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News | RTL Group | London, 04/08/2014

The World’s Most Successful Reality TV Format

Rob Molloy (Director of Global TV Content and Sales, Guinness World Records), Diana Buddingh (Director of Global Entertainment Production, FremantleMedia) und George Levendis (Head of International Production, Syco Entertainment) (from left)

Guinness World Records has officially confirmed the Fremantle Media talent show „Got Talent“ is the “Most Successful Reality TV Format” of all time. The record experts, who comb the world each year searching for impressive and unusual achievements have bestowed this remarkable title on the show for having the highest number of adaptations – there are currently 59 adaptations of “Got Talent” to be seen in 58 countries around the world.

“Got Talent,” which launched in the U.S. in 2006 as “America’s Got Talent” and in the vU.K. in 2007 as “Britain’s Got Talent,” has long since developed into a global TV phenomenon. The show, the rights to which are owned by Fremantle Media and Simon Cowell’s production firm Syco Entertainment, has local versions across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. Most recently, the format has launched in Kazakhstan, Brazil, Moldova and Iceland.

Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, Fremantle Media said: “We are immensely proud of the ever successful Got Talent and are delighted to add a prestigious GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title to its list of achievements. Got Talent has become a global phenomenon that has transcended cultures and excited audiences from all corners of the globe. We look forward to working with Syco Entertainment in continuing to make this brand an absolute triumph.” Alistair Richards, President of Guinness World Records, said, “We are delighted to confirm that Got Talent has broken the previous world record and is now the official Guinness World Record holder for the Most successful reality television format, a landmark moment in television record breaking history, congratulations!”

“Got Talent” has seen a spectacular array of talent from the across the world, the range of acts include Susan Boyle from Britain’s “Got Talent,” who has gone on to sell over 20 million records worldwide; SIMA, a Syrian dancing troupe for “Arabs Got Talent”; circus artist Simon Heulle for “Got Talent France”; The initial audition of “Britain’s Got Talent”’s first winner, singing sensation Paul Potts, has scored over 121 million views on YouTube.  His inspiring story of a man who went from selling mobile devices to major opera star, has even been made into a major motion picture.