London – NBCUniversal International Formats has signed its eleventh international deal for its hit reality franchise, The Real Housewives, with Thai producer Kantana Group. The 13×60’ series The Real Housewives of Bangkok acts as the first Asian version of the format.
The Real Housewives franchise launched with The Real Housewives of Orange County, which debuted on America’s Bravo in 2006. Ten years on, there are now nine US versions of the series: Orange County, New York, Atlanta, New Jersey, DC, Beverley Hills, Miami, Potomac and Dallas. In 2011, NBCUniversal International Formats launched The Real Housewives format to buyers worldwide and since then, there have been ten international versions produced: Toronto, Vancouver, Cheshire, Melbourne, Auckland, Hungary, France, Israel and Athens. The latest deal for Bangkok was brokered by NBCUniversal International Formats’ Director, Format Sales Liaison, Linfield Ng.
A one hour docu–drama, The Real Housewives provides an insight into the lifestyles of privileged and glamourous housewives in locations across the globe. Opening the doors on their lives, these women give viewers a taste of the high life they have come to expect; from their latest beauty regimes to their hectic social schedules. Capturing all the drama as it unfolds; the cameras follow the highs and lows of these driven, ambitious and often fiery women.
Yvonne Pilkington, SVP, Format Sales & Production, NBCUniversal International Formats said: “The Real Housewives is a reality TV phenomenon which has proven compelling viewing for audiences across the US and around the globe. The deal with Kantana Group brings the franchise to Asia for the first time and it will be fascinating to see the culturally contrasting nature of the production and the Bangkok-based wives.”
Piyarat Kaljareuk, Vice President of Kantana Group, added: “We are thrilled to be able to finally work with NBCUniversal International Formats on this fabulous format, The Real Housewives, which has been highly successful in many countries. We are confident that with our experience in producing reality programs, and with the help of NBCUniversal International Formats, we will be able to produce a fantastic and successful show for our Thai fans as well. So stay tuned for The Real Housewives of Bangkok!”
