By Stuart Thomson

Nordic Entertainment’s (NENT Group) streaming service Viaplay has announced its first Dutch original show ahead of its planned launch in the Netherlands on March 1.

Viaplay will exclusively air a local version of reality format Dragon’s Den alongside its line-up of local and original productions, international films and series, kids content and premium live sports.

The Dutch version of the Sony Pictures Television-distributed show, which first saw the light of day as Money Tigers on Nippon TV in Japan over 20 years ago, will feature local restaurant tycoon Won Yip, ‘avocado queen’ Shawn Harris, investor Pieter Schoen, businesswoman Manon van Essen and entrepreneur Bas Witvoet as its panel of would-be investors.

The Dutch series will be produced by Vincent TV.

In the Netherlands, Viaplay will be priced at €13.99 per month and be available through distribution partners such as KPN and VodafoneZiggo as well as through direct subscriptions. The service will be the Dutch home of live Formula 1, Bundesliga and PDC darts, with Premier League football to follow from August.

NENT Group chief content officer Filippa Wallestam said: “Viaplay’s pitch to Dutch viewers is simple. We offer local and original productions, the best of Hollywood, high-quality kids content and the most attractive sports – all on a single service that represents excellent value for money. Dragons’ Den is a proven format that blends the brilliant with the unexpected, and which has both kickstarted great businesses and entertained viewers around the world.”

Vincent TV founder and producer Vincent ter Voert said: “In the Netherlands, entrepreneurs-to-be have been waiting for the opportunity to start building their dreams. Now is the time to take this great format to the next level with Viaplay.”