London-based TV format distribution company CAN’T STOP media has secured the exclusive global distribution rights (excluding the UK) to the hit factual entertainment / reality format “Pilgrimage”. Originally produced by multi-award-winning production company CTVC, the critically acclaimed show has been a ratings winner and a staple of BBC Two’s primetime schedule since its debut.
The format follows a group of well-known celebrities from very different backgrounds, each with their own faiths, beliefs and worldviews, as they strip back modern luxuries and embark on a physically demanding and deeply emotional journey along ancient pilgrimage routes. As they live and travel together, the participants are forced to confront life’s biggest questions, leading to powerful, authentic, and often life-changing discussions about morality, spirituality and modern society.
Across multiple successful seasons on BBC Two, the show has consistently captured the zeitgeist. This enduring appeal was highlighted by the outstanding performance of Season 8 (“The Road to Holy Island”), which aired in April 2026. The season proved to be a major ratings success, capturing an average total audience of 1.8 million viewers. The show demonstrated remarkable strength across both traditional broadcast and streaming platforms, drawing a linear average of 900,000 viewers (a 9% audience share) alongside an additional 900,000 viewers on VOD by Day+28.
The acquisition follows CAN’T STOP media’s massive global success with “The A Talks”, the breakout hit format that has already seen 20 versions airing worldwide. The distributor believes “Pilgrimage” carries a similar, powerhouse international potential due to its universal themes of self-discovery, empathy, feel-good and shared human experience.
Matthieu Porte, co-founder at CAN’T STOP media, comments: “We have seen firsthand with “The A Talks”, which now has 20 versions airing globally, that international broadcasters are hungry for authentic, deeply moving television that connects people. We believe “Pilgrimage” has that same global potential. Its universal appeal lies in its brilliant simplicity: taking famous faces out of their comfort zones and letting genuine, human stories unfold.”
Arnaud Renard, co-founder at CAN’T STOP media, adds: “Pilgrimages are experiencing an incredible, real-world resurgence right now. For instance, participation on routes like the Camino de Santiago has multiplied by 10 compared to twenty years ago as people seek meaning and a slower pace of life. This cultural phenomenon is perfectly reflected in the sensational ratings for the show’s latest season. Pulling in 1.8 million viewers, balanced perfectly between linear and digital spaces, shows how relevant this concept remains for modern audiences. At a time when buyers need high-impact primetime formats that drive both linear ratings and digital conversation, we feel “Pilgrimage” could stand out as a proven winner.”
Caroline Matthews, CEO at CTVC, says: “The enduring power of “Pilgrimage” lies in its authenticity; you never quite know how the journey will unravel and transform the celebrities, and that makes for gripping, surprising and honest television. Season 8 performed so brilliantly across both BBC Two and iPlayer which reinforces that viewers are always looking for meaningful, feel-good primetime content. We are absolutely delighted to team up with CAN’T STOP media. Given their incredible track record in turning unique, purposeful content into global phenomena like “The A Talks”, they are the perfect partner to guide “Pilgrimage” through its next exciting international chapter.”
