News

18 June 2009

SUPERSTAR JERRY SEINFELD AND ENDEMOL PARTNER IN GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION DEAL FOR THE MARRIAGE REF

Superstar comedian Jerry Seinfeld's newly created comedy format to be exclusively distributed by Endemol outside of the USA

Endemol, a world leader in entertainment programming, today announced it has secured an exclusive international distribution deal with Jerry Seinfeld and his partner Ellen Rakieten (The Oprah Winfrey Show) for their newly created comedy-reality format The Marriage Ref.

The Marriage Ref marks the iconic comedian's first television series since "Seinfeld" ended its record-breaking nine year run in May 1998. Seinfeld will be behind the camera for The Marriage Ref, which has been commissioned for a prime time run of six hour-long episodes on NBC in March 2010.

Endemol will be the exclusive distributor of the format across all platforms outside of the USA and will produce local versions of the show around the world. Endemol will also globally distribute the NBC series, which is being Executive Produced by Jerry Seinfeld and partner Ellen Rakieten. Rakieten's previous credits include twenty-three years with "The Oprah Winfrey Show".

"To me, marriage is this great comedy planet that so many people around the world live on and will relate too," says Seinfeld. Describing his new creation, Mr. Seinfeld said, "This is not a therapy show, it's a comedy show. After nine years of marriage I have discovered that the comedic potential of this subject is quite rich."

Rakieten adds, "Endemol's enthusiasm and passion for The Marriage Ref was evident from our first meeting. Their incredible track record speaks for itself. We are proud to partner with them on this project."

Tom Toumazis, Chief Commercial Officer at Endemol Group comments: "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with a worldwide legend of Jerry Seinfeld's status. The Marriage Ref is already a major network commission in the USA and with someone of Ellen Rakieten's unparalleled experience behind it has all the makings of a global smash hit. "

Toumazis adds: "This is without doubt the most significant third party distribution deal Endemol has secured since we announced our intention to grow this part of our business last year."

The Marriage Ref will feature opinionated celebrities, comedians, sports personalities and international A-list stars who will candidly comment, judge and offer different strategies to real-life couples in the midst of a classic marital dispute. "It will be revealing, edgy, controversial and funny. Picture well-known people weighing in on your relationship issues and deciding who is right and who is wrong, right on the spot, like a referee," says Rakieten. The Marriage Ref vows to look at relationships unlike anything you've ever seen on TV.