Couples to spend time apart to evaluate their relationships

The Chase label Bright Entertainment has landed a relationship experiment for Sky, aiming to rebuild connections between long-term couples.

The 100 Day Split will follow six couples who have been together since they were young and have reached a crossroads. They will take on a challenge to live apart and put their individual needs and passions first over 100 days.

They are encouraged to reflect on their relationship, understand how they can reconnect and determine their future as a couple.

Casting is underway for the 12-part series which will begin filming this summer for TX next year.

Bright Entertainment managing director Lily Wilson said: “We are thrilled to be working with Sky on this landmark new series – a relationship show that we’ve never seen before.

“We’ll see couples tackle authentic relationship issues that viewers will really relate to and learn a huge amount from as they explore life apart. We can’t wait to bring it to people’s screens next year.”

The 100 Day Split was commissioned by Sky’s executive director, unscripted originals Phil Edgar-Jones for chief executive of Sky Studios & chief content officer Cécile Frot-Coutaz.

The commissioning editor is Shirley Jones and the exec producers at the ITV Studios label are Phil Mount and Benjamin Leigh. Development was led by Mount, Ian Gill and Ryan Davies.

Jones said: “The routines and habits that develop in long-term relationships will feel very familiar to many people, so it’s fascinating to explore what might happen when those patterns are suddenly disrupted.

“Every time we’ve discussed the show, the question ‘what would you do?’ has sparked lively debate, and everyone seems to approach it differently – which makes it all the more intriguing to see how things unfold.”

ITV Studios will handle international sales.

Bright Entertainment is behind The Chase and Beat the Chasers as well as recently announced spin-off The Chase Around the World for ITV1. It is also responsible for Bullseye with Freddie Flintoff, also for ITV, Celebrity Puzzling for 5, PopMasterTV for Channel 4, and The Finish Line for BBC1.

Sky has previously ordered programming in the relationship space with Dating No Filter, produced by Monkey (now Universal Television Alternative Studio UK) for two series.