‘Girlfri3nds’ gets around

Keshet International, the global distribution and production arm of Israel’s titan Keshet Media Group, announced Tuesday that it has sold its popular British dating format “Girlfri3nds” to both Canadian and Australian networks.

The UK version of “Girlfri3nds” was spawned from the original Hebrew-language show, which premiered in Israel in 2011 and at the time broke records for non-live reality programming. The program follows three female friends searching together for long-term love, and is known for avoiding the schlock and clichés that mark so many other reality dating programs.

In Canada, “Girlfri3nds” was purchased by TVA Group, which snapped up both the first and second seasons, and plans to air it under the French title “Celibatair3s.” In Australia, the program was purchased by the premium Australian subscription television network Foxtel.

“’Girlfri3nds’ is a very translatable series and the secret to its success is that it’s not just a dating format, it’s about friendship, support and guidance as three women bond together and look out for each other on their quest to find their true soulmate – much like we do in our real lives,” Keren Shahar, head of distribution and acquisitions at Keshet International, said. “I have no doubt that the series will do well in these new territories.”