Factual
GRB Media Ranch announces format and factual deals with African exhibitors
Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch CEO Gary R Benz has announced several format and factual program deals with African exhibitors, brokered by GRB Media Ranch sales executive Liz Levenson. The first international format sale ever of GRB Studios’ long-running series, Untold Stories of the E.R., has been licensed to Khelgejo for production in Africa. The 150-plus-episode docuseries has been licensed into 200-plus countries over its 20-year life.
Untold Stories of E.R., licensed to Khelgejo for production in Africa, showcases intense true stories demonstrating the dramatic nature of medicine practiced under pressure, where every moment can be a turning point. See how a doctor’s personal blend of expertise, coolness under fire, and decision-making ability are challenged by unpredictable circumstances and unexpected conditions.
Blind Dating was licensed to production company Aby Media for production in Africa: Swipe right on the person of your dreams in this studio-based dating game show! Blind Dating creates perfect matches between three single men and three single women. In each episode, without seeing each other, the participants must find their love match by simply answering questions while digging for clues – and some dirt – on social media. Watch these singles try to impress, get picked, and go home with a mate. A hit show in French Canada for many years.
Wild Zambezi was licensed to Ster Kinekor for theatrical release in South Africa and sold to The Africa Channel for worldwide distribution, excluding Africa. The series consists of eight 60-minute episodes, exploring the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia and highlighting the challenges posed by the encroachment of civilization. This development reflects the broader existential crisis facing vulnerable ecosystems worldwide.
Relative Justice, a court program, was licensed to VIU for Africa for seasons one and two, each consisting of 150 episodes of 30 minutes: Family drama is common, often surfacing as arguments around the dinner table. Usually, these disagreements are harmless, sometimes even humorous. However, when family conflicts escalate, especially over money, they can become destructive. *Relative Justice* is a daily arbitration-based reality court show where judge Rhonda Wills handles these family disputes.
Benz stated: “GRB Media Ranch is pleased to announce our African formats and factual program deals with new clients including The Africa Channel, Ster Kinekor, VIU, and Aby Media. We continue to acquire program of broad but targeted interest, and we are especially excited about the first international format sale to Khelgejo Productions of our GRB Studios’ created show, Untold Stories of the E.R. and to see a locally produced version in Africa. As we say, at GRB Media Ranch, we’ve got stories!”
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
