Banijay Entertainment has secured the English-language format rights for '100', a popular musical gameshow that originated in Korea and Japan. This acquisition is part of Banijay's strategy to expand its global reach by adapting successful regional entertainment concepts, including the acquisition of Endemol Shine Group, which made Banijay the largest production house in Europe. The format will be presented at the upcoming MIPCOM 2025, which will take place from October 13 to 16 in Cannes, France, introducing a new musical entertainment experience to English-speaking markets.
'100' is a unique multi-generational singing competition designed to highlight age diversity and foster community through music. The game centers on teams of amateur and celebrity performers whose combined ages must precisely total 100. Simultaneously, these teams aim for a perfect score from both the audience and a panel of judges. The show includes strategic clues and dramatic reveals, creating an engaging format that unites different generations on stage for distinctive performances. This approach aligns with a growing trend in media to embrace age diversity and challenge stereotypes, providing a platform where varied life experiences contribute to a shared goal.
The format was co-developed by Park Wonwoo, the creator of 'The Masked Singer,' in collaboration with Japanese broadcaster ABC Japan and content incubator Empire of Arkadia (EOA). This partnership between Korean and Japanese creative forces has resulted in a universally appealing concept that Banijay Entertainment intends to bring to a wider audience. The format was previously successfully shown in Korea and Japan as 'event television' and received positive viewer feedback. Helen Gregorix, Head of Format Acquisitions at Banijay Entertainment, described '100' as a "joyful, primetime celebration for the whole family," which perfectly complements their existing portfolio with its distinctive and scalable musical entertainment.
The partnership with Banijay Entertainment marks a significant milestone for EOA, Ditum Korea, and ABC Japan in expanding the international reach of '100'. Banijay Entertainment's strategic expansion involves adapting successful formats from various regions, a move that has contributed to the company's substantial growth. With a vast catalog of over 185,000 hours of original programming and a global network of production companies, Banijay is well-positioned to integrate and promote '100' within the English-speaking media landscape. The company's commitment to acquiring and developing diverse content aligns with the evolving demands of the global entertainment market. The presentation of '100' at MIPCOM 2025, a key international market for entertainment content, underscores the format's potential to capture the attention of broadcasters and audiences worldwide. MIPCOM 2025 is also focusing on the burgeoning creator economy, indicating a broader industry shift towards innovative content and diverse voices, a landscape where '100' is poised to make its mark. Research also shows that the representation of older people in media is still insufficient. Research indicates that formats focused on family audiences and intergenerational interaction demonstrate steady growth in popularity, confirming the potential of '100' in the global market. For example, similar formats successfully adapted in Europe showed a 20% increase in audience engagement compared to previous years. This suggests that viewers are looking for content that brings people together and promotes positive communication.