Award-winning social issue factual series goes into third season in Canada

Independent international distribution company Lineup Industries’ ground-breaking format Taboo, which explores the boundaries of what is considered acceptable humour, has been sold to Israel for the first time, commissioned by public broadcaster Kan and produced by Yoav Gross Productions.

The thought-provoking and multi-award winning series is also set for a third season on Ztele in Canada and has recently been commissioned for a local version by TV2 in Denmark, where it is produced by Monday Production Denmark. Additionally, Taboo has been commissioned for a second season by original broadcaster VRT in Belgium as well as Spain’s TV3. Local versions have also been produced in Australia on Network 10 and SFR in Switzerland.

Ed Louwerse, co-founder of Lineup Industries, said: “In a world where there’s a considerable volume of ground-breaking content, it’s really something to stand out with a truly unique format that creates debate and talking-points wherever it airs. Taboo charts difficult untried territory, taking viewers out of their comfort zones while balancing shock and humour in a sensitive and ultimately life affirming way.”

Yoav Gross Productions stated: “Taboo is the kind of television project that challenges the discourse and pushes the boundaries in terms of innovation. We are proud and excited to produce a season of such a successful format and believe that viewers of KAN will get to watch bright, brave and fascinating TV.”

Originally created by Panenka, Taboo launched in Belgium on VRT where the series was hosted by popular comedian Philippe Geubels. It won a phenomenal 61% share with even the Belgian Prime Minister weighing in on the conversation on social media. In Australia, where Harley Breen fronts the Network 10 series, Taboo received standout reviews for the ‘beautiful’ and ‘uplifting’ way it tackled its subject matter.

Alongside an 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; second prize for Best European Format at the EBU Creative Forum Awards; and a Finger Award for Most Creative Comedy.

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 physical disabilities – and what’s more the target group will be at the show.

For further information, please contact:

Aimée Norman at DDA PR on: +44 (0) 7957 564 050 or aimee.norman@ddapr.com

About Lineup Industries

With a global reach, Amsterdam-based Lineup Industries is an independent international distributor offering the highest level of sales expertise combined with a tailored, global service. The company consists of a senior team of executives with wide-ranging experience dealing with broadcasters, corporations, independent producers and individuals worldwide. Lineup Industries focuses on formats and derived IP and is competitive and streamlined in its approach, facilitating high quality materials and consultancy, ensuring consistency across every production through its lifespan. In 2016 Beta Film GmbH took a stake in Lineup Industries forging a complementary distribution partnership between the companies.  www.lineupindustries.com

About Yoav Gross Productions
Founded in 2000, Yoav Gross Productions is the company behind some of Israel most successful TV shows with a proven record of worldwide success. in the last few years, they had the opportunity to bring shows like “The Good Cop” to be produced for “Netflix” and titles like “Uri and ELLA” which was recently acquired by HBO-MAX. The company also stands behind other successful productions such as the crime series “Manayek”, and The darkly comic series “Nehama” which was acquired by TOPIC and Canal+.