Norwegian broadcaster NRK is expanding its hit format Eternal Glory with a new team-based spin-off. Locally titled Mesternes mester team, the series is currently filming in Greece and is produced by Nordisk Banijay. A premiere is scheduled for late August.
Hosted by Aksel Lund Svindal, the new season brings together twelve former elite athletes — all previous participants of Eternal Glory — who will now compete in pairs rather than individually. The shift to a team-based structure introduces a fresh competitive dynamic, placing collaboration, strategy and physical performance at the heart of the format.
Originally created in Belgium in 2008 by De Filistijnen, Eternal Glory has grown into a long-running international success, having been produced in more than 10 territories worldwide, including Germany, the UK and the Netherlands. Norway stands out as a key success story, where the format has delivered market shares of up to 69% and has aired for 17 seasons on NRK. In Sweden, the format has reached an impressive 18 seasons on SVT, with a 19th currently in production, underlining its long-term appeal and ability to continuously evolve with audiences.
The format continues to expand internationally, with a third season currently in production in Switzerland for SRF, further demonstrating its ongoing global momentum.
Mesternes mester team builds on the core strengths of the original format — elite athletes, high-stakes competition and compelling personal stories — while introducing a new team element that enhances both drama and entertainment value. In Norway, the format remains a cornerstone of the schedule, with season 18 of Mesternes mester set to be filmed later and scheduled to premiere in 2027.
Says Pia Basberg, Commissioning Editor Independents at NRK:
“As one of NRK’s most popular shows, we’re excited to evolve the format with a team-based edition, bringing a fresh dynamic while staying true to what audiences love. The team format also allows us to expand the universe of the brand, introducing new relationships, strategies and storytelling. Our ambition is to establish two seasons per year — one classic edition and one team-based version — enabling us to both meet audience demand and keep the format fresh and relevant.”
Simone de Pruyssenaere de la Woestyne, MD at Primitives adds:
“Eternal Glory has proven its strength across multiple markets, and it’s exciting to see NRK expand the format with this new team-based edition. It’s a natural evolution that keeps the format fresh while reinforcing its global appeal.”
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