Media and entertainment group Banijay Entertainment has unveiled a new dating reality format “Date Knight,” which will join its portfolio of new IP heading to TV market Mipcom.
The show is produced by Nordisk Film TV, part of Banijay Nordic, for Danish public broadcaster DR.
“Date Knight” invites singles to step into a spectacular “romantasy” world, where epic love and adventure collide. Here, dating becomes roleplay. Reimagined as knights, elves, witches and warriors, the singles first meet and date entirely in character, leaving the rules of modern dating behind. Through grand balls, secret encounters and romantic quests, they will forge connections and take chances on love in ways they might never dare to in real life.
Born from research illustrating roleplay can boost confidence, empathy and self-awareness, the show explores whether it can become a path to authentic connection.
Guided by DR P3 radio host Jannik Schouw and couples therapist and anthropologist Julie Houe, the couples gradually let go of their personas revealing their true selves. But when the costumes come off, will the romance survive beyond the castle walls?
James Townley, chief content officer, development, Banijay Entertainment, said: “With ‘Date Knight,’ Nordisk Film TV has transformed the powerful cultural trend of romantasy into a highly original dating format. Using roleplay as a gateway to genuine human connection, this visually ambitious, emotionally engaging new series is set to bring a touch of romance to the Croisette.”
Ulrik Jørgensen, CEO, Nordisk Film TV, added: “’Date Knight’ changes the dynamics of modern dating and introduces a new kind of thoughtful dating. Freeing participants from many of the expectations and insecurities shaping first impressions, the format allows them to be bolder and more emotionally open. The result… humor, surprise and heart-filled connections that transform into compelling love stories.”
Isabella Alonso De Vera Hindkjær, head of DR P3, commented: “We were drawn to ‘Date Knight’ because it offers something genuinely different within the dating genre — an imaginative and entertaining world where contestants can lower their guard, build trust and discover unexpected chemistry. This really is escapist entertainment with real emotional authenticity.”
The format joins Banijay Entertainment’s Mipcom 2026 slate of original titles, alongside “100 Knives,” “Last One Standing” and “Million Dollar Idea,” as well as upcoming streamer titles “Beat Luke Littler,” “Netflix, Will You Marry Me?,” “Simon Says,” “The Mob” and “Monopoly.”
Leave a Reply