Social issue factual series goes into second season in Canada, Spain and Belgium

Independent international distribution company Lineup Industries’ ground-breaking format Taboo has been commissioned in Denmark, with TV2 joining the broadcasters who have produced local versions of the series, which explores the boundaries of what is considered acceptable humour. The Danish version will be produced by Monday Production Denmark.

Taboo, which has won multiple awards, has also been commissioned for a second season by original broadcaster VRT in Belgium as well as Bell Media in Canada and Spain’s TV3. Local versions have also been produced in Australia on Network 10 and SFR in Switzerland and the format is in development and optioned in a number of territories with more commissions to be announced soon.

Ed Louwerse, co-founder of Lineup Industries said: “There is considerable interest from broadcasters in defining, thought-provoking formats. Taboo an original, standout factual shows that tackles difficult subjects in an insightful, sensitive and ultimately uplifting way – fostering much needed debate in our communities. In all territories where the series has aired, the responses of both press and audience have been phenomenal and the second season orders are testament to its compelling nature – the show is both shocking, life affirming and funny, giving rise to talking points for all the right reasons.”

Martin Dalgaard, CEO Monday Production Denmark added: “It has been great working with such a powerful format that combines deeply emotional personal stories, important public issues and – not least – humour. Our host – the highly acknowledged and popular comedy-magician Rune Klan – has experienced unforgettable moments of sorrow and joy in a process that has turned in to a truly amazing show.”

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.