TV4 Launches Ambitious Culinary Competition ‘100 Knives’
Sweden’s television network TV4 has announced its latest venture, commissioning the culinary competition show 100 Knives. Produced by Mastiff Sweden, a subsidiary of Banijay Entertainment, this show is set to become the first of its kind globally, promising a unique blend of high-stakes cooking challenges.
The format showcases 100 chefs, ranging from food truck operators to fine dining apprentices, competing in a pressure-filled culinary arena. Chefs will be divided into brigades and must tackle escalating challenges, with contestants being eliminated each episode until one emerges victorious. The show has been touted as “the largest cooking show in history,” appealing to both competitive spirit and culinary creativity.
Fredrik Arefalk, the Director of Channels and Content at TV4, expressed enthusiasm for the project, describing 100 Knives as a standout format in a crowded market. He stated, “At TV4, we have a strong tradition of launching original formats that capture the hearts of our viewers, and this collaboration is a great example of that spirit. Competition, dreams, emotions, and food — it’s a powerful mix that we know engages, and we look forward to sharing it with our audience.”
The excitement surrounding 100 Knives reflects a broader trend in television, where audiences are increasingly drawn to large-scale formats that deliver genuine emotional stakes. Matilda Snöwall, CEO of Mastiff Sweden, noted the unique intensity of professional kitchens, highlighting how the show amplifies this tension with a hundred chefs competing under relentless pressure. She commented, “With TV4 as our partner, this is going to be a spectacle for viewers.”
Mastiff Sweden is recognized for producing local adaptations of popular series like Survivor and Love is Blind. The company also collaborates on various adaptations of Netflix’s reality shows, contributing to its reputation as a key player in the entertainment industry. Other notable productions from Mastiff include Best Singer, Over the Atlantic, and Trash and Treasure.
The announcement coincides with the upcoming MIPCOM 2025, where Banijay Rights’ sales executives will be positioned to negotiate further international deals. James Townley, Chief Content Officer of Development at Banijay Entertainment, emphasized the collaborative effort involved in bringing 100 Knives to fruition, stating, “From its early development stages to first commission, 100 Knives is testament to how collaboration heightens creative ambition.” He added that there is a growing appetite for formats that push the boundaries of scale and tension, delivering immersive storytelling.
As 100 Knives prepares to debut, it joins a slate of original formats being showcased by Banijay Entertainment at MIPCOM, which includes other titles such as Let’s Play Ball, Football Island, and Villa of Temptations. This ambitious production aims to elevate culinary competition shows to new heights, promising to engage viewers with its unique concept and high-energy format.
