ITV Studios has announced a significant partnership with RTL Croatia, acquiring rights to two popular reality formats: Love Island and Game of Chefs. This agreement extends the presence of these successful brands, marking Croatia as the 28th country to introduce Love Island.
Launch Details and Expectations
Game of Chefs is scheduled to premiere in Croatia in Spring 2026, representing its seventh international version. Tom Clark, the Executive Vice President of Global Sales & Commercial Strategy at ITV Studios, emphasized the deal’s importance. He stated that both formats are designed to deliver high-quality entertainment while making a notable impact on audiences.
The Popularity of Love Island
Love Island is recognized as one of the leading reality formats globally. Currently, the UK edition, Love Island: All Stars series 3, has garnered impressive statistics. It has recorded over 53 million streams on ITVX and has surpassed one billion social media impressions at its midpoint.
Success in Multiple Markets
- In the United States, season 7 of Love Island USA achieved record-breaking numbers on Peacock.
- It reached approximately 18.4 billion minutes streamed during its run.
- The show was the top streaming original during its finale week.
In the UK, series 12 saw a significant increase in viewership, culminating in an audience of 2.4 million for its finale and a total of 173 million streams, marking an 8% increase year-over-year.
Game of Chefs Overview
Game of Chefs takes culinary competition to new heights. Contestants, including three professional chefs, form teams of amateur cooks through blind-tasting auditions, which are uniquely presented via a conveyor belt. The competition involves intense bootcamp and battle rounds, blending elements of talent shows with culinary challenges.
Strategic Implications for RTL Croatia
According to Tonko Weissmann, Executive Vice President of RTL Croatia, this acquisition is a vital step in their strategy to enhance local content offerings. It reflects their commitment to delivering high-quality international programming to Croatian viewers.
ITV Studios: A Global Leader
ITV Studios is renowned for producing a wide range of popular programs, with a vast catalog that exceeds 95,000 hours. The company operates across 13 countries, including the UK, US, and Australia. It specializes in creating content that resonates with global audiences, consistently showcasing exceptional talents through various production labels.
The agreement brokered by Martijn Plaizier, Format Licensing Manager for Global Partnerships, demonstrates ITV Studios’ ongoing efforts to expand its presence in international markets. Both Love Island and Game of Chefs are positioned to thrive in Croatia, further solidifying ITV’s reputation as a leading entertainment provider.
