Format

Keshet International (KI) has completed its first format sale for Singletown, ITV2’s primetime stripped relationship-based reality series.

Discovery Networks has commissioned Nordisk Film TV Denmark to produce a local adaptation of Keshet Productions’ relationship show, which sees five couples press pause on their partnerships, for its network in Denmark. Casting has already begun for the 16x43’ series, which starts shooting in Copenhagen in July.

The Banijay Group-owned production company originally optioned the format from KI following its official launch to market at MIPCOM 2019.

Rose Hughes, KI’s VP of Sales, says, “When we first started talking to clients about Singletown, we knew we had a fresh and exciting new relationship-based format that was proven to genuinely engage younger audiences. What we didn’t know then is that this is also the perfect format to help us bridge the gap between full lockdown and normality. Singletown is a relatable primetime entertainment format that doesn’t need a studio audience and can be shot locally without the need for international travel.”

Ulrik Joergensen, CEO of Nordisk Film TV, Denmark comments, ”Singletown is a super fresh example of reality with a purpose. This format tells new sides of the love life that has never been seen on television before. It´s a groundbreaking format that of course is entertaining, but in the end also will give a new perspective on relationships. In Denmark we are proud to be the first country outside the UK to produce Singletown.”

Pil Gundelach Brandstrup, VP Content and Programming, Discovery Networks Denmark, adds, "In the past many years, we’ve seen lots of reality shows that basically focus on finding love. Here for the first time, we see a reality show that focuses on what comes after the falling in love; namely the struggles and pivotal questions that a relationship entails. Singletown is a love experiment which follows couples seeking clarification of their love –– this process and the experiences gained along the way are the engine of the show.”

Originally produced by Keshet Productions for ITV2, Singletown begins with a unique ending as five couples press pause on their relationships and spend one incredible summer living their best single lives in the city. The newly separated couples and their four new flatmates move into in two luxury Singletown apartments and embark an indulgent summer full of money-can’t-buy exclusive dates, out of this world parties and unforgettable experiences. At the end of each week, the couples meet to take apart in the Love Locket ceremony. Will they choose to reunite and leave the show as a couple or will one, or both of them, choose to stay single and remain in Singletown?
Singletown debuted strongly in the UK, with the first episode performing well against E4’s S18 launch of Made In Chelsea in the 16-34 target demographic, beating it on the night in a head-to-head battle. The episode went on to achieve a strong consolidated viewership of 416,000 individuals. Across the whole 15x60’ series, which was stripped weeknights at 9pm on ITV2 from 2 September 2019, 43% of viewers were 16-34 year olds. On social, Singletown built followers on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, with the first episode trending ahead of Made In Chelsea on Twitter.

Keshet International is also distributing the finished tape alongside the format for Keshet Productions, with talks on-going with various buyers around the world for both.