EXCLUSIVE: Heard the one about the Danish comedy-crime entertainment format headed to the London TV Screenings?
Banijay will be taking Who’s Guilty? to the London TV Screenings, and will be the hoping the punchline is a set of deals for the Denmark-originated show.
The format comes from Banijay Nordic-owned Metronome and is for Danish pubcaster DR1. It combines improv, quickfire comedy and a playful investigation in each episode, satiating a need from buyers for “formats that cut through and feel fresh, without losing broad appeal,” according to Metronome Managing Director Tina Christensen.
“Comedy is performing well here and around the world right now, and the network recognised this format would hit the sweet spot between humour, talent, and playability,” she added.
In each episode, a troupe of comedians is thrown into a fictional crime and hauled before a courtroom and a celebrity jury. One comedian is secretly assigned to play the guilty party, while the others are innocent, but collectively they work together to convince the jury to convict one of them of the crime. The comedians have to talk themselves out of trouble, with the guilty party staying hidden in plain sight, through improvised interrogations, reenactments, alibis and unexpected twists.
“Comedy is picking up pace with audiences again, and we’re seeing a real appetite for bold, playful formats to bring people together through laughter,” said Christensen. “With Who’s Guilty?, our ambition was to create something genuinely original, with a fresh, high-energy blend of mystery and improv that celebrates incredible comedic talent. It’s a feel-good title designed for big laughs, and we’re proud to launch it with DR1.”
Banijay, one of the four founders of the London TV Screenings, will be showcasing the series to international buyers at its event on Wednesday, 24 February, in the center of the UK’s capital.
James Townley, Chief Creative Officer, Development Banijay Entertainment says: “Who’s Guilty? takes the classic guessing game and throws in comedy, crime and chaos. The spontaneity keeps viewers hooked, with no one knowing what will happen next. It’s a brilliant talent vehicle, giving performers space to build characters and show real comedic instinct.
“It’s exactly the kind of family-friendly, broad audience offering that resonates internationally and we’re proud to showcase it at this year’s London TV Screenings.”
Metronome is among Denmark’s most storied production companies, and was recently behind Shaolin Heroes, the International Emmy-winning entertainment format that Banijay has sold into six markets. Other credits include Fear Factor and comedy format Roast on the Coast.
We spoke with Christensen ahead of the London TV Screenings.
DEADLINE: This format mixed numerous elements. Are networks looking for more complex storytelling in entertainment, and why did DR pick this one up?
Tina Christensen: In today’s crowded market, broadcasters and platforms are actively looking for formats that cut through and feel fresh, without losing broad appeal. Who’s Guilty? is built on a simple premise – spot the guilty comedian. The show mixes popular genres of crime storytelling, parlour games, improv and character-play to give it added depth. It delivers comedy in a way that feels new and feels now.
We had immediate interest from DR1. As a locally developed, first‑of‑its‑kind format, Who’s Guilty? required a broadcaster willing to take a creative leap – and DR did exactly that. Their support aligns perfectly with their public service ambition to trial new ideas, experiment with form, and create programming that brings different generations together. Their backing has been invaluable.
The tone is hilariously chaotic, feel-good, distinctly Nordic in its humour, and beyond that, it is an excellent talent vehicle. Comedy is performing well here and around the world right now, and the network recognised this format would hit the sweet spot between humour, talent, and playability.
DEADLINE: How did the Banijay Creative Fund support development?
TC: Being part of Banijay Entertainment means we can tap into resources like the Creative Fund, which is designed to encourage creative ambition. This scale gave us the freedom to develop the pitch with additional confidence to be bold and experiment.
Because the show blends pre-shot crime scenes with live improv, we needed the opportunity to work out the balance. We could test different interrogation styles, try various narrative beats, and ensure the comedy always led the way.
It allowed us to shape the format to a place where we knew it could potentially travel internationally, not just work locally. We’re so happy to launch it at London TV Screenings, and we can see it being adapted in other markets like our other comedy format Roast on the Coast, or the International Emmy winner Shaolin Heroes.
DEADLINE: What entertainment trends are you seeing at Banijay and other international players right now?
TC: Comedy is having a real resurgence, especially in Denmark. We’ve just relaunched Fear Factor after 23 years, and while it still delivers the classic high stakes stunts, we’ve put a very Danish comedic spin on it with well-known stand-up comedian Ruben Søltoft as the host; someone who’s famously scared of almost everything. We premiered in December, and at a time when Christmas programming is at its peak, we are so proud that Fear Factor’s combination of adrenaline and humour landed incredibly well.
At the same time, with the current climate of the world, there’s interest in formats with kindness and human depth. Shaolin Heroes is a great example with celebrities learning the craft of the Shaolin masters. It is a Danish original that has grown to become one of Banijay Entertainment’s next-gen travelling formats, produced in six markets. We’d love to see even more territories adapt it, because it shows the strength of our creativity and storytelling.
DEADLINE: Any more upcoming shows or strategic moves at Metronome you can share at this stage?
We’re doubling down on creating original IP with international potential. Comedy remains a core strength for us, from our local versions Last One Laughing and Taskmaster, to our own original idea Roast on the Coast, and now Who’s Guilty?, we’re building a slate that showcases the breadth of comedic storytelling coming out of Denmark.
The return of Fear Factor was a big milestone for us, not just because it’s a huge franchise, but because we’ve reimagined it in a way that feels authentic to Danish audiences while keeping the intensity of the original. It’s a good example of how we combine strong global IP with a local creative voice.
We have several entertainment projects in development that build on the audience’s interest in inventive comedy, strong talent, and formats that stand out. Our goal is to keep pushing Danish creativity on the global stage.
