Production companies are invited to pitch “bold, attention-grabbing formats” to the BBC and NBCU, co-commissioners of The Traitors and Destination X

The BBC and NBC Universal (NBCU), co-commissioners of the UK and US versions of The Traitors and Destination X, have launched a search for a new, unscripted tentpole, for audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

The brief says: “We are primarily seeking a new, original IP and we invite UK production companies to create, develop, and pitch bold, attention-grabbing formats designed to captivate audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. We’re looking for fresh ideas that have the potential to become the next big international sensation.”

High-concept, bold ideas with real scale are welcomed and the competitive entertainment shows can be live, studio-based, or driven by a narrative arc, for family-friendly viewing.

Details on the process for submissions, timelines and selection criteria can be found here. The deadline for submissions is Friday 3 October.

The BBC and NBCU will aim to select between five and 10 ideas for £10,000 of paid development each, commencing on 17 October 2025.

The selected companies will be required to submit a detailed development proposal by 15 December 2025.

The BBC and NBCUniversal will decide which idea to progress to either non-TX pilot or proof of concept – depending on the idea; any commissioning decision will be made by the end of March 2026.