1. VOD / streaming / web / shortform /
digital originals and formats
Smartshow.tv
Digital Unscripted Content Trends
9/2020

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
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3. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Trends
• A lot more competition shows. Many new competitions were recently announced including
a country music talent show, dog & human competition, dog grooming contest, dating/dancing
talent hybrid, cooking competition, sports reality…
• More comedy specials ordered, ex: by HBO Max and Netflix
• Documentaries. More factual shows greenlighted for VOD, with topics ranging from natural
world to interesting people and events. Special focus on equality and diversity
• Netflix exports in-house formats. 'Sing On!' gets English-language adaptation after Spanish
and German version. Adittionally Netflix shows including 'Queer Eye' may travel as formats,
getting foreign adaptations
• Continuous trend of dating shows
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4. Pitch of the Month
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Content inspirations. Future hits & fresh formats to consider next

5. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Exatlon
Smartshow.tv says / Proven hit on linear channels in multiple
territories goes digital with very important Turkish adaptation
launched on Netflix in the summer. The Netflix version was slightly
adjusted as 'Exatlon Challenge' and sees digital media influencers
compete.
Synopsis / A sports reality show that is not only not seeking the
best player, but also the one that has the most 'gut'. Teams of
physically fit contestants compete at specially-built challenge
locations.
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Sports reality competition / 60-150’ / Acun Medya

6. Key New Developments
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Recently announced new projects

7. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Dance Crush
Smartshow.tv says / British digital channel BBC Three orders
a show that combines dating, dancing and competition; the
elements appealing to a young digital audience.
Synopsis / The worlds of dancing and dating collide. Single
dancers and rookies with rhythm hook up on the dance floor to
find their perfect partner both on and off the dancefloor.
Good to know / New format from BBC Studios.
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UK original / dating/competition hybrid / BBC Three

8. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Also In Development
BBC Three and Hulu commission Planet Sex, a docuseries
exploring the biggest questions in human sexuality. bbc.co.uk
Amazon Prime Video orders The Pack, a competition that
celebrates the bond between dogs and their human companions,
and an untitled reality dating show with diverse cast of
participants looking for relationships, who attempt to find a match
by going back to high school again. variety.com, realscreen.com
True crime, dating genre, local comedy format and an adaptation
of Queer Eye are all interesting for Netflix in Germany as
possible local originals. dwdl.de
Apple TV+ orders its first competition series, My Kind of
Country; a global search for unconventional and extraordinary
country music talent. apple.com
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9. 3 Most Important Launches
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Smartshow.tv selects key unscripted VOD originals premiering in September 2020

10. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Ex on the Beach
Smartshow.tv says / Long-running MTV format for a young
audience gets a remake on important German market. Dating
reality is a popular genre in digital.
Synopsis / Smoking hot single men and women arrive in paradise
to share a luxury holiday villa, with the expectation of holiday
romance… only to be interrupted by an untimely blast from the
past when ex-boyfriends and ex-girlfriends begin to appear
unexpectedly.
Good to know / A format by ViacomCBS / German version will air
on VOD first and later on linear TV.
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German remake / dating reality / September 1 / TV Now
Photo:TVNow/FrankFastner

11. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Catwalk
Smartshow.tv says / A project that sends a positive message of
equality, diversity and inclusion. Strategically released: it consists
of a movie, released in theaters in early 2020, and a 6-part
documentary coming to VOD in September.
Synopsis / A theater group for disabled people in their
extraordinary quest to challenge social and industry norms by
modeling at New York Fashion Week.
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Swedish original / factual / September 11 / Viaplay
Show
Supporting
Diversity

12. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
The American Barbecue Showdown
Smartshow.tv says / The new Netflix BBQ competition comes
from Maverick TV USA and All3media America, promising high
production value.
Synopsis / Eight of the country’s best backyard smokers and
pitmasters vie for the title of American Barbecue Champion in a
fierce but friendly faceoff.
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US original / cooking competition / September 18 / Netflix

13. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Also Launching
Chef's Table: BBQ (US original) / cooking / September 2 / Netflix
/ The juicy, smoky world of barbecue, introduced through
acclaimed chefs and pitmasters
Get Organized with The Home Edit (US original) / lifestyle /
September 9 / Netflix / Expert home organizers help celebrities
and everyday clients edit, categorize and contain their clutter to
create stunning spaces. Co-produced by Reese Witherspoon
Sing On! (US adaptation) / singing contest / September 16 /
Netflix / Players test their abilities singing popular songs, with the
jackpot growing every time they hit the right note
Long Way Up (US original) / factual / September 18 / Apple TV+ /
Best friends Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman on a
motorcycle expedition
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14. Smartshow.tv – Digital Unscripted Content Trends
Also Launching
Drag Race (Dutch adaptation) / competition / September 18 /
Videoland / 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
Wilmore (US original) / topical comedy show / September 18 /
Peacock / Larry Wilmore will have real discussions with high
profile people and cover important topics of the week
Haute Dog (US original) / competition / September / HBO Max /
Dog groomers face off in a full head-to-tail creative competition
showcasing canine breeds of all kinds
Full list of premieres and trailers at www.smartshow.tv
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15. 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
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