APPLICATIONS OPEN UNTIL AT MIDNIGHT
Tagline
The naughtiest noughties gameshow of all.
Launch Year: 2001 on E4/Channel 4
Genre: Comedy Gameshow
About the Show
Banzai is the outrageous comedy gameshow where audiences bet on bizarre and unpredictable stunts — from grannies playing chicken in mobility scooters to students taking on umbrella roulette. Each round dares viewers to predict who will triumph, fail or crash out in spectacular fashion, with the show’s trademark mix of chaos, humour and absurdity.
Originally running for three hit seasons on E4 / Channel 4, Banzai sold to multiple international broadcasters, including three separate US networks, and won numerous awards — notably beating Blue Planet to Best Entertainment Show at the RTS.
Format Structure
Neighbours swap keys, homes and interior design control – with unforgettable results.
Launch Year: 1996 on BBC Two
Genre: Lifestyle / Makeover
About the Show
One of television’s most iconic makeover formats, Changing Rooms transformed DIY into primetime entertainment. In each episode, two sets of neighbours swap keys and redesign a room in each other’s homes, trusting that their friends’ bold choices will delight rather than horrify.
With only 48 hours, a modest budget and the vision of a charismatic interior designer, emotions run high as creativity collides with taste. The big reveal delivers the ultimate payoff – whether joy, shock or tears – capturing real human reactions that made the format a global phenomenon.
A breakout hit for the BBC (and later rebooted on C4) Changing Rooms inspired local versions around the world and became synonymous with the makeover genre.
Format Structure
Teens party hard abroad — while their parents secretly watch everything.
Launch Year: 2011 on BBC Three
Genre: Reality / Documentary
About the Show
Sun, Sex and Suspicious Parents follows young holidaymakers on their first trip abroad without supervision — unaware that their parents are secretly nearby, watching every move through hidden cameras. What begins as a carefree week of sun, fun and freedom soon turns into a lesson in family reality.
Across each episode, the wild escapades of the teens contrast sharply with their parents’ horrified (or amused) reactions, leading to an unforgettable confrontation when the truth is finally revealed. The result is equal parts comedy, drama and emotional reckoning.
The format became a breakout factual hit for the BBC, spawning multiple series, international versions and viral moments across social media.
Format Structure
The quiz show where knowledge meets high-stakes heist.
Launch Year: 2012 on Channel 4
Genre: Quiz / Game Show
About the Show
Set inside a real bank vault, The Bank Job combines fast-paced quizzing with the tension of a cinematic heist. Contestants answer rapid-fire questions to unlock safe-deposit boxes filled with cash, balancing nerve and strategy as they decide whether to keep playing or “take the money and run.”
Each round raises the stakes, with eliminations looming and fortunes shifting in seconds. The show culminates in its iconic “Cash or Trash” endgame — a psychological showdown where two finalists must choose between sharing or stealing the jackpot.
Originally broadcast live from a disused London bank, the series became a signature Channel 4 event, praised for its innovation and adrenaline-fuelled gameplay.
Format Structure
Lifting people up — on the down low.
Launch Year: 2006 on Channel 4
Genre: Factual Entertainment
About the Show
The Secret Millionaire follows successful entrepreneurs who leave their luxury lives behind to live undercover in disadvantaged communities. Disguised and incognito, they volunteer, work and connect with local residents to uncover stories of struggle, resilience and generosity.
At the end of their stay, they reveal their true identity and reward the most deserving individuals or organisations with life-changing donations. The result is an emotionally powerful format that celebrates compassion, humility and human connection.
The series ran for ten acclaimed seasons on Channel 4 UK and inspired international versions across the US, Australia and Ireland, becoming one of factual television’s most uplifting success stories.
Format Structure
We've got five of Banijay's most-iconic formats on offer. Which show do you want to put your spin on?
Send us a video (max. 4 mins) outlining your pilot idea. This can be in any format – a simple piece to camera, production examples, editing styles – however you feel best sells your idea! The most important thing is that we understand your vision for the format, your creative universe, and above all, who you are.
If your idea is shortlisted, you'll be invited to come and meet the Banijay UK team and tell us more about your concept. This is your chance to sell your creative vision face-to-face.
If selected to take part in the Banijay Entertainment Creators Lab, you'll have the chance to spend time with the teams behind the format to develop your idea further and iron out any outstanding questions or queries you have ahead of starting production on your pilot.
It's time to bring your idea to life! You'll be given up to £50,000 to produce your pilot. Once you've made your masterpiece, your pilot will premiere on your YouTube channel.
