Scrabble Fever At Fremantle
Fremantle has acquired global rights for the new edition of the hit TV game show.
Fremantle has announced its acquisition of the international production and distribution rights to the hit U.S. TV game show “Scrabble.” The US network The CW successfully revived the iconic television format last year. Fremantle will now produce “Scrabble” for broadcasters around the world. The RTL Group subsidiary is receiving support from producers David Garfinkle, Gabriel Marano and Michelle Mendelovitz, who developed and produced the new “Scrabble” version on The CW for Hasbro Entertainment, Mattel Television Studios, and Lionsgate Alternative.
“Scrabble” is one of the most famous board games in the world; it has been published in 28 language versions and 120 countries to date and has sold more than 165 million copies worldwide since its invention more than 75 years ago. The original “Scrabble” TV game show made its debut on US television in 1984, and ran successfully, with interruptions, through 1993. Fremantle already holds the international rights to the original U.S. formats.
The new “Scrabble” gameshow, hosted by Raven-Symoné, ranked as one of the top series on The CW during the 2024/25 broadcast season. In each episode, wordsmiths battle it out by playing a series of “Scrabble”-inspired word games on a giant “Scrabble” board in the center of the set. Two pairs of players progress through three acts of unscrambling and creating words for the chance to win a cash prize.
“Partnering with an iconic brand like “Scrabble” is an innovative moment for Fremantle as we continue to expand our global footprint,” said Michela DiMondo, Executive Vice President, International Distribution, Fremantle Canada. “This collaboration not only strengthens our commitment to creating compelling, internationally resonant content but also showcases what can be achieved with creative partners such as Hasbro Entertainment and Mattel. We are thrilled to acquire distribution rights from The CW to bring this legendary format to new audiences and elevate its legacy through our global network.”
Vasha Wallace, Executive Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Development, Fremantle, added: “The ‘Scrabble’ TV series is the winning formula of what we know broadcasters worldwide are looking for right now – proven IP and strong audience recognition with a very cost-effective production model. ‘Scrabble’ has already been a huge ratings success on The CW Network in the US and with word games super-hot in popularity around the world, there has never been a better time to bring this mega brand to new markets.”
Fremantle sees the partnership as a significant step in the strategy to expand its portfolio of iconic game show IP, following the success of other legacy formats such as “The Price is Right,” “Deal or No Deal,” and “Family Feud.” The format is particularly timely given the popularity of online word games today and the rise of word game influencers who share their gameplay and strategies to tens of thousands of followers on social media.
