Building on the transatlantic success of The Traitors on NBCUniversal and ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ - and the launch of Destination X - the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and NBCUniversal are once again joining forces in search of their next global hit.
We are primarily seeking a new, original IP and we invite UK production companies to create, develop, and pitch bold, attention-grabbing formats designed to captivate audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. We’re looking for fresh ideas that have the potential to become the next big international sensation.
First and foremost: Think Big. Don’t be afraid of pitching high concept ideas with real scale. We have jointly demonstrated our commitment to backing the right idea and that undertaking remains stronger than ever.
Whether it’s live, studio-based, or driven by a compelling narrative arc, we’re after shows that bring people together - delivering bold, unforgettable, family-friendly viewing that resonates across generations.
Most importantly - surprise us. We’re looking for ideas with bold hooks and fresh execution. What does the next evolution of unexpected, competitive entertainment look like? How can we introduce a game-changing twist that rivals the iconic Round Table or the dramatic build to the final act of Destination X - something that feels new, thrilling, and unexpected?
Above all, we’re after bold, modern formats that defy expectations and captivate audiences - ideas packed with clever twists and unexpected rug pulls that keep viewers hooked.
Working jointly and pooling resources can create significant efficiencies for us, so formats and ideas built round a shared location or production hub are of particular interest.
Here are some starting points you may wish to consider:
1. Arc’ed competition: What’s the next evolution in big, bold, prestige reality? The Traitors has redefined the genre - combining high-stakes drama with authentic yet epic storytelling– all without the visible hand of the producer – helping make iPlayer and Peacock the go-to destinations for millions of viewers. But what comes next? What new concept can generate the same amount of buzz and engagement from audiences, but isn’t centred around similar tones of suspicion and subterfuge? Which new worlds and territories can we explore which have the same dramatic effect, while pushing the genre into exciting new territory?
2. Dating and relationship: How do you reimagine this space in a saturated market? What’s a new, ground-breaking topline that reinvents this to capture audiences’ imaginations and help drive that all-important talkability around the show, while still servicing a broad audience?
3. Performance and talent: We’re keen to hear ideas that reimagine this space with warmth and heart of The Voice but keeping scale and multiple thrills at the centre of the premise. What’s the bold new twist or structure that can re-energize the genre and connect with audiences in a big way?
This is by no means an exhaustive list of wishes. We encourage you to think around these steers and surprise us with a brilliant idea or approach we haven’t yet even considered.
Remember – the very best ideas can be captured in just one or two sentences so let that guide your development.
Delivery of the series, if commissioned, will be by spring 2027.
To be eligible to pitch for this opportunity, the production company must:
- be based in the UK
- be eligible for a PiCoS account
- have a proven track record of producing and delivering a production of this scale or be working with another production company or with senior production talent with this experience. Please provide relevant programme titles and further information in the submission to evidence this.
Submission process and schedule
Ideas from UK based production companies should be submitted via to Michael Jochnowitz, Interim Editor of Unscripted by Friday 3 October 2025. Submissions limited to one idea per production company and should contain ‘ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½/NBCU’ in the programme title.
The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and NBCUniversal will aim to select between five and 10 ideas for £10,000 of paid development each, commencing on 17 October 2025.
The selected companies will be required to submit a detailed development proposal by 15 December 2025.
The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and NBCUniversal will decide which idea to progress to either non-TX pilot or proof of concept - depending on the idea.
Any commissioning decision will be made by the end of March 2026.
Note, by submitting your proposal into PiCoS for this opportunity, you also acknowledge and understand that:
a) the will be relied upon by both ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and NBCUniversal
b) your proposal may be similar or identical to existing or future ideas, concepts or proposals submitted to or independently developed by ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and/or NBCUniversal, and you agree that ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and/or NBCUniversal’s use of such similar or identical material does not entitle you or any third party to any compensation or negotiation if ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and/or NBCUniversal determine it has an independent legal right to use such material, and you waive (on your own behalf and on behalf of any affiliated or related person or entity) any claim of any kind or nature with respect to such use by ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and/or NBCUniversal and/or any related or affiliated entity
Privacy notice
The will apply, as outlined in the PiCoS Terms and Conditions. Please note that NBC Universal acts as a separate controller for the purpose of this project, and any personal data submitted as part of your proposal may be shared with them. For more information on how NBCUniversal handles the personal data of its business contacts, please see the .
Please note the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ is not responsible for the content of external websites.
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