Netflix Wants To Make Catan Shows Or Something

Thirty years ago humble board game designer Klaus Teuber released “Settlers Of Catan” to the world, which became a hit and gave him great success. It’s a fine game (I guess….I’m totally unfamiliar with it) but would it make for a fine TV show? Apparently someone at Netflix thinks so.

The streaming giant has entered a partnership with Asmodee and Catan Studio to adapt what is now called just “Catan” for television. Teuber is no longer with us but his sons Guido and Benjamin Teuber will serve as producers alongside Darren Kyman from Asmodee, Pete Fenlon of Catan Studios and Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment.

“When our father Klaus Teuber first introduced ‘Catan’ thirty years ago, he imagined an aspirational world where people would gather by trading, building and settling together, both at the table and beyond it,” said Benjamin and Guido. “This collaboration with Netflix marks an exciting new chapter in that journey. For three decades, ‘Catan’ has connected families and friends around the world. Now, we’re thrilled to see it inspire storytelling on a global stage, staying true to our father’s vision of creativity, strategy and human connection.”

People might say “why don’t they invest more in original ideas” and…it’s a good question, even from a pure business standpoint. When Netflix merchandises Stranger Things or Squid Game all the profits go to them. When they merchandise Wednesday, they have to share the profits with all the parties that have an ownership stake in The Addams Family. So…why make a stupid Catan show? Why not just make a show about settlers you can 100% own?

What the show would BE…well, they have no idea, but they’re buying the rights anyway. It could be scripted, but it could also be an unscripted reality show, like the Monopoly show they have in development. There are shades of the “Kool-Aid Movie” subplot from The Studio in here. Maybe Netflix should hurry and secure the license to a Capri Sun show before Universal steals it away.