Fremantle has launched Pandora’s Box, an all-new strategic reality competition that turns timeless mythology into high-stakes gameplay. The format was created by the Dutch RTL creative unit and developed in creative collaboration with Fremantle, with three global productions already underway.
This show is inspired by Greek mythology. Pandora, the first human on Earth, was given a sealed box by the gods with one command: “Never open it.” Curiosity got the better of her and she opened the lid, unleashing chaos and evil upon the world. This format brings that moment to today’s reality. Contestants competing for prize money have to face the same challenges. That means you’re stepping into a mythologically inspired world with one central premise. It’s about having the courage to open Pandora’s box.
Pandora’s box hides the names of cursed contestants, and players fight to keep their names from entering the box. In the ultimate test of temptation, players are faced with the dilemma of choosing between protecting their fortunes and protecting their fortunes.
Keeping Pandora’s box closed will raise the prize pot. Opening it gives them a chance to change their fate, but at the cost of the group losing their bounty, causing dire consequences and spreading suspicion. This is a game of strategy, sacrifice, and suspense, where the forces that rewrite fate change with each episode.
From a Sisyphus-inspired rock-rolling challenge to a tense encounter with Medusa’s gaze, every quest will determine who gains strategic power to decide who visits Pandora’s Box, set against a stunning backdrop inspired by ancient Greece. If a player opens the box to find out who is cursed, they can swap names with another player, but risk causing an evil influence that will cause the entire group to suffer.
Each cycle culminates in a showdown between two cursed players who fight for survival, going head-to-head in a duel to avoid elimination. The game is designed to reset every episode to create new alliances and new betrayals, ensuring unpredictability and escalating drama.
“Pandora’s Box” is an original concept from RTL Creative Unit, which co-produced “The Traitors,” and was developed in collaboration with Fremantle and Dutch Fremantle company Blue Circle. With three productions already underway, Blue Circle is producing an RTL 4 series in the Netherlands. Studio89 creates the M6 format in France. UFA produces for RTL in Hungary. Fremantle will be responsible for international production and distribution.
Fremantle Global Entertainment Director Andrew Linares said: “Partnering with RTL’s creative unit on this unique format was a rewarding experience. The ambition was clear from the beginning: to bring the myth of Pandora to life by reinventing it as a fascinating real-life experience that tests human nature. The rules sound simple: Don’t open the box. But when faced with temptation, players driven by curiosity, suspicion, and revenge create a dramatic story. A choice to survive until the end. Each episode captivates viewers with the action before their eyes and builds to the big climactic moment. We can’t wait to unveil this amazing new series and take viewers into the world of Pandora’s Box.”
“Audiences around the world are hungry for the next evolution of strategic reality formats with originality and a clear, distinct identity. Pandora’s Box offers both. Rooted in centuries-old mythology full of symbolism, it explores universal themes of temptation, disobedience, responsibility, hope and humanity’s ability to overcome. This format feels both.” It’s timeless and completely fresh, and we’re excited to bring it to our audiences. ”
