Wins further awards and a second season commission in Denmark

Independent international distribution company Lineup Industries’ ground-breaking and multi award-winning format Taboo is set to launch for the first time in Portugal on terrestrial broadcaster SIC, hosted by famous comedian Bruno Nogueira. The latest local version of the show, which explores the boundaries of what is considered acceptable humour, comes as Taboo receives a second season commission in Denmark on TV2 and wins Best Original TV Show in the country’s Zulu Awards.

The thought-provoking series is also going from strength to strength in other markets. In Belgium, the second season has broken its own ratings record-setting first season on VRT. Taboo is also going into third season on Ztele in Canada and has been commissioned for a second season by Spain’s TV3. Local versions have also been produced in Australia on Network 10 and SFR in Switzerland, and it has also aired in Israel for the first time, commissioned by public broadcaster Kan and produced by Yoav Gross Productions.

Alongside its Zulu Award win in Denmark and nomination for Best Host, Taboo has clocked up an International Emmy® Award nomination and further 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.

SIC’s Entertainment director Daniel Oliveira said about Taboo: “We are going to air a program which will have impact on society and on the way we look at people that are in a vulnerable condition.”

Ed Louwerse, co-founder of Lineup Industries, added: “With widespread discussions about offense and freedom of speech, the topics tackled by Taboo seem timelier and more thought-provoking than ever. The returning nature of the format in markets where it has aired underscores how it’s resonating strongly with viewers. The show is sometimes uncomfortable, often enlightening, but always positive.”

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.

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.