The group will develop Star Crush, an original unscripted series with Ponce set to host.
Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic, part of Banijay Americas, is teaming with award-winning actor and TV personality Carlos Ponce and veteran industry executive Cristina Sarnoff, to develop Star Crush, an original unscripted series with Ponce set to host. The announcement was made today by Marie Leguizamo, Managing Director of Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic.
Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic and Ponce & Sarnoff LLC are currently developing Star Crush for both Latin American and U.S. Hispanic markets, with plans to present the series to the marketplace later this year.
Star Crush is a bold and engaging game show that brings devoted fans face-to-face with their celebrity crushes for a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime date — and possibly more. In each episode, one charismatic celebrity meets three superfans, each competing for the ultimate prize: a dream date with their Star Crush.
Creator-Producer of Star Crush, Ponce will host the show as well as serve as executive producer, anchoring the energy and charm of each episode.
“Since we launched Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic, I’ve wanted to find a way to work and develop projects together with both Carlos Ponce and Cristina Sarnoff and Star Crush is the perfect series for us to do so,” says Leguizamo. “We believe Star Crush will resonate deeply with a new generation of viewers, as it blends humor, romance, and celebrity in a way that we’ve never seen before in the unscripted space.”
“Star Crush is more than a show — it’s a celebration of multicultural identity, connection, and joy. Partnering with Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic and Carlos Ponce allows us to center Latino talent and stories in a way that feels fresh, elevated, and authentically ours, where brands are excited to join forces”, says Sarnoff..
“I’m proud to join forces with Cristina and Marie on a series that’s vibrant, fun, and rooted in cultural pride. Star Crush is exactly the kind of engaging and joyful storytelling our audiences crave. Together, we’re creating entertainment that reflects who we are and where we’re headed,” adds Ponce.
Since its launch in 2022, Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic has delivered some of the most successful unscripted series in the region, including the hit franchise LOL: Last One Laughing for Prime Video in Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. The company was also instrumental in adapting the global reality format Temptation Island for Latin America, establishing regional production hubs in Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina/Chile. Other highlights include two seasons of the comedy competition series Jalas o te Rajas, starring El Escorpión Dorado and Facundo for Prime Video.
Founded earlier this year, Sarnoff’s Sarnoff Media Co. is the brainchild of former Warner Bros. Discovery executive Cristina D. Sarnoff, a pioneer in multicultural entertainment and branded content. The company focuses on creating original content for global and multicultural audiences, partnering with major talent and strategic advertisers.
