Hit Belgian gameshow format commissioned by WDR

Independent international distribution company Lineup Industries has scored a German commission for the fun-filled gameshow format, SWITCH (8 x 45’) originally created by Panenka for VRT. Produced by Riverside for broadcaster WDR and filming in the same Belgian studio, the new local version titled Quizz Dich Auf 1 will be adapted to fill a 45-minute slot and air weekly. The series launches this April and will be hosted by renowned German television presenter, Guido Cantz.

SWITCH was originally commissioned by VRT in Belgium and following its ratings success has now also been commissioned for a fifth season which will air from summer 2020. Lineup Industries holds global format rights.

SWITCH is the first quiz in the world that is played without points – the gameshow so simple and so visual, you don’t need a score. Five contestants stand side by side. Their position in the line is determined by their answers: the one furthest on the left is in first place, the one furthest to the right is in last place. By solving word puzzles and trivia questions, contestants can Switch places.

The goal is to stay in the game with increasingly high stakes and be in first place before the final. If a contestant wins the final, they are awarded €1,000. If they lose, the money rolls over until it’s won. The same five contestants return throughout the week and if a contestant wins all five days, their prize fund is doubled.

Julian Curtis, co-founder of Lineup Industries, said: “Studio-based gameshows continue to be appealing for both audiences who are looking for event television the whole family can enjoy together, and for broadcasters who are seeking dynamic programmes to boost their primetime schedules. In addition, and timely in the current climate, SWITCH only requires a handful of participants and can easily be filmed without a live audience. Its success in Belgium and the Netherlands shows that this is a compelling but simple format which draws viewers to tune in week after week.”

Rolf Hellgardt, Managing Director at Riverside, added: “As soon as we saw SWITCH, we felt this unique new format would be a great addition to what is already a solid slate of returning game shows. With its simplicity, flexibility and a set that is greater than the sum of its parts, SWITCH is a joy to produce and very different to every other quiz show currently on air in Germany. We look forward to seeing the reaction from viewers in what promises to be a hard-fought slot.”