-Hit UK gameshow set for local version on Nickelodeon-

– Sister company, Bunim/Murray, to co-produce-

RDF Television today confirms The Crystal Maze is set for a U.S. remake on Nickelodeon. Co-produced with sister company Bunim/Murray (The Real World, The Challenge, Born This Way), also part of the Banijay Group, the latest reimagination of the format will see family teams put their mental and physical aptitude to the test across the famous set’s four zones.

Recently enjoying a successful reboot in the UK on Channel 4, The Crystal Maze sees a team of contestants, led by a Maze Master, journey through four fantastical time zones to complete tasks to earn crystals. Each of the four time zones – Eastern, Aztec, Industrial and Futuristic – feature Physical, Mystery, Mental and Skill games to put individuals to the test. With each crystal won earning them five seconds in the notorious end game – the “Crystal Dome” – teams must decide which of their members is best-placed to successfully complete each task. Once in the dome, the families will work together to collect a cash prize as it flies around them during a dramatic countdown.

The Nickelodeon show’s host, who guides the family through each challenge and adventure, and the series premiere, will be announced at a later date.  The series (10 one-hour episodes) begins production on the original set in Bristol this summer. Casting is underway.

The smash hit adventure reality format is based upon the idea of Jacques Antoine & Co. and is an original format of Adventure Line Productions, a Banijay Group Company. In 2018, the Fizz-produced show became the number two entertainment series of the year and has regularly increased the channel’s slot average since.  With the reboot proving a success since its initial launch in the 90s, the brand now enjoys celebrity, charity and family seasons in the UK, Australia and beyond.

The Crystal Maze continues to adapt and evolve here in its home in the UK. Welcoming new zones, fantastic talent and a committed fan base, the show has continually gone from strength-to-strength and we can’t wait to welcome a host of U.S. families to its home in Bristol. With feel-good entertainment, and the opportunity to laugh at grown-ups falling off a wet log, the show is perfect for children and is set to be a great addition to the Nickelodeon schedule”, said Neale Simpson, Creative Director, Fizz.

The Crystal Maze has long served as a staple of the UK entertainment landscape and we could not be happier to be reinventing the show for a younger demo alongside our sister companies, RDF and Stephen David Entertainment. Acting as the first series for BMP’s Kids and Family Division, the show will  build on our reputation in the competitive game space and we’ve no doubt by partnering with Nickelodeon, we can build a new audience for this brand in the U.S.,” said Gil Goldschein, Chief Executive Officer, Bunim/Murray Productions.

“As Nickelodeon embraces co-viewing opportunities for every member of the family, The Crystal Maze brings a new type of action game and storytelling to audiences with its escape room-style gameplay and emphasis on collaboration and teamwork to win,” said Rob Bagshaw, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon Unscripted Content.

The Crystal Maze will be executive produced by Gil Goldschein and Maria Pepin from Bunim/Murray Productions, Neale Simpson from Fizz, part of RDF Television, and Stephen David from Stephen David Entertainment. Production of The Crystal Maze for Nickelodeon is overseen by Rob Bagshaw, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content.

The latest announcement follows the news that Fizz is adding a new zone to the UK set. Acting as the first new games area since the show first aired in the 90s, it is influenced by the historic art, architecture and monuments of East Asia. Featuring a lily pond, cherry blossom trees and ornate vases, the zone is made up of five games rooms featuring eight challenging new games for celebrity contestant teams.

The Crystal Maze format is distributed by Banijay Rights, as well as the UK and U.S. finished tape. It is anticipated another format sale will follow in the coming weeks.

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