Sweden’s television network TV4 has secured a groundbreaking order for a new culinary competition show titled 100 Knives. This prime-time format, produced by Mastiff Sweden, a label of Banijay Entertainment, marks the first commission for the show worldwide. Co-developed alongside Bunim/Murray Productions and Smart Dog Media, the series promises to deliver a high-stakes cooking experience that combines teamwork with intense pressure.
The show features 100 chefs, ranging from food truck operators to fine dining apprentices, who will compete in a challenging culinary arena. As they are divided into brigades, participants face a series of escalating challenges where collaboration is essential, and each week brings the risk of elimination. The ultimate goal is to crown a champion who can maintain composure under extreme pressure.
Fredrik Arefalk, Director of Channels and Content at TV4, emphasized the uniqueness of 100 Knives, stating that it “truly stands out in a noisy market.” He highlighted TV4’s tradition of launching original formats that resonate with viewers, noting that the combination of competition, dreams, emotions, and food creates a compelling viewing experience.
The anticipation surrounding the show has also been echoed by Matilda Snöwall, CEO of Mastiff Sweden. She remarked, “Audiences are gravitating to supersized formats with real emotional stakes – and we all know professional kitchens are a hotbed of tension and drama.” The scale of 100 Knives amplifies this intensity, featuring a large cast and high-pressure scenarios that promise to engage viewers.
As a production entity, Mastiff Sweden has a strong track record, having produced local adaptations of popular shows like Survivor and Love is Blind. The company is also involved in other successful formats, including Best Singer and Over the Atlantic. The announcement of 100 Knives comes just ahead of MIPCOM, the renowned global content market that begins on October 16, 2023, where Banijay Rights executives will seek further distribution deals.
In discussing the development of 100 Knives, James Townley, Chief Content Officer of Development at Banijay Entertainment, noted, “From its early development stages to first commission, 100 Knives is testament to how collaboration heightens creative ambition.” He underscored the growing demand for formats that deliver immersive storytelling, stating that the show takes the energy of pressure cooker kitchens and amplifies it to an unprecedented level.
With its innovative approach and ambitious scale, 100 Knives joins Banijay Entertainment’s new slate of original formats for MIPCOM 2025, which includes titles such as Let’s Play Ball, Football Island, and Villa of Temptations. As the culinary showdown gears up for its debut, both producers and networks are optimistic about its potential to capture a wide audience.
