ITV Studios Inks Mega Deal with Reality TV Titans Bartholin and Kristensen

On October 13, 2025, global media company ITV Studios announced a significant overall deal with veteran reality TV creators Karsten Bartholin and Kenneth Kristensen. The duo, who previously led the non-scripted content division at Viaplay Group for over a decade, will now work with ITV Studios to produce "broad, loud, and commercially strong reality formats with global appeal."

Bartholin and Kristensen have an impressive track record, having overseen the development and launch of several flagship reality TV brands during their time at Viaplay. These include the hugely successful dating phenomenon "Love Island" as well as other global hits like "Survivor," "MasterChef," and "Paradise Hotel." The pair also introduced the original format "Buying Blind" to audiences.

Prior to their roles at Viaplay, Bartholin co-created and co-owned the triple Rose d'Or winning production company Babyfoot, where he delivered the hit format "I Survived a Japanese Game Show" which aired for two seasons on ABC in the U.S. and other European platforms. Kristensen also contributed to the launch of MTV in the Nordics during his 10-year contract with Viacom, Northern Europe.

ITV Studios' Managing Director of Global Creative Network, Mike Beale, expressed excitement about the new partnership, stating that Bartholin and Kristensen's "amazing experience commissioning and developing shows from around the world" will boost ITV Studios' international format slate and create diverse new concepts with global appeal. The duo also shared their enthusiasm, confident that their "approach, rooted in [their] experience from both sides of the table: commissioning and developing, will bring both companies much success."