Reality shows are driving audiences this summer. A summary of the week in unscripted content (30/2025).
The new reality show 'Villa of Temptations' from Banijay Entertainment had a solid entry into the format market. It reached a double-digit share in the 14–49 commercial demo on Sat.1 Germany in week 3, according to dwdl.de, and is also increasing in time-shifted viewing and streaming. The show sends 14 celebrities to a seemingly idyllic paradise, where appearances are deceptive and morality and motivation are tested, as every comfort cuts into the prize money.
Banijay Rights' relationship reality format 'Temptation Island' tops the summer audience charts in Italy with its 14th season. According to Formatbiz, it is the #1 non-sport show each week.
Next to be added to the Banijay format portfolio is the reality dating show 'Double Up Love' (w/t), recently announced by Swedish pubcaster SVT. In this inclusive format, everyone can date everyone in a villa, where bi-singles navigate relationships in a judgment-free space.
Netflix has released its Engagement Report, covering viewing in the first half of 2025. Its most-watched reality & entertainment show is 'Love Is Blind', with 220.1M hours viewed and 13.4M views.
The streamer also announced plans to adapt the Korean high-stakes competition format 'Physical: 100', which tests raw strength and endurance, for U.S. audiences. A European adaptation is also underway, and the pan-Asian version 'Physical: Asia' will premiere later this year.
ITV in the UK has recommissioned the classic quiz show 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire', including celebrity specials, and has also ordered a fast-paced spin-off, 'Millionaire Hot Seat', first introduced in Australia. The British version will be hosted by Jeremy Clarkson.
In a widely publicized move, CBS has announced it will cancel 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' after the next season.
Spanish broadcasters have introduced several new format adaptations this summer. Telecinco airs NBCUniversal's variety entertainment format 'The Big Show' ('La noche del gran show') in Tuesday prime time, averaging an 8.9% share in total audience after 4 weeks, according to FormulaTV data. On Wednesdays, it airs Talpa Studios' feel-good quiz 'Surprize Fund' ('Todos Por Ti', 8.1%). Telecinco also launched a new daily game show — Can't Stop Media's 'Hold on to Your Seat' ('Agárrate al sillón'). A special weekend preview, boosted by football, achieved a 12.1% share, followed by weekday episodes at 8 PM averaging 7.6% in the first week.
Pubcaster La 1 aired MediaLane's prime-time quiz show 'The Connection' ('La Conexión'), launched All3Media's 'The Dog House' (both with a 9% share), and recently introduced Sony's classic game show 'Pyramid' ('La pirámide') in the daily 7:15 PM slot.
None of these titles is a major hit, considering both broadcasters’ 2025 benchmark shares are around 10% or slightly higher.
Still to come this summer in Spain is a dating format from NBCUniversal, 'Baggage', about finding love while revealing your darkest secrets.
Photo: Sat.1