A history of creativity, passion and outstanding success.
FremantleMedia was created in 2001 and is the sum of a number of major companies. Some of these have been operating for many years under Pearson Television, whilst others have had a long and illustrious independent history - including UFA which dates back to 1917. This timeline illustrates the key milestones in our history and how FremantleMedia has grown to be a global leader in television production and programming.
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1917
Founded: Universum-Film AG (UFA)
UFA is the oldest production company operating under the FremantleMedia name. During WWI, it created propaganda and some world-class films.
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1922
UFA production centre
The Neubabelsberg Bioscop studios served as a production centre, alongside studios in Berlin-Tempelhof.
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1926
Neubabelsberg Bioscop
The Neubabelsberg Bioscop studios housed Europe's largest contemporary sound stage. UFA makes the iconic Metropolis.
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1927
Takeover: UFA
After a difficult financial crisis, UFA was taken over by the Scherl Group, owned by publisher Alfred Hugenberg.
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1930
Produced: The Blue Angel
Josef von Sternberg made the talkie "Der Blaue Engel".
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1933
Emigration
After the National Socialists came to power, iconic film makers Billy Wilder, Fritz Lang, Erich Pommer emigrated.
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1942
Merger: UFA-Film GmbH
UFA, Tobis, Terra, Bavaria and Wien-Film merge under the Gleichschaltung - a forced standardisation of political and social institutions under an authoritarian regime.
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1945
Occupation: UFA offices
On 24th April 1945, units of the Red Army occupied the UFA grounds.
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1946
Founded: DEFA
Deutsche Filmaktiengesellschaft (DEFA) – the first film production company in post-war Germany, was founded on 17th May.
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1955
Launched: This Is Your Life
Launched in Britain (BBC1), moving to ITV and Thames Television in 1969.
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1956
Launched: The Price Is Right
The longest-running gameshow in TV history and remains the number one American daytime entertainment show.
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1964
Acquisition: Bertelsmann
Bertelsmann acquired Universum Film AG, as well as shares in UFA-Theater. The Murnau Foundation protected the rights to former UFA films.
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1968
Launched: Thames Television
Thames Television launches in the UK.
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1969
Launched: The Benny Hill Show
An award-winning format running for over 30 years, the show featured zany songs and inventive film sequences.
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1972
Acquisition: UFA Theater AG
Meanwhile, the Riech Group acquired UFA-Theater AG from Bertelsmann and continued to run it under UFA.
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1975
Launched: The Sweeney
A ground-breaking drama about the Flying Squad, an elite investigation unit of the London Police.
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1976
Launched: George & Mildred
A spin-off from Man about the House, the show ran for five series between 1976 and 1980.
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1978
Launched: Morecambe & Wise
Produced by Thames Television, the classic duo performed sketches and musical routines, achieving huge British ratings.
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1984
Launched: The Bill
The UK's longest-running police drama.
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1986
Launched: Neighbours
A huge hit for Network TEN in Australia and BBC1.
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1988
Launched: Going for Gold
On air since 1988, Going for Gold (Questions Pour un Champion) is the number one game show on France 3.
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1989
Launched: Baywatch
This award-winning show brought the blue skies and beautiful beaches of Southern California to 1 billion viewers worldwide.
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1991
UFA production companies
Since 1991, the UFA production companies have been managed by Wolf Bauer, Norbert Sauer and Axel Reick.
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1992
Gute Zeiten, Schlechte Zeiten
Germany’s first daily serial drama – and still the highest-rated.
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1995
Launched: A Place in the Sun
The number one drama on Rai 3 with a 2010 audience of 2.8 million viewers.
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1996
Acquisition: Pearson Television
Pearson Television acquires SelecTV, which includes Alomo productions who make Birds of a Feather and Goodnight Sweetheart.
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1997
Acquisition: Pearson Television
Pearson TV buys All American Fremantle, adding The Price is Right, Family Feud and Baywatch to their programming strength.
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1998
Launched: Between Friends
Hungary's first ever daily serial drama and number one to this day.
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1999
Launched: Grand Designs
Channel 4's most successful property show peaking with an audience of over 5 million viewers in 2008.
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2000
Merger: RTL Group
Pearson Television merges with CLT-UFA, forming the RTL group.
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2001
Launched: The Farmer Wants a Wife
The highest-rated entertainment show in the Netherlands since 2003. Nearly one third of the population tune in.
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2001
New Name: FremantleMedia
FremantleMedia is born and is the new company name for the content production division of RTL group.
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2001
Award Winner: Pop Idol
The UK's Pop Idol wins Europe’s top television award – Rose d’Or (The Golden Rose of Montreux).
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2003
Acquisition: FremantleMedia
FremantleMedia acquires Crackerjack Productions - one of Australia’s most creative entertainment production companies.
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2003
Launched: How Clean is Your House?
This domestic reality series has aired in more than 12 countries worldwide.
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2004
Launched: The X Factor
Launched in the UK on ITV and has gone on to become the UK's highest-rated talent show this decade.
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2005
Anniversary: Neighbours
Neighbours celebrates its 25th anniversary.
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2007
Launched: Hole In The Wall
FremantleMedia acuires the Japanese format, which later became the most successful format of 2008.
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2007
Launched: Die Flucht
This German TV movie was the number one drama of the year with an audience of 11.2 million viewers.
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2007
Record Breaker: American Idol
Breaks new records, surpassing 3 billion votes since it's launch in 2003.
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2009
Launched: Take Him Out
A spin off from Take Me Out, this launched in Indonesia with two million viewers watching the first programme.
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2009
Record Breaker: Britain's Got Talent
One of the highest-rated talent show this decade in the UK peaking at 19.3 million viewers for the 2009 final.
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2009
Ratings Smash: The X Factor
The grand final of season 6 attracted nearly 20 million viewers and a massive 62% audience share.
- pre-60s
- 60s
- 70s
- 80s
- 90s
- 00s
For a full summary of our history and timeline click here.