Heist-Themed Gameshow ‘The Infiltrators’ to Go Global via Banijay Entertainment

EXCLUSIVE: Content creators posing as mastermind thieves: That’s the concept behind Banijay Entertainment’s latest format acquisition.

The Infiltrators is a gameshow where contestants aim to break into an eccentric billionaire’s home, navigating its complex security system through a series of odd and challenging tasks. The show was first launched on Channel 4’s social media network, Channel 4.0.

“Mystery gameplay remains hot,” said Banijay Entertainment Head of Acquisitions Helen Greatorex. “It started when we all began doing escape rooms years ago, and it has become a way of life for people who seek different gameplay experiences. This trend has transitioned into entertainment and television. While we constantly seek what’s next, it’s evident there is a continued appetite for mystery genres.”

Banijay has acquired the format rights from Cowshed Studios, which is the production arm of creative agency Cowshed Collective. The deal was brokered by 53 Degrees North Media’s Luci Sanan, an experienced figure in the format sales industry who previously worked for Banijay in the early 2010s.

For Banijay, The Infiltrators is the latest third-party acquisition, joining titles like The Fortune Hotel from Tuesday’s Child, adapted for ITV; Genius Game from CJ ENM, produced for ITV by Banijay UK’s Remarkable Television, with David Tennant hosting; and Bloody Game, originated on Korea’s MBC and recently recommissioned in Norway on TV2. Notable in-house formats from the company include Love Triangle, MasterChef, Big Brother, and Survivor, along with upcoming Netflix shows Bear Hunt and Building a Band (working title).

“We’re always exploring new content sources, and this unique deal showcases the creativity we aim to complement our IP portfolio,” Greatorex added. “With its high viewership and retention, and strong potential for recommissions, this budget-friendly format suits production companies across Banijay Entertainment looking to pitch series with elements of escape rooms, strategic gameplay, and popular game shows.”

Cowshed Creative co-founder and CEO George Cowin described the format as “highly adaptable” and predicted that, although it launched on a digital-first channel in the UK, it could easily fit on linear or streaming platforms.

In a conversation with Deadline, Greatorex highlighted that due to the success of shows like The Traitors, The Anonymous, and Destination X, “buyers are increasingly looking for formats featuring strategic gameplay.”

In addition to The Infiltrators, Banijay is also promoting ITV’s series The Fortune Hotel, where contestants at a luxury Caribbean resort must identify who possesses a briefcase full of cash, and the Korean show Bloody Games, where contestants try to avoid elimination from a house through alliances and conspiracies while competing in various games.

“The Infiltrators broadens the spectrum of shows we offer at various price points and with different broadcasters in mind,” Greatorex concluded. “It requires clever localization, but at its core, it’s a solid game. It’s wonderful to have something that appeals to a younger audience and offers channels various cost options.”

Source: Deadline