Film TV for TV 2).