Japanese Comedy Format Freeze to Go Global

Fremantle has taken on the global production rights to the original Japanese format Freeze.

The comedic entertainment format was originally developed and produced by FANY Studio and Yoshimoto Kogyo for Prime Video and has run for two seasons. In the game show, players enter a closed room and must “freeze” until the presenter releases them. With traps and tricks along the way that provoke reactions from the players, only those who remain still will survive to battle it out for a place in the grand finale.

Vasha Wallace, executive VP of global acquisitions and development at Fremantle, said: “We premiered Freeze at London Screenings, and it had an absolutely fantastic response, with interest from our international partners around the world. When the team at FANY Studio first showed us a clip of Freeze, we all thought it was hilarious, and we knew this would resonate with audiences everywhere. We have really enjoyed collaborating with the teams at FANY Studio on this highly entertaining game show from Amazon Prime Japan. Freeze is all about having nerves of steel and a fun and unique mechanism that is bound to keep viewers of all ages entertained. We look forward to bringing the addictive and exceptional format to a global audience.”

Mari Kawamura, head of global business at FANY Studio, said: “This was our first global deal since our company was established in May 2023, and we are honored to work with such a worldwide company like Fremantle. Many Japanese children grew up playing games ‘freeze (DO NOT MOVE)’ with their friends, and we believe this simple rule is universal, which can make audiences laugh. We look forward to expanding our format to the world and bringing our mechanism of smile and laughter to a global audience.”