Fremantle Unwraps Festive Dating Format ‘The Advent Calendar’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Fremantle has acquired international distribution and production rights to “The Advent Calendar,” an original festive-themed dating format, where one single is on a quest to find love in time for Christmas by opening 24 doors of a larger-than-life Advent calendar.

The series, created by Canada’s Sphere Media in collaboration with Bell Media for Canadian streaming platform Crave, blends “the charm of holiday-movie magic with playful real-world dating,” Fremantle said.

Across 24 days in December, the hopeful romantic opens a new door each episode to unveil potential suitors and “enchanting” seasonal experiences, “embarking on a one-of-a-kind dating experience.” With every reveal, the singletons waiting behind each door are competing to win their heart by Christmas, all hoping to be the one invited home to meet their family.

Guided by a “beloved” comedian and host – affectionately known as the “fairy godmother” – the players are taken on a variety of dates, complete with romantic twists and funny moments. On the final day, only one suitor can be chosen to receive an extra special gift, accompanying them to their family’s Christmas dinner.

Filmed in a “fantasy-built world filled with festive decor,” the light-hearted series “makes the dream of a classic Christmas fairytale a reality,” Fremantle said.

Vasha Wallace, exec VP, global acquisitions and development, Fremantle, said, “We fell in love with ‘The Advent Calendar’ the moment we saw it – a supersized Christmas calendar guiding someone on their search for love is instantly iconic. It’s charming, imaginative and full of festive sparkle. Sphere Media have created something truly special, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with them again, following the success of ‘The House of Secrets,’ to bring this joyful Christmas dating format to audiences around the world.”

Speaking for Sphere Media, Renaud Chassé, president, French-language creation and production at Sphere, said, “We imagined ‘The Advent Calendar’ as a joyful and inventive Christmas story that renews the dating genre. Developed with Bell Media, the series embraces both playfulness and heart. Its early international momentum is truly exciting, and we are delighted to partner once again with Fremantle to share its festive charm with audiences around the world.”

“The Advent Calendar” will air from Dec. 1 on Bell Media’s steaming platform, Crave, as daily episodes as well as primetime longer episodes until Christmas Eve.