Independent international distribution company Lineup Industries’ ground-breaking and multi-award-winning show Taboo, which explores the boundaries of what is considered acceptable humour, is set for broadcast in Norway following a deal with NRK which will produce the format in-house.
The thought-provoking series is also going from strength to strength in other markets. The deal taking Taboo to NRK brings the number of territories airing the show to nine, with Belgium’s VRT and Denmark’s TV2 also recommissioning the show for a 4th season, alongside multiple seasons on TV3 in Spain, Australia’s Network 10, Finland’s MTV, Portugal’s SIC, Noovo in Canada, Kan in Israel and Switzerland’s SFR. Further commissions are set to be announced this year.
In each episode of Taboo, a famous comedian tests the boundaries of comedy and good taste. They perform a unique routine which in each show challenges a subject judged too taboo to laugh at. The difference is that in this performance they will have sourced the material directly from those affected, it be the terminally ill, obesity or physical disabilities – and what’s more the target group will be at the show.
Taboo has clocked up an International Emmy® Award nomination and further awards including: Best Social Issue/Current Affairs Format at the Realscreen Awards; Best Reality TV Drama at the New York Film Festival; second prize for Best European Format at the EBU Creative Forum Awards, and a Finger Award for Most Creative Comedy, alongside a Zulu Award win in Denmark and nomination for Best Host.
Originally created by Panenka, Taboo launched in Belgium on VRT where the series was hosted by popular comedian Philippe Geubels. It won a phenomenal 61% share with even the Belgian Prime Minister weighing in on the conversation on social media. In Australia, where Harley Breen fronts the Network 10 series, Taboo received standout reviews for the ‘beautiful’ and ‘uplifting’ way it tackled its subject matter.
Eirik Sandberg Ingstad, Executive Editor Entertainment NRK said: “In an age where freedom of speech, humour and public discourse are constantly being negotiated, Taboo offers a rare space for nuance, empathy and connection. At NRK, we see this format as both brave and deeply human – a way to challenge assumptions while staying rooted in respect. Lars Berrum brings a unique blend of honesty, wit and warmth that we believe will resonate strongly with Norwegian audiences and contribute meaningfully to the broader conversation.”
Julian Curtis, Founder of Lineup Industries, added: “Taboo continues to be an incredibly timely format with debate around offense and freedom of speech making the headlines. It is thought-provoking and compelling entertainment and the deal with NRK and the continued recommissions across other territories underscore that this is a hugely important topic for broadcasters that continues to resonate with audiences.”
