How an outside idea reaches a company, in its own words · checked 2026-10-29
How to pitch a TV show
BBC, PBS Kids and Shark Tank have a door anyone can use. Every other company here says no, or says nothing. Each one in its own words, with what you give up by sending it something.
BBC · Werner Film Productions from Werner Film Productions (Melbourne)
“In March 2024, BBC Studios expanded its Australian productions operations by announcing that they've acquired Melbourne-based Australian live-action production powerhouse company Werner Film Productions” en.wikipedia.org
2022
BBC · Voltage TV (Inside the Factory) from Voltage TV / Channel 4's stake
“In November 2022, BBC Studios acquired London-based unscripted production company behind 'Inside the Factory' Voltage TV to expand its unscripted production portfolio with BBC Studios taken over Channel 4 's stake in the unscripted production firm.” en.wikipedia.org
“In March 2022, Fremantle announced their acquisition of Italian production house Lux Vide.” en.wikipedia.org
2022
Fremantle · Element Pictures (majority stake) from Element Pictures (Ireland)
“In May 2022, Fremantle acquired a majority stake in the Irish film and television production company Element Pictures.” en.wikipedia.org
2021
BBC · The Traitors (UK version of the Dutch De Verraders) from De Verraders (Dutch format)
“The British show was commissioned by the BBC in October 2021, following the airing of the Dutch series earlier that year.” en.wikipedia.org
2021
Great American Media · Great American Country and Ride TV (cable networks) from Discovery, Inc. and Ride Television Network, Inc.
“The company was announced on June 7, 2021, through its acquisition of the cable networks Great American Country and Ride TV from Discovery, Inc. and Ride Television Network, Inc. respectively.” en.wikipedia.org
2020
HBO · The Last of Us (series) from Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions and Naughty Dog
“HBO announced the series was in planning stages in March 2020, written by Mazin and Druckmann” en.wikipedia.org
2020
Hulu · Palm Springs (Sundance acquisition, with Neon) from the film's producers $17,500,000.69
“Neon and Hulu reportedly paid $17,500,000.69 for the film, breaking the previous record for the highest sale of a film from Sundance by $0.69.” en.wikipedia.org
2019
Banijay · Endemol Shine Group from Disney and Apollo $2.2 billion
“On 22 October 2019, Banijay officially announced its intent to acquire Endemol Shine from Disney and Apollo for over $2.2 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
2017
Discovery Channel · Scripps Networks Interactive (HGTV, Food Network and others) from Scripps Networks Interactive shareholders $14.6 billion
“On July 31, 2017, Discovery Communications announced that it would acquire Scripps Networks Interactive for $14.6 billion in a cash and stock deal.” en.wikipedia.org
2017
Lifetime · Married at First Sight (US version of Denmark's Gift ved første blik) from Danish format from DR3
“The series is based on a Danish series titled Gift ved første blik [ 1 ] that first aired on September 4, 2013, on DR3.” en.wikipedia.org
2017
Banijay · Survivor format and Castaway Television Productions from Charlie Parsons, Lord Waheed Alli and Bob Geldof
“In July of that same year, Banijay Group announced it had acquired the British-based television production company behind Survivor, Castaway Television Productions, along with the format from owners Charlie Parsons, Lord Waheed Alli and Bob Geldof” en.wikipedia.org
2016
Hulu · The Handmaid's Tale from Margaret Atwood's novel, developed by Bruce Miller
“The series was ordered by the streaming service Hulu as a straight-to-series order of ten episodes, for which production began in late 2016.” en.wikipedia.org
2016
Fremantle · Abot Hameiri (51%) from Abot Hameiri (Israel)
“In January 2016, FremantleMedia acquired a 51% majority stake in Tel Aviv-based Israeli scripted reality, drama and entertainment formats television production company Abot Hameiri to expand their international footprint.” en.wikipedia.org
2015
HBO · Big Little Lies from Liane Moriarty's novel, optioned by Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon
“In May 2015, HBO gave the series a production order and Kelley was announced to join the team of executive producers.” en.wikipedia.org
2014
ITV Studios · Leftfield Entertainment (Pawn Stars) from Leftfield Entertainment
“On 7 May 2014, ITV Studios announced the acquisition of Leftfield Entertainment, which produces reality shows such as Pawn Stars, Counting Cars and American Restoration.” en.wikipedia.org
“Below Deck is an American reality television series that premiered on Bravo on July 1, 2013.” en.wikipedia.org
2013
ITV Studios · The Garden (24 Hours in A&E) from The Garden £18 million
“On 22 April 2013, ITV announced they had acquired production company The Garden for £18 million” en.wikipedia.org
2013
Nickelodeon · Paw Patrol (worldwide broadcast and distribution rights outside Canada) from Spin Master Entertainment
“The company negotiated a broadcast partnership with Nickelodeon, and the network first announced that it had picked up the worldwide broadcast and distribution rights (outside of Canada) to Paw Patrol at the 2013 Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada with Nick also being onboard as a commissioner.” en.wikipedia.org
2012
PBS Kids · Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood from Fred Rogers Productions and 9 Story Media Group
“The series debuted on September 3, 2012, on PBS Kids.” en.wikipedia.org
2012
Shark Tank · Scrub Daddy (20% stake) from Aaron Krause $200,000
“On the Shark Tank episode originally airing in October 2012, Lori Greiner made a 20% equity stake deal with Krause for $200,000.” en.wikipedia.org
2010
Banijay · Bunim/Murray Productions from Bunim/Murray Productions
“Two weeks later, Banijay Entertainment acquired Los Angeles-based American reality television production company Bunim/Murray Productions for an undisclosed amount” en.wikipedia.org
2009
Nickelodeon · Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise from Peter Laird (Mirage Studios)
“On October 21, 2009, it was announced that Laird had sold the franchise to Viacom.” en.wikipedia.org
