In Media Plus is making the show, which sees celebrity couples from across the MENA region compete in trivia games and physical challenges.
NBCUniversal Formats, a division of Universal Studio Group, has signed a deal for a local version of hit comedy game show Celebrity Game Face in the Middle East. The show will launch on February 17in a weekly primetime slot on Abu Dhabi TV, and the ADtv app, part of Abu Dhabi Media (ADM).
The show is being produced by In Media Plus (The X Factor, Arab Idol) and is hosted by Egyptian comedian Shaimaa Seif. The 13-part series will see local celebrities from all over the Middle East and North Africa region including the UAE, Kuwait, Lebanon and Egypt, take part in a variety of trivia games and physical challenges.
Speaking about the deal, Ana Langenberg, Senior VP, Format Sales and Production, NBCUniversal Formats, said: “We are thrilled to be building on our presence across the MENA region with such great partners and a fun, COVID friendly format. With a formidable host and rich ensemble of celebrity guests, we look forward to introducing what we hope will be a welcomed hit for local audiences. This deal, alongside the recent commission of our format Drive Thru-Okein Saudi Arabia, are testament to the dynamism of the MENA region and appetite for more universal entertainment content.”
Juma Al Houti, Acting Executive Director – TV, Abu Dhabi Media, added: “We are committed to bringing together global expertise and local insight to create programmes our viewers can’t do without – and Celebrity Game Face is a perfect example. We are excited to work with NBCUniversal Formats in pioneering the first international version of this show. Celebrity Game Face promises to be a must-watch show, across broadcast and digital channels.”
Ihab Hammoud, Chairman, In Media Plus, said: “Producing shows has been very hard in the current COVID climate. So, we’ve been looking for programmes that can still be filmed with the various lockdown and travel restrictions for Abu Dhabi TV. Celebrity Game Face came at the right time, with the right components, which made it the perfect choice. It’s a funny, fast, flexible and a highly pragmatic show, which allowed us to film across five countries with a very tight schedule. Against all odds, our version of Celebrity Game Face has exceeded our expectations and we’re hoping that it will become a big success!”
