Swedish network TV4 has announced the commissioning of a new culinary competition show titled 100 Knives, produced by Banijay Entertainment’s subsidiary, Mastiff Sweden. This marks the first order of the show globally, which is set to present a high-stakes cooking challenge featuring 100 chefs from diverse backgrounds, including food truck owners and fine dining apprentices.
The show’s format involves chefs competing in teams within a high-pressure arena, where they will face escalating culinary challenges. Each episode will eliminate contestants, culminating in a grand finale that reveals the ultimate winner who remains calm under extreme pressure. This ambitious project has been characterized as the “largest cooking show in history.”
Innovative Format Captures Audience Interest
Fredrik Arefalk, Director of Channels and Content at TV4, expressed enthusiasm for the format, stating that 100 Knives is a standout addition to a crowded market. He highlighted TV4’s commitment to launching original formats that resonate with viewers. “Competition, dreams, emotions, and food — it’s a powerful mix that we know engages, and we look forward to sharing it with our audience,” Arefalk noted.
The show has been co-developed with Bunim/Murray Productions and Smart Dog Media. Matilda Snöwall, CEO of Mastiff Sweden, emphasized the appeal of larger formats with significant emotional stakes, remarking, “100 Knives takes that intensity and scales it to huge proportions.” The collaboration with TV4 is expected to create a captivating spectacle for viewers.
Mastiff Sweden is recognized for producing local adaptations of popular reality shows, including Survivor and Love is Blind. The company also works on various Netflix projects, demonstrating its expertise in engaging programming.
Market Impact and Future Prospects
The announcement of 100 Knives coincides with the lead-up to MIPCOM 2025, the global content market event set to begin on October 16, 2023. Executives from Banijay Rights are anticipating additional deals throughout the week. James Townley, Chief Content Officer for Development at Banijay Entertainment, remarked on the collaborative effort behind the show’s development, stating, “There’s a growing appetite for formats that push scale and tension, delivering immersive and emotionally charged storytelling.”
The launch of 100 Knives aligns with Banijay Entertainment’s strategic focus on creating original and engaging content for audiences. The show joins a new slate of formats that will be showcased at MIPCOM, including titles such as Let’s Play Ball, Football Island, and Lost and Found in the Lakes.
With its unique concept and large-scale production, 100 Knives is poised to capture the attention of culinary enthusiasts and reality TV fans alike. The collaboration between established production entities and the innovative approach to the competition format demonstrates a commitment to delivering compelling content in the evolving landscape of television entertainment.
