Banijay Entertainment takes on The Comedy League
May 26, 2026
Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, has acquired the global rights to Norwegian comedy format, The Comedy League (Ligaen) which has been recommissioned for a second season, further strengthening its portfolio of premium comedy titles.
Created by Håkon Herresthal and Steffan Ludvigsen, the creative duo behind prodco Happy Sheriff, The Comedy League made a strong debut on TV 2 where it became the second-most watched programme during the spring season, competing with The Box and Bloody Game (MBC), the latter produced by Banijay Entertainment in four territories. Blending physical competition with sharp comedy, the format sees entertainers go head-to-head in a series of unexpected and hilarious sporting challenges. By putting personality and performance at its core, The Comedy League delivers a fresh twist on the sportainment genre, where victory is not only defined by athletic ability, but on charisma, comic timing and showmanship.
Helen Greatorex, Head of Format Acquisitions, Banijay Entertainment said: “The Comedy League flips sport on its head, reimagining athletic competition through a bold comedy lens to deliver high-energy, feel-good moments. We’re continuing to see strong global demand for formats that combine humour, competition and broad family appeal, and this truly hits the sweet spot. As Norwegian creativity continues to set the pace, The Comedy League stands out with its distinctive tone and strong talent-led structure, making it highly adaptable for international markets.”
Håkon Herresthal, co-Founder of Happy Sheriff commented: “We are incredibly proud of The Comedy League’s success, with audiences embracing its unique mix of comedy, competition and pure entertainment. As an emerging company, it’s great to see our original IP gaining traction and securing recommissions, and with Banijay
Entertainment’s global reach, we believe The Comedy League has all the ingredients to resonate with audiences beyond Norway.”
Trygve Rønningen, Programme Director at TV 2 added: “This is fantastic news for The Comedy League which we co-developed with Happy Sheriff. It also highlights the strength and momentum of the Norwegian production industry, with yet another newly developed format heading to international markets. Following a strong first season performance, we’re also delighted to confirm The Comedy League is returning for a second season.”
The deal underscores Banijay Entertainment’s continued investment in high-impact comedy formats, including global phenomenon LOL: Last One Laughing, produced by Banijay Entertainment labels across eleven markets; Let’s Play Ball, with US and UK adaptations underway; and ratings success Danish comedy crime Who’s Guilty.
The Comedy League joins Banijay Entertainment’s premium third-party line-up, which includes cult strategic reality format Werewolves from StudioCanal and Dreamspark; superbrand Ninja Warrior from Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS); digital-first format All Star Hide and Seek from Troot and Rabbit Film; and French YouTube sensation Stop the Train from Unfold Production.
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