Factual Entertainment

Factual Entertainment has emerged as one of the most effective and adaptable genres for engaging broad and diverse audiences. In an evolving landscape, Factual Entertainment programmes must be culturally relevant, attract younger audiences, and drive cross-platform engagement.

We are seeking formats that are firstly produced for their entertainment value, competition, challenge, travel, adventure and relationships. Formats that will engage both mainstream and younger audiences on linear and digital platforms creating fanbases and become talking points. Traitors, First Dates, Irelands Fittest Family, Bake Off, Race Across the World are examples of very successful Fact Ent formats.

Factual Entertainment sits in the sweet spot of real life and entertainment. It thrives on relatable characters, and moments of surprise, humour or tension, Format structure and casting are crucial to the success of this genre, with a good balance between jeopardy and payoff.

We ask, in the first instance, that producers submit ideas into the eCommissioning system Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) under the programme category Factual Entertainment General

Multi-part Factual Entertainment Series

Information

Programme:                                 Multi-part Factual Entertainment Series

Duration:                                     50 minutes

Episodes:                                    4, 6 or 8 part series

Budget Range (A):                      €90,000 - €140,000 per hour

(For cost‑effective production models that support returning factual entertainment series, using fixed‑rig or block‑recording setups. Delivering high‑quality, engaging content that meets the standard expected by Irish audiences)

Budget Range (B):                      €140,000 - €180,000 per hour

(Higher‑tier production models requiring elevated budgets to support complex filming, premium creative elements, and exceptional production values. Designed to deliver standout, ambitious series that meet—and exceed—the expectations of Irish and potentially international audiences)

Deadline:                                     Rolling Round 2026

Full Brief

Factual Entertainment has emerged as one of the most effective and adaptable genres for engaging broad, diverse audiences across all platforms. Entertainment is key, and in the context of this brief, factual entertainment formats have, constructed environments, there are rules of play, and something to be won or achieved. Casting is critical to these formats, strong characters from all walks of life, reflecting the diversity of modern society, Traitors, First Dates, Ireland’s Fittest Family, Bake Off and Race Across The World are examples. In an evolving media landscape, Factual Entertainment programmes give RTÉ an unique opportunity to remain culturally relevant, attract younger audiences, and drive cross-platform engagement. As Irish audiences’ consumption habits shift toward digital and on-demand platforms, Factual Entertainment can be the heartbeat of RTÉ offering entertaining, impactful returnable series.

The Traitors Ireland was the success story of 2025, attracting large mainstream audiences to all platforms, while also attracting that much sought after younger demographic. It captured the imagination of the country and created talkability. RTÉ Player, live and on demand figures reflected the changing habits of our audiences.

While not every offering can be Traitors, the desire is for projects that resonate with a domestic audience but can also attract third party finance or have international appeal.

We recently completed a call for ideas targeting slots in 2026, but happy to receive ideas that may be suitable for development into slots across 2027.

Areas of interest are Challenge, Adventure, Romance, Gameplay, Competition and Travel.

How to Submit
Producers are asked to submit their ideas through the video section of RTÉ’s eCommissioning system: Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) under the programme category RTÉ Factual Entertainment, Fact Ent Series 2026.

 

 

Call-out Published: 12th February 2026