( ENSPIRE Entertainment ) Popular NBC Universe Reality Show Increases Diversity and International Reach by Launching African Spin-offs
ENSPIRE Contributor: Claya Davis
In partnership with Multichoice, the continent’s foremost media company, NBC Universal announces plans to produce versions of ‘The Real Housewives’ in Pretoria (South Africa) and Nairobi (Kenya). This decision was publicized shortly after a ‘Real Housewives of Africa’ summit in South Africa, during which NBC Universal met with local production companies and brainstormed ways to appeal to and reach a more global audience.
The addition of these two ‘Real Housewives’ spin-offs is significant because they will become the first of the franchise’s 23 variations to take place in Africa. While there are spin-offs set in Lagos (Nigeria), Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban (South Africa) adding these additional adaptations will help their content reach a larger number of viewers and diversify their content. Other international versions have also been filmed in Australia, Greece, Dubai, and France.
Although there are many internationally located ‘Real Housewives’ variations, the franchise’s additional expansion across the African continent is significant because it diversifies its portfolio and increases the relatability and entertainment factor of its content.
“We are so proud to build on the continued success of ‘The Real Housewives’ franchises across Africa,” Said Ana Langenberg, NBC Universal’s senior VP of format sales and productions. “The way each version faithfully embodies the spirit of the city, people, and rich cultures it showcases connects with audiences across the region and the diaspora.”
Filming has already begun for the 14-episode Pretoria spin-off, headed up by Provoco, an independent South African production company. The Nairobi version will enter the filming process in September under the watchful of Kenya’s Young Rich Television.
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