In the United States, a TV format is defined as a repeatable program structure that can be licensed for local production while maintaining the original’s core appeal. This intellectual property extends beyond a simple premise, encompassing a “production bible” that details every element, from lighting schemes to catchphrases. For US networks, licensing a format is a strategic move to mitigate the high risks associated with launching entirely original unscripted content.

The US market has long been a major importer of global hits, with franchises like “American Idol” and “The Masked Singer” proving that localized versions of international concepts can dominate domestic ratings. As streaming competition intensifies, the definition of a format has expanded to include interactive elements and social media integrations. This evolution requires acquisition leads to look beyond traditional broadcast structures toward “multi-platform” IP that drives subscriber retention.

Licensing a format in the US involves a multi-stage negotiation that begins with identifying territorial availability. Most deals are structured around a “License Fee,” which is typically a percentage of the production budget or a flat fee per episode. The rights holder provides the licensee with the production bible and often sends consultants to the US set to ensure the brand’s integrity is maintained during the adaptation.

In 2025, deal structures have become increasingly complex due to the rise of global streaming rights. US networks now frequently negotiate for “Secondary Rights,” allowing them to distribute the localized version on their international platforms or FAST channels. This “Weaponized Distribution” strategy, as noted in recent industry shifts, allows platforms to maximize ROI by licensing high-value content to rivals after a fixed exclusivity window.

In a market defined by rapid fragmentation, manual sourcing through trade shows and phone calls is no longer sustainable. Acquisition leads are now leveraging supply chain intelligence platforms to gain an “insider advantage” that was previously limited to elite agencies. By tracking over 140,000 global companies and 1.6 million titles, these tools reveal which formats are currently in production in secondary markets before they even hit the international circuit.

Vitrina AI solves the “data deficit” by providing verified profiles of format distributors and mapping their relationship histories. This allows buyers to conduct objective due diligence on potential partners, ensuring they possess a verifiable track record in the US market. With the VIQI AI Assistant, leads can query complex rights scenarios, such as “Which UK unscripted formats have available linear rights in the US for Q3 2025?”, compressing months of research into seconds.

Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels have become a major force in the US format market. Unlike premium SVOD platforms that demand high-budget original adaptations, FAST channels often seek “volume-driven” formats that are cheap to produce and highly addictive for casual viewing. This has led to a resurgence of vintage game show formats and low-cost lifestyle programming that can be produced in bulk to populate dedicated 24/7 channels.

Acquisition leads are increasingly using FAST channels as a testing ground for international formats. By licensing a successful foreign format for a digital-first release, networks can gauge US audience interest before committing to a massive linear launch. This low-risk entry strategy requires a deep understanding of digital rights management and the ability to track how these formats perform across different addressable advertising environments.