1. VOD / streaming / web / shortform /
digital originals and formats
Smartshow.tv
Digital Unscripted Content Trends
8/2020

2. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
About the Report
A curated selection of shows intended for digital content
professionals.
The report covers digital video entertainment content with a focus
on VOD, streaming, web content, shortform, digital originals and
formats suitable for digital platforms. Focal point on unscripted
content; reality, entertainment and factual shows with format
potential. Doesn’t include one-offs, e.g. specials.
Independent format research with no paid commercial messages,
guaranteed by Smartshow.tv founder Ivan Krasko.
Visit www.smartshow.tv for trailers and more
2

3. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Trends
• Focus on documentaries. Streamers launch or order more factual shows on various topics –
crime, animals, gaming, science…
• Personalities attached. Apple TV+ launched The Oprah Conversation. Netflix, HBO Max and
Amazon Prime Video have new personality-based shows too
• Dating, dating… and more dating. Dating genre keeps on trending in digital, with more shows
commissioned in various territories
• A-list creators go digital. Simon Cowell is in talks with Netflix. Acclaimed German producer
Stefan Raab announces new project for local VOD platform
• Coronavirus. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s an increase of digital shows on this topic
or reflecting self-isolation
3

4. Pitch of the Month
4
Content inspirations. Future hits & fresh formats to consider next

5. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
The Masked Singles
Smartshow.tv says / After the global success of 'The Masked
Singer', new 'masked' formats emerge. German TV Now tests
masked dating – an idea that can work.
Synopsis / A single woman meets 5 masked suitors and has to
find her 'prince' without seeing him. All while the disguised
admirers try to convince her only by voice, dance style and
preferences.
Good to know / Only one pilot episode was released on TV Now,
with a local reality star known from 'Love Island'.
5
Dating / 45’ / TV Now

6. Key New Developments
6
Recently announced new projects

7. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Drag Race
Smartshow.tv says / Second adaptation of 'Drag Race' by a
digital platform in a short timespan, this time by RTL Group’s
Videoland in the Netherlands. The previous version by Canadian
VOD platform Crave enjoys social media buzz and solid sales to
other territories.
Synopsis / An elimination competition for drag queens.
Contestants are given the chance to fulfill their lifelong dream and
win coveted title of the Next Drag Superstar.
Good to know / A format distributed by Passion Distribution /
Local version to be produced by Vincent TV Producties.
7
Dutch adaptation / competition / Videoland
Show
Supporting
Diversity

8. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Also In Development
Channel 4 Entertainment orders Keep Your Hair On (w/t), a 4’
game show for social media that sees contestants go head to
head to win the hairstyle of their dreams. But if they lose, they’ll
end up with the lockdown locks of nightmares. channel4.com
TV Now Germany orders Temptation Island VIP, a celebrity
version of the exotic reality format. Reality/dating genre is
successful on the platform; 'Paradise Hotel', 'Prince Charming'
and 'Temptation Island' continue with new seasons. rtl.de
TV Now also announces an untitled late-night show produced by
Stefan Raab. rtl.de
Quibi orders Player vs. Player with Trevor Noah, putting 'The
Daily Show' host’s gaming skills to the test. deadline.com
8

9. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Also In Development
Quibi adapts Japanese format Sokkuri Sweets as 'Eye Candy'.
In this game show, contestants attempt to identify outrageous
edible creations designed to look like everyday ordinary objects
and distinguish them from real objects. deadline.com
Amazon Prime Video confirms cooking show James May: Oh
Cook with 'The Grand Tour' star James May, providing 'a unique
perspective on kitchen creations from someone who can’t really
cook'. deadline.com
Simon Cowell 'in talks to launch new Netflix talent show'.
standard.co.uk
Discovery plans Italian version of a naked studio dating show
Naked Attraction and the uncensored version will be available on
the streaming platform Dplay. tvblog.it
9

10. 3 Most Important Launches
10
Smartshow.tv selects key unscripted VOD originals premiering in August 2020

11. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Just Tattoo of Us
Smartshow.tv says / 'Just Tattoo of Us' format goes beyond MTV
family and secures a remake order outside the ViacomCBS group,
by RTL Germany’s VOD platform TV Now. This format, just like
many other MTV shows, are suitable for digital media by reaching
young demos.
Synopsis / Pairs of friends, family members or couples design
tattoos for each other. The catch? They will only see the final
result once it is inked on their bodies and it’s too late to walk
away. Nothing is off-limits.
Good to know / TV Now also orders 'Ex on the Beach' remake.
11
German remake / reality / August 3 / TV Now
Photo:TVNow/StefanGregorowius

12. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
World's Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji
Smartshow.tv says / Smart content decision by Amazon Prime
Video. The streamer brings a genre that has digital potential and
adds a good host. The Eco-Challenge format has proven itself
over a multi-year run on linear TV in the past, and shows of similar
genre succeeded elsewhere too.
Synopsis / Expedition race, in which 66 teams race non-stop for
11 days, 24 hours a day, through rugged terrain, testing the limits
of human physical and mental endurance.
Good to know / Hosted and executive produced by Bear Grylls.
12
US original / adventure competition / August 14 / Amazon Prime Video

13. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Coras House of Love
Smartshow.tv says / German streamer Joyn combines popular
dating reality genre, adds a celebrity (actress and model Cora
Schumacher) and uses major, proven production company
Endemol Shine Germany for its new show.
Synopsis / Ten charismatic and completely different men move
into a house together and try to win the heart of a celebrity. They
have 8 days to convince her they are the best fit for her.
13
German original / dating reality / August 21 / Joyn

14. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Also Launching
Sing On! (German adaptation) / singing contest / August 7 /
Netflix / Players test their abilities singing popular songs, with the
jackpot growing every time they hit the right note
Pan y Circo (Mexican original) / hybrid / August 7 / Amazon Prime
Video / Diego Luna revisits the ritual of sharing a meal as a space
for conversation and gathering of different points of view
About Face (US original) / factual / August 10 / Quibi / Rosie
Huntington-Whiteley gets up close and personal with icons of the
beauty world to hear their stories and inspirations
Like Me – I’m Famous (German original) / reality / August 11 / TV
Now / Ten celebrities move together to a luxurious villa and fight to
be the most popular, getting the most likes
14

15. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Also Launching
Selena + Chef (US original) / cooking / August 13 / HBO Max /
Selena Gomez navigates unfamiliar territory: making delicious
meals while stuck at home in quarantine
Shame Game (German original) / reality / August 13 / Joyn /
YouTube star faces insane challenges
Die Sex-Klinik (German original) / factual / August 18 / TV Now /
Sex consultations with a well-known sex therapist, a gynecologist
and an urologist
Nice One! (US original) / comedy game show / August 24 / Quibi /
A game show of jovial joking. Comedians compete to compliment
some pretty bad subjects
15

16. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Also Launching
Emily's Wonder Lab (US original) / science / August 25 / Netflix /
Science experiments, activities and demonstrations
Million Dollar Beach House (US original) / reality / August 26 /
Netflix / Real estate show. A group of young and hungry agents try
to seal the deal on luxury listings in the Hamptons
Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness (US original) / factual /
August 27 / HBO Max / Traveling the world to seek answers
surrounding life's universal questions
Full list of premieres and trailers at www.smartshow.tv
16

17. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Recently Launched
● The Oprah Conversation (Apple TV+) – open, honest and
dynamic conversations that promotes human connection
● The New Wave of Standup (CBC Gem) – comedians bring
their diverse background, viewpoint and comedy style to the
stage in a 10-minute set
● Glam Where I Am with Gigi Gorgeous (Facebook Watch) –
beauty hack show about how to make oneself look and feel
just as beautiful as when leaving the salon
● Homeschooled with Meredith Masony (Facebook Watch) –
comedy about tackling modern parenting challenges
● West Coast Customs: Under the Hood (Facebook Watch) –
behind the scenes of a premiere luxury custom auto shop
● The Dog House: UK (HBO Max) – tales of abandoned dogs
17

18. In Brief
18

19. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
In Brief
French broadcaster M6 wants to boost original content of its VOD
platform 6Play, with an emphasis on reality content and
subformats of major brands. lefigaro.fr
Netflix highlights the success of dating show Too Hot to Handle.
hollywoodreporter.com
Dating reality show Hotel Paradise was the most watched
unscripted show on Polish platform Player.pl in spring 2020.
wirtualnemedia.pl
19

20. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
About the Author
Smartshow.tv founder Ivan Krasko has over 12-years experience
in digital media and broadcasting. Emphasizing his analysis of
global TV and video content trends, with a focus on formats.
He works at the development department of the leading
broadcasters in Czechia and Slovakia. He researches global
content markets, tracks content trends and discovers successful
international content suitable for local adaptation.
As a former digital content manager, he has created complex
strategies for digital B2B projects, significantly increased online
traffic and strengthened the projects’ brands. Other expertise
include experience as a broadcasting data analyst.
E: ivan@smartshow.tv / Twitter / LinkedIn
20