Banijay Entertainment has announced a second series of Let’s Play Ball, the entertainment format co-developed by Banijay Benelux label, EndemolShine Nederland, Talpa Studios and Signal.Stream, for Dutch broadcaster SBS6. The format is significant because it is one of a handful of digital-first formats to have crossed into mainstream television.
Season one of Let’s Play Ball became SBS6’s strongest new launch of the year for the 25- 44 demo. Initially piloted on YouTube via StukTV, where it drew over 1.2m views, the digital-first hit has evolved into a flagship format for Banijay Entertainment. It will lead the company’s format line-up at MIPCOM 2025 and is already attracting international interest with Banijay UK labels Zeppotron and Initial co-developing an English-language version.
James Townley, chief content officer, development, Banijay Entertainment said: “Let’s Play Ball is truly on a roll, quickly becoming the comedy-fuelled hit of the Dutch summer. With a second series confirmed for the Netherlands and co-development underway with Initial and Zeppotron, we expect this to be one of the most talked about titles along the Croisette this MIP. The fact it began in the creator economy, was piloted on YouTube, and is now a broadcast success, proves how adaptable and scalable this format is.”
Let’s Play Ball is a larger-than-life physical game show that becomes a race across regional terrains, with contestants rolling a gigantic ball as they go. Each episode features two celebrity-led teams navigating varied landscapes, from narrow city streets,to rivers and countryside meadows. What begins as a seemingly straightforward task, unravels into comedic chaos and strategic gameplay, demanding teamwork, grit and determination.
