Format

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

Discovery Networks has commissioned Nordisk Film TV Norway to produce a local adaptation of Keshet Productions’ relationship show, which sees five couples press pause on their partnerships, for its network in Norway. Casting has already begun for the 18x43’ series, which starts shooting in Oslo in July and will broadcast on Dplay.

The Banijay Group-owned production company originally optioned the format from KI following its official launch to market at MIPCOM 2019, at the same time as Nordisk Film TV Denmark optioned the format in Denmark for Discovery Networks (as announced on 4 June).

Rose Hughes, KI’s VP of Sales, says, “Singletown is the perfect show to bridge the gap between full lockdown and normality, because it’s a quick turnaround primetime format that is both flexible and scaleable that can be produced locally with no need for international travel. Plus, because Singletown is all about real relationships, it’s relatable escapist entertainment with a purpose, and that really appeals to younger audiences.”

Erlend Hernø Røeggen, CEO of Nordisk Film TV Norway, comments, “We had an instant good feeling for Singletown when we saw the UK version last year and now we are so happy to get a local commission in Norway. Singletown has a fresh take on relationships and the eternal question: should I stay or should I go. And I really love the fact that we’re using our capital Oslo in it’s summer glory as a åbackdrop.”

Magnus Vatn, Director of Programming, Discovery Networks Norway adds, “We've set viewing records for both Ex on the Beach Norway and Ex and the City on Dplay this spring, so it's only natural for us to look into formats that should please the viewers who love these shows. Singletown is one of the most exciting reality formats out there right now, and we're quite sure it will prove successful on Dplay.”

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.