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kykNET has secured the South African broadcast rights to the internationally acclaimed game show The 1% Club, and will premiere its local adaptation, Die 1%-klub, towards the end of this year.
Produced by Rapid Blue, part of BBC Studios, the Afrikaans-language version follows the successful original UK series, as well as a global roster of adaptations in territories including the US, Germany, Spain, France and Australia.
This exciting new addition shows kykNET’s dedication to bringing international formats to Afrikaans viewers. The channel has consistently raised the bar with standout adaptations such as the International Emmy-nominated Die brug (The Bridge) and the popular Wie word ’n miljoenêr? (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?).
With Die 1%-klub, kykNET further cements its reputation as a trailblazer in local television, offering viewers fresh, globally successful formats tailored for South African audiences.
“Our team simply fell in love with this format when BBC Studios showed it to us last year,” said Waldimar Pelser, M-Net Director for Premium Channels. “The kykNET audience loves studio game shows, and it was no small task to find a format that could equal the adrenalin rush of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. We believe Die 1%-klub – testing logic and common sense in a humourous way, instead of general knowledge – is the right show to do it, and hope our viewers will love this new spin on the game show as much as we do.”
“At Rapid Blue, we are passionate about creating content that entertains while truly connecting with audiences. Die 1%-klub does this brilliantly by celebrating sharp thinking in a playful, inclusive way that resonates with viewers across generations. We’re thrilled to be producing this show for kykNET and bringing this globally successful show to South African screens, and we can’t wait to see how our local contestants rise to the challenge.” — Grant Flynn, Chief Creative Officer, Rapid Blue.
The format was created by Magnum Media and is distributed by BBC Studios.
How does it work?
Die 1%-klub is not your average game show. It’s a fast-paced, logic-driven competition where 100 contestants face off in a battle of wits. The game starts easy – with questions that 90% of South Africans should be able to answer – but quickly escalates in difficulty, culminating in challenges that only the top 1% can solve. The format is designed to reward quick thinking, creativity and analytical skills rather than memorised facts or trivia knowledge.
It reveals whether you’re in the top 75%, top 40%, top 10%, or – if you make it all the way – the elite top 1% of the country according to the show’s format metric.
Each contestant begins with R1 000. Incorrect answers eliminate players and contribute their money to a growing jackpot. As the game progresses, remaining players must decide whether to walk away with a share of the pot or risk it all to prove they belong in the top 1%. It’s a thrilling mix of strategy, pressure and brainpower.
Entries are now open! South Africans aged 18 and older are invited to enter on the kykNET website or send an e-mail to die1persent-klub@rapidblue.com.
Filming will take place in Johannesburg. Participants must arrange their own transport.
Why should you enter?
No special qualifications are needed – just a sharp mind and a love for solving puzzles.
Whether you’re a student, retiree, artisan or academic – everyone has an equal shot.
You could walk away with a share of R100 000.
In international versions of The 1% Club, contestants ranged from teenagers to pensioners, and some of the biggest winners were everyday people who simply thought differently. The format has been praised for its inclusivity and its ability to spotlight unconventional intelligence. The host of Die 1%-klub will be announced soon.
INFO SUPPLIED.