El Otro Lado de la Mesa (The Other Side of the Table), is hosted by Xabier García Ramsden
Basque public broadcaster EITB has commissioned a new version of format Dinner with the Enemy, created by production company Animo TV and described as a “sociological experiment.”
From same-sex marriage to the gender pay gap, climate change and religion, the format tackles today’s most divisive issues by bringing together two people with opposing views for a direct, unfiltered conversation, observed and analysed by psychologists. The property is distributed by All3Media International.
The new eight-episode series, commissioned by EITB’s channel ETB2 as El Otro Lado de la Mesa (The Other Side of the Table) for the Basque region of Spain, is hosted by journalist Xabier García Ramsden and produced by Baleuko.
“In this sociological experiment, we incite debate. In a society polarised by the rise of social networks, people from different generations, ideologies and worlds will come together in this innovative format. Every week, two completely unknown people with totally opposite opinions on the same subject will sit down together for dinner,” said the Basque network.
In addition, the third season of the Irish adaptation – known as Eating with Your Enemy – recently debuted on Virgin Media, while a 16-episode season has been produced in Lithuania by Paprika Studios for public broadcaster LRT Television.
“Dinner With the Enemy delivers compelling viewing that sparks conversation and connection,” said Nick Smith, exec VP of formats at All3Media International. “In today’s polarised world, Animo TV’s format not only encourages debate but also inspires respect for differences.
“With EITB launching a local version this month and Virgin Media recently airing a third season filled with dynamic new format points, Dinner With the Enemy has proven that it has international appeal and adaptability. It delivers raw, honest exchanges that captivate viewers and challenge perspectives.”