EXCLUSIVE: Pakistan Idol will roll out on seven networks and streaming service Begin in the Asian country this weekend.
The series, which its backers are positioning as a “cultural moment” for Pakistan, will launch on Geo TV, PTV, Green Entertainment TV, Express Entertainment, APlus Entertainment, Aur Life and Aan TV on September 27.
Southwest Asian region SVOD service Begin will also carry the Fremantle-distributed show, which rolls out new episodes on Saturdays and Sundays.
“This is more than a television show; it is a cultural moment,” said Jonathan Mark, CEO of Begin. “With Pakistan Idol now streaming on Begin, we are opening doors for millions of people to connect through music and discover the next generation of Pakistani superstars.”
Having so many networks attached to the show – an “unprecedented” scheduling model, according to producers means the budget has supersized.
MHL is producing the show alongside 313 Productions, whose founder Babar Ikram was previously Managing Director of Geo TV, which aired the only previous Pakistani version of the format back in 2013.
“It is the first time in Idol’s broadcast history that a show of this scale will air on seven different channels,” said Zoya Merchant, Director, MHL. “At MHL, we are proud to have acquired the rights to Pakistan Idol and to make this historic moment possible. This milestone reflects our commitment to creating inclusive entertainment experiences and ensuring every household has the chance to be part of the Idol journey.”