London – FremantleMedia has secured the global format rights to Animo TV/Kite Entertainment’s Fittest Family. Currently airing on Irish pubcaster RTÉ One as Ireland’s Fittest Family, the primetime series is fast becoming appointment viewing for families throughout Ireland as the series delivers big numbers in its 7.30pm Saturday slot.

The six-part series sees twelve uber fit and sports mad family’s compete for the title of the nation’s fittest family and a big cash prize. Created by Animo TV and Kite Entertainment, Fittest Family is based on an original idea by Irish sporting icon Davy Fitzgerald and his business partner James Sexton.

Ireland’s Fittest Family

Each episode sees four sporting legends assigned to coach the families and push them to their fitness max. The families compete against each other as they get put through a set of extreme challenges with only the fittest surviving.

“When we first saw Fittest Family we knew we had to have it”, said FremantleMedia’s Director of Global Entertainment Development, Rob Clark. “The blend of family dynamics and intense competition come together to make this simple concept a brilliant piece of entertainment. It has real fun and a great heart at its core. We’re confident that Fittest Family can become a global hit.”

Commenting on the FremantleMedia deal Animo’s Adrian Lynch said, “We’re delighted to partner with FremantleMedia on Fittest Family. Their sheer enthusiasm for it from the moment they first saw it means we know it’s in the best hands possible and we look forward to working with them on its international roll out”.

Also commenting on the deal Kite’s Darren Smith said, “The beauty of Fittest Family is the simplicity of its core concept. It’s this simplicity that we believe gives it a real shot at becoming a hit around the world, thus we’re genuinely very excited to be working with Rob Clark, Vasha Wallace and the rest of the FremantleMedia team and making this happen”.

John McHugh RTÉ’s Head of Entertainment added, “I am delighted that RTÉ Entertainment is becoming a home for strong television formats which have real international potential. It is testament to the format’s strength that FremantleMedia will be taking Ireland’s Fittest Family out into the international television marketplace”.

FremantleMedia will launch Fittest Family at MIPTV in April.