Banijay Explores Guilt in DR’s Danish Comedy-Crime Format at London TV Screenings
EXCLUSIVE: A Danish comedy-crime format is making its way to the London TV Screenings this month, and its distributor, Banijay, is eager to secure international deals for the show, Who’s Guilty?
Developed by Metronome, a subsidiary of Banijay Nordic, the format airs on Danish public broadcaster DR1. It combines improvisational comedy with a whimsical investigation, catering to the growing demand from buyers for innovative formats that remain broadly appealing. Metronome Managing Director Tina Christensen commented, “Formats that cut through and feel fresh, without losing broad appeal, are essential in today’s market.”
Christensen added, “Comedy is performing well here and around the world right now, and the network recognized this format would hit the sweet spot between humor, talent, and playability.”
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Each episode of Who’s Guilty? features a cast of comedians who find themselves entangled in a fictional crime and presented before a courtroom with a celebrity jury. One comedian is secretly designated as the guilty party while the others are innocent, but they must work together to convince the jury to convict someone. Through improvised interrogations, reenactments, alibis, and unexpected twists, the comedians must navigate the chaos, keeping the guilty party concealed.
Christensen remarked, “Comedy is picking up pace with audiences again, and we’re seeing a real appetite for bold, playful formats that bring people together through laughter. With Who’s Guilty?, our ambition was to create something genuinely original, with a fresh, high-energy blend of mystery and improv that celebrates incredible comedic talent. It’s a feel-good title designed for big laughs.”
Banijay, one of the founding partners of the London TV Screenings, will present the series to international buyers at the event on Wednesday, February 24, in central London.
James Townley, Chief Creative Officer at Banijay Entertainment, stated, “Who’s Guilty? takes the classic guessing game and mixes in comedy, crime, and chaos. The spontaneity keeps viewers hooked, with no one knowing what will happen next. It’s a brilliant talent vehicle, giving performers space to build characters and showcase real comedic instinct.”
He further noted, “It’s exactly the kind of family-friendly, broad audience offering that resonates internationally, and we’re proud to showcase it at this year’s London TV Screenings.”
Metronome, a leading name in Danish production, is also known for the International Emmy-winning format Shaolin Heroes, which Banijay has successfully distributed across six markets. Other notable projects include Fear Factor and the comedy format Roast on the Coast.
In a recent interview, Christensen shared insights ahead of the London TV Screenings.
DEADLINE: This format mixes numerous elements. Are networks looking for more complex storytelling in entertainment, and why did DR pick this one up?
Tina Christensen: In today’s crowded market, broadcasters and platforms are actively searching for formats that feel fresh without losing broad appeal. Who’s Guilty? is built on a straightforward premise—spot the guilty comedian. It blends popular genres of crime storytelling, parlor games, improv, and character-play, giving it added depth. The show delivers comedy in a way that feels both new and relevant.
Christensen noted that DR1 showed immediate interest in the show, highlighting its status as a locally developed format. “A first-of-its-kind concept required a broadcaster willing to take a creative leap—and DR did exactly that,” she explained, adding that the broadcaster’s support aligns with its ambition to experiment and innovate. “Their backing has been invaluable.”
The show’s tone is hilariously chaotic, exuding a distinctly Nordic sense of humor, and it serves as an excellent platform for performers. “Comedy is performing well globally, and the network recognized that this format would strike the right balance between humor, talent, and playability,” said Christensen.
DEADLINE: How did the Banijay Creative Fund support development?
TC: Being part of Banijay Entertainment allows us to access resources like the Creative Fund, designed to nurture creative ambition. This support has given us the freedom to develop the pitch boldly and experiment.
Christensen explained that because the show combines pre-filmed crime scenes with live improv, it was essential to find the right balance. “We could test different interrogation styles, explore various narrative elements, and ensure the comedy always remains central,” she added. “We’re excited to launch it at the London TV Screenings, as we believe it has the potential to be adapted in other markets, similar to our other formats.”
DEADLINE: What entertainment trends are you observing at Banijay and among other international players?
TC: Comedy is experiencing a significant resurgence, especially in Denmark. We recently relaunched Fear Factor after 23 years, and it combines traditional high-stakes stunts with a distinctly Danish comedic twist, featuring popular stand-up comedian Ruben Søltoft as the host. It premiered in December and found great success during the peak of Christmas programming.
Additionally, with the current global climate, there is a growing interest in formats that emphasize kindness and human connection. Shaolin Heroes is another prime example, showcasing celebrities learning from Shaolin masters. Originally conceived in Denmark, it has now become one of Banijay Entertainment’s next-gen formats, produced across six markets.
DEADLINE: Are there any upcoming shows or strategic moves at Metronome you can share?
Christensen stated, “We’re committed to developing original intellectual property with international appeal. Comedy remains a cornerstone for us, from our local iterations of Last One Laughing and Taskmaster to our original concept Roast on the Coast and now Who’s Guilty?.”
She added, “The return of Fear Factor is a significant milestone, not just because it’s a major franchise, but because we’ve reimagined it to resonate with Danish audiences while maintaining the original’s intensity. It exemplifies our ability to blend strong global IP with a local creative voice.”
Metronome is actively working on several projects that capitalize on the audience’s growing interest in innovative comedy, talented performers, and distinctive formats. “Our goal is to continue showcasing Danish creativity on a global platform,” Christensen concluded.
