Talpa Studios is heading to Cannes for Mipcom 2026 (October 12–15) with a slate of new formats, including the psychological game show “The Golden Elevators” and the music-centric “Sing With Me.” The studio, founded by John de Mol, arrives at the market with an emphasis on high-stakes competition and collaborative performance, building on the international footprint of previous successes like “The Floor.”
The lineup features “The Golden Elevators,” a skyscraper-themed psychological game show co-produced with Studio Lambert for the U.S. and UK markets. The format challenges 10 contestants to navigate 50/50 trivia questions while standing before two elevators. A critical element of the gameplay involves a “misleading” phase; before the elevators ascend toward a prize or plunge in defeat, players have the opportunity to share knowledge or intentionally deceive their rivals to improve their own standing. The show features a rolling jackpot that starts at $100,000.
The format has already gained significant international traction, with ITV commissions Golden Elevators for a UK version to be hosted by Richard Osman. The partnership marks a notable collaboration between Talpa Studios’ Jasper Hoogendoorn and Studio Lambert, the production house behind “The Traitors,” reflecting a strategic shift toward formats that blend traditional quiz mechanics with social deduction.
In the music category, Talpa is introducing “Sing With Me,” a format co-developed with Dutch producer IDTV. The series features undiscovered talent who begin their performances solo. Established musical “icons” watch the performance and only join the stage for a duet if they hear a unique quality in the contestant’s voice. For the Dutch launch on SBS6, scheduled for November 7, 2026, the roster of icons includes Davina Michelle, Nick Schilder, Yves Berendse, and Waylon.
Talpa Studios currently manages 26 active formats in 34 countries. To maintain this global reach, the company is highlighting the use of its international production hub in Belgium. This facility is designed to provide “scalable” production solutions for global buyers, allowing them to execute premium formats more cost-effectively by sharing infrastructure and technical resources.
The Mipcom showcase follows a period of aggressive expansion for the studio, focusing on formats that can be adapted across multiple territories while retaining high production values. By leaning into psychological tension and high-profile creative partnerships, Talpa aims to secure further international commissions for its 2026-2027 slate.
