The show will air on a yet-to-be-announced MBC Group TV channel, as well as on its streaming platform Shahid VIP.
Netherlands-based production and media company Talpa’s reality survival show Million Dollar Island will now be made for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), following a launch in the Netherlands and after being acquired by NBC for the US market.
A regional version of the show has been commissioned by MBC Group, where it will be produced in Neom by Talpa’s new partner, Blue Engine Studios. It’s set to air on a yet-to-be-announced MBC Group TV channel, as well as on Shahid VIP.
Million Dollar Island is a format created by John de Mol’s Talpa Concepts and Monday Media. Distributed by Talpa Distribution, the show was first launched on Sunday, March 6, 2022, on SBS6 in the Netherlands. Amazon Prime has a day-and-date SVOD second window.
Million Dollar Island is a social experiment where 100 people try to stay on a remote desert island for two months for a chance at winning $1m. Each contestant starts the adventure with a bracelet worth $10,000.
While they’re on the island, contestants can gain and lose bracelets by competing in various games. They can also receive bracelets from other contestants. When someone gives up and decides to leave the island, they must give their bracelet(s) to a contestant who stays behind.
Speaking about the show, Sebastian van Barneveld, Director of International Sales at Talpa, stated: “We are very excited about this project with Blue Engine Studios and MBC Group. The astonishing pace at which this unique and adventurous social experiment is conquering the globe is a testimony to its ingenuity.”
Ali Jaber, Group Director of TV at MBC Group, added: “Million Dollar Island is a format never seen before in the MENA region, and there’s no doubt that thousands of adventure enthusiasts from around the region will be signing up to experience this one-of-a-kind adventure. We’re excited to see what this show will bring to our audiences. Who will make history as the show’s first winner from the Arab world? It will be exciting to see who makes it to the top!”
Wayne Borg, Managing Director for Media, Entertainment and Culture at Neom added: “We are excited to be working with Talpa and MBC. Our incredible array of stunning locations are the backdrop for the dedicated facility; large scale sets, workshops and accommodation to support the 200 casts and crew. This is groundbreaking for the region, a production on this scale. It harnesses our world-class offering of studios/stages, equipment inventory and support services at Neom backed by our international team of renowned industry specialists. Bringing Million Dollar Island to Neom is further proof of the confidence the industry has in our ability to deliver multiple productions seamlessly.”
