Radar Studios Unveils Global Factual Slate at MIPCOM 2026

Inside the 'Cook' Investigation and True Crime Strategy

The centerpiece of the new true crime offering is 'Cook', a gritty series that follows investigative journalist Stephen Cook. The show provides an unfiltered look into New Zealand's criminal underworld. Producers designed the series to move beyond standard reenactments, focusing instead on the investigative process and the human impact of organized crime in the Pacific region.

True crime continues to dominate global streaming charts, and Radar Studios is betting that regional specificity will attract international audiences. By centering the narrative on Cook's personal exploration, the series aims to provide a sense of authenticity that viewers often find lacking in generic crime procedurals.

Industry analysts noted that the appetite for localized, high-stakes investigative journalism remains strong in 2026. Broadcasters are increasingly seeking content that offers both educational value and narrative tension. The studio's decision to lead with this title suggests a confidence in the market's desire for investigative, character-driven storytelling.

• The series features exclusive interviews with former underworld figures.
• It utilizes archival footage to piece together cold cases.
• The production team spent 18 months in New Zealand for filming.

This approach mirrors a broader trend in the factual sector where production companies are moving away from studio-based talk shows toward immersive, on-the-ground investigative work. The success of 'Cook' will likely determine the studio's future investment in similar long-form crime projects.

Melbourne's Growing Influence in Global Television Markets

The emergence of Radar Studios highlights Melbourne's growing status as a hub for international content production. Located in a city with a robust creative ecosystem, the company benefits from local tax incentives and a deep pool of production talent. Experts pointed out that Australian studios are increasingly able to compete on a global scale because of their ability to produce high-value content at lower costs than their counterparts in the United States or the United Kingdom.

This geographic advantage allows the studio to maintain a lean operating model while delivering high production values. The company is leveraging its Melbourne base to scout talent and stories that have international appeal but are rooted in the unique cultural landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.

• The studio operates out of a central Melbourne production facility.
• It employs a team of 45 creative and technical staff.
• The company has secured distribution partnerships across Europe and North America.

By establishing a presence at MIPCOM, Radar Studios is signaling its intent to move beyond the domestic Australian market. The goal is to secure multi-territory deals that provide long-term stability for their production slate. This is a common path for independent studios looking to scale operations in the current media climate.

Expanding the Reach of Australian Wildlife and Lifestyle Formats

Beyond the crime and history genres, the studio is promoting its lifestyle and wildlife catalog. Shows like 'The Fishing Show' and 'Luxury Escapes' are returning franchises that have already proven successful in various markets. These programs are designed to be easily adaptable for international audiences, with modular formats that allow for local narration or slight edits to fit specific regional broadcast requirements.

Wildlife and travel programming remains a staple for public broadcasters and niche streaming platforms. Radar Studios is emphasizing the high-definition quality of its wildlife footage, which is essential for competing in a market saturated with nature documentaries. The studio believes that the combination of high-end travel and rugged adventure will provide a balanced slate for potential buyers.

• 'Luxury Escapes' focuses on high-end travel experiences.
• 'The Fishing Show' targets a dedicated outdoor-enthusiast demographic.
• The wildlife catalog includes over 200 hours of archival footage.

This variety is intentional. By offering a mix of high-intensity crime and low-intensity lifestyle content, the studio creates a one-stop-shop for network programmers. This strategy simplifies the acquisition process for buyers who are looking to fill multiple slots in their broadcast schedules with a single deal.

The Competitive Landscape at MIPCOM 2026

MIPCOM 2026 is seeing a surge in factual content as, according to official data, studios shift away from expensive scripted dramas. Radar Studios enters a crowded field, competing against established players like Banijay, Talpa Studios, and Rabbit Films. Each of these companies is pushing its own slate of competition, reality, and factual titles to capture the attention of global buyers.

Despite the competition, the studio is finding success by focusing on niche, high-quality factual content. Buyers are currently looking for shows that can be produced quickly and have a long shelf life. The studio's focus on history and investigative crime aligns well with these current industry needs.

• Rabbit Films is highlighting titles like 'Camp North' at the same event.
• Banijay is currently restructuring its distribution leadership.
• Nippon TV is expanding its scripted thriller slate.

The environment at the Palais des Festivals is fast-paced and deal-driven. Radar Studios is conducting back-to-back meetings throughout the week to secure licensing agreements. The success of their debut will be measured by the number of territories they can lock in during the four-day event.

What Industry Buyers Expect from New Independent Studios

For a new studio like Radar, the challenge is proving reliability. Buyers at MIPCOM are wary of new entrants who lack a track record of delivery. To counter this, the studio is highlighting its experienced production team and its existing relationships with Australian broadcasters. The ability to guarantee on-time delivery and consistent quality is the primary currency in the international distribution market.

Looking ahead, the studio plans to expand its development pipeline. The success of 'Tony Robinson Rewrites History' will be a test case for whether the company can successfully export personality-led factual content. If the show performs well in key markets like the United Kingdom and Canada, the studio intends to replicate the model with other well-known presenters.

• The studio plans to double its production output by 2028.
• It is currently scouting for new investigative talent for future crime series.
• Future projects will focus on environmental sustainability and climate-focused documentaries.

As the week in Cannes concludes, the focus will shift from the initial pitch to the closing of contracts. Radar Studios has set a high bar for itself with a wide-ranging slate, and the coming months will reveal how effectively they can translate this initial interest into long-term global distribution deals. The industry will be watching closely to see if this Melbourne-based newcomer can sustain its momentum in an increasingly volatile global media market.