The new Banijay Italia culinary competition format is making its international debut in Cannes
Media and entertainment group Banijay Entertainment today announces Cooking Grandmas, a new feel-good cooking competition format from Banijay Italia starring celebrity chef and restaurateur Alessandro Borghese (pictured above), to be showcased as part of the company’s premium format line-up at Mipcom in Cannes.
Commissioned by Sky Italia’s TV8, Cooking Grandmas is an original new primetime format that sees grandmothers compete in an uplifting culinary contest. While traditional family recipes and regional specialities are at the heart of the competition, contestants are pushed outside their comfort zones through challenges inspired by fine dining, street food, and international cuisines. Beyond the kitchen, they live together in a rustic farmhouse where friendships, rivalries and personal stories unfold, revealing the characters behind the cherished family recipes.
James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development, Banijay Entertainment said: “Cooking Grandmas taps into several global trends we know resonate with audiences globally – from culinary and family traditions to authentic, character-led storytelling. The competition, paired with reality elements, creates broad appeal, while the scalable structure makes it highly adaptable across international markets. We think it will be a hit in Cannes for buyers looking for feel-good entertainment.”
Francesco Lauber, Chief Creative Officer, Banijay Italia said: “In Italy and around the world, grandmothers are the keepers of family traditions, memories and recipes. But they are also strong, funny and competitive women. Cooking Grandmas celebrates both sides: the dishes they know and love, and the challenge of stepping outside their comfort zone, from street food to international cuisine. Spending time together brings out their humour and fighting spirit, alongside emotional stories and traditions passed down through generations. It’s not just a competition, but a warm and entertaining celebration of remarkable women.”
Banijay Italia is one of Italy’s premium production companies, known for creating and producing hit entertainment and factual content for broadcasters and streamers. Its extensive portfolio includes flagship brands like Survivor, Foodish and Bake Off Italia, alongside streamer titles Love is Blind: Italy and The 50.
Joining the group’s Mipcom line-up, Cooking Grandmas sits alongside a slate of original entertainment properties including 100 Knives, Last One Standing, Million Dollar Idea and Date Knight.
