Initial & Zeppotron Developing Dutch Format In UK

The producers behind Last One Laughing UK have located what they hope will be the next big British format.

Banijay labels Initial and Zeppotron are developing a version of Dutch format Let’s Play Ball, which broke out on YouTube with more than 1 million views and will soon launch on SBS6 in the Netherlands.

The format sees two rival teams of comedians go head-to-head in a race to transport a gigantic ball across various terrains. Facing physical puzzles along the way, each episode will see the teams navigate varied landscapes, from narrow city streets to rivers and countryside meadows.

Initial and Zeppotron are the first to reimagine Let’s Play Ball outside the Netherlands. The two indies have already demonstrated the chops required to get comedians to do silly things. Adapted from the Japanese format, Prime Video’s Last One Laughing UK was a big hit for the streamer, featuring the lkies of Bob Mortimer, Daisy May Cooper and Richard Ayoade. Separate from each other, Initial and Zeppotron also make the likes of Big Brother and Would I Lie to You?.

Initial boss Katy Manley said: “This hilarious new show is the perfect next joint project for us. Initial brings the big red balls (we also make Wipeout), while Zeppotron will unlock its legendary black book to cast the funniest people in the country…. We can’t wait to take this out to buyers in the UK.”

Let’s Play Ball is an original format co-developed and co-owned by EndemolShine Nederland, Talpa Studios and Signal.Stream. The show will make its international debut in the Netherlands this summer, co-produced by EndemolShine Nederland and Signal.Stream. Originally piloted on YouTube via StukTV, the show attracted over 1.2 million views. Banijay Entertainment holds global format distribution rights.