FACING THE CLASSROOM, the refreshing political / factual entertainment is being adapted in Lebanon for MTV with IPROD producing a 10 episodes’ series that will launch on February 25 in primetime (local title: “Daq el Jarass”) for a broadcast weekly, up to the general elections. The first episode’s trailer is currently creating a huge buzz in the country as it will feature Saad Hariri, the current Lebanese prime- minister who’s been in the international news a few months ago following a surprise announcement of an intent to resign while in Saudi Arabia, a resignation which was later rescinded.

This new commission follows the successful adaptation of the format which aired in New Zealand last September on TVNZ1: 2 primetime episodes that won their nights with 23% and 25% of market share on 5+, respectively (Prod. Screentime).

In France, and after massive ratings last Spring (+214% on 15-34 and +170% on Women < 50 vs. slot average) with the presidential candidates (including Emmanuel Macron), C8 has aired 2 additional primetimes in November and February, extending the scope of the format greatly as for the first time, an A List celebrity appears in each special mixed among 2 political figures. For the first time as well, both specials aired outside the scope of an election, delivering figures above averages on commercial targets.

In Poland, VE has just teamed up with ADIACOR which is producing a pilot for an unnamed channel.