Independent international distribution company Lineup Industries’ ground-breaking social issue format Taboo has been commissioned by public broadcaster TV3 in Spain following hot on the heels of its International Emmy® Award nomination for Best Non-scripted Entertainment and pick up by producer Kinetic for the US.

The show has also been commissioned by Bell Media in Canada, SFR in Switzerland and rights have been picked up in over 15 territories.

Originally created by Panenka, Taboo’s second season, hosted by popular comedian Philippe Geubels, launched in Belgium on ART in January where the series got a phenomenal 61% share with even the Belgian Prime Minister weighing into the conversation on social media. In Australia, where Network 10 airs the Harley Breen-fronted series, Taboo received standout reviews for the ‘beautiful’ and ‘uplifting’ way it tackled its subject matter.

Alongside the International Emmy® Award nomination, Taboo has won a host of international awards including Best Social Issue / Current Affairs Format at the Realscreen Awards; Best Reality TV Drama at the New York Film Festival and second prize for Best European Format at the EBU Creative Forum Awards.

In each episode of Taboo a famous comedian tests the boundaries of comedy and good taste. They perform a unique routine which in each show challenges a subject judged too taboo to laugh at. The difference is that in this show they will have sourced the material directly from those affected, be it blindness, obesity or other physical disabilities and what’s more they will be at the show.

Each performance is researched over a period of a week, the comedian lives with four people, all of whom suffer from a similar disability. The comedian will have their own prejudices, they will be challenged or maybe even reinforced. This isn’t the usual preparation for a comedy routine, but it will be rewarding on a number of levels. Using the experience as a source of material and after months of preparation the comedian will host a live show recorded for TV. The routine will centre on the what he’s observed, close to the bone and at times a little cringeworthy but always with a warm heart.

Ed Louwerse, co-founder of Lineup Industries said: “We have a number of thought-provoking formats on our slate that tackle difficult subjects in a considered, insightful and ultimately uplifting way. Taboo is certainly a unique format that in holding a mirror to certain sections of society, grabs attention but for all the right reasons, inspiring both laughter and tears. The audience feedback we have so far has been phenomenal and we are thrilled that new territories are taking it on board to sensitively exploring the boundaries of comedic acceptability”.

For further information, please contact:

Aimée Norman at DDA Blueprint Public Relations on: +44 (0) 20 7932 9800 or aimee@ddablueprint.com