Mattel, Inc., a global leader in toys and family entertainment and home to one of the most iconic brand portfolios, has teamed up with ITV to launch a brand-new game show, Pictionary (25 x 30”), based on the world’s most popular drawing game.
The show will be produced by Whisper North and hosted by Mel Giedroyc. The format deal was brokered by Laura Burrell, Vice President of International Formats at Paramount Global Content Distribution.
After a successful three-season run in the U.S., Pictionary will debut on ITV1 and ITVX at the end of the year. The show, based on Mattel’s classic board game that features quick sketches and humorous guesses, will stay true to its original format. Two teams will go head-to-head, with celebrity team captains leading each group of contestants. Their goal: draw images that represent a word or phrase from a specific category, while their teammates try to guess correctly. The game proves that artistic skills aren’t required— in fact, poor drawing skills can make the game even more fun!
With the chance to win a fantastic prize, the stakes are high. The series will kick off in December with a Christmas special, followed by a 24-episode first season.
Host Mel Giedroyc said: “Everyone is familiar with Pictionary, and I am so excited to help bring the game to life on television. It is such a pleasure to be a part of and I know people will love the show.”
Alex Godfrey, Vice President of Content Distribution, Mattel, said: “Mattel is excited to see Pictionary’s popularity with viewers, and we can’t wait to bring this beloved game show to UK audiences, inviting even more fans of the classic game to join in on the fun.”
Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime ITV, said: “I am thrilled we are bringing this much loved game show to the UK. It’s perfect for all the family to enjoy and play along at home. With Mel Giedroyc at the helm, ‘Pictionary’ is in the hands of a true entertainer. Her infectious energy and quick wit make her the perfect choice to host the show.”
Leanne Clarke, Assistant Commissioner Daytime ITV, said: “We hope viewers will come up with their own hilarious guesses and show their inner artist. And it is of course fantastic to have Mel hosting such an iconic game.”
Sunil Patel, Whisper Co-Founder and CEO said: “I have played Pictionary with my children for many years and know this show will be a great hit across the UK – especially as a Christmas Special. We have an incredible production team, as well as a great talent at the helm in Mel. Pictionary is a great addition to the Whisper slate and huge thanks to ITV for making this happen.”
Laura Burrell, Vice President, International Formats, Paramount Global Content Distribution said: “We are thrilled to bring the world’s most popular drawing game show to the UK audience with Pictionary. Our relationship with Mattel as well as Whisper North and ITV continues to grow with this brand.”
ITV has also recently announced Bullseye will be returning to ITV for a Christmas special and will be hosted by Freddie Flintoff.
