Finland’s Nelonen Becomes Fourth Buyer Of Buzzy Norwegian Format ‘The Box’ — London TV Screenings​on February 24, 2025 at 10:31 am

EXCLUSIVE: Norwegian adventure format The Box has landed another order in Europe.

Finnish broadcaster Nelonen Media has commissioned a local version of the buzzy competition reality show, in which contestants are dropped in random locations where they have to work out and complete the task.

Nelonen becomes the fourth European network to license their own version, coming after ITV in the UK, RTL Nederlands and TV2 in Denmark.

The original series for TV2 in Norway was taken to a second season earlier this year following bumper ratings for the first.

Seefood TV developed and produced the original, and has been selling the format itself directly to buyers. The Norwegian indie producer brokered the deal with Lasse Nikkari, Head of Formats & Branded Entertainment at Nelonen parent Sanoma Media.

“We were immediately captivated by this show,” said Nikkari. “It had a gripping and engaging feel —exactly what we look for as a VOD-driven broadcaster. As the show evolved and the first ratings came in, we knew it was the perfect fit for us. The boxes are the competition reality’s answer to the turning chairs. We’re excited to bring this adrenaline-fueled format to Finland and add our own local twist to it.”

Aleksander Herresthal, Creator of The Box and Creative Director at Seefood TV, will be at the London TV Screenings this week presenting the format to the myriad buyers in town.

“We’re thrilled to see The Box resonate with so many broadcasters,” he said. “Nelonen is a fantastic addition to the growing list of networks that see the potential in this format. “This is the fourth official European commission, but we’ve closed deals in over six countries already. We’re expecting more announcements to follow right after the London TV Screenings.”

The Box sees contestants placed inside closed yellow boxes, unaware of their next destination or the challenges waiting beyond the door. Once released, they face tasks designed to test their courage, adaptability, and wit, while navigating unpredictable twists.