London – NBCUniversal Formats has sold dating show Baggage to Chinese satellite channel GuangXi, which reaches more than 800 million households. Baggage China will be made by production company Shixi Media and will air for 13 weeks on GuangXi Satellite from mid-September.
This is NBCUniversal Format’s third deal in China, following Dance Your Ass Off, which aired on ZheJiang Satellite, and game show hit Still Standing, series two of which is currently shown on JiangSu Satellite.
NBCUniversal Formats’ game shows and reality formats have been popular with Asian buyers. Dance Your Ass Off Thailand, Top Chef Indonesia, Minute to Win It Vietnam and Hong Kong, as well as Hot Guys Who Cook Asia, have all either premiered in 2012 or are currently in production to air in 2013.
Brad Wald, Chief Commercial Officer for NBCUniversal International TV Production, said: “Some of our key shows are already doing well in Asia, and we’re delighted to now be working with Guangxi Satellite. Baggage is certain to bring laughter, entertainment and something refreshingly new to viewers in China.”
Xichen Liu, CEO of Shixi Media, said: “We knew right away Baggage would be a great hit with the Chinese audience. This is a unique format from NBCU that offers a twist to the dating genre, and we expect Baggage to become a household name with Guangxi’s viewers.”
Weilin Song, Channel Controller of Guangxi Satellite TV, added: “This is the first dating show commissioned by Guangxi TV, and we are very excited at the prospect of this potential ratings hit.”
