Nippon TV Reveals Two New Scripted Formats

Nippon TV is bringing two new scripted formats to MIPCOM—the romantic crime thriller Murderous Encounter and the teacher-themed comedy The Reluctant Preacher.

“We are proud to introduce two new scripted formats that, while distinct in their tone, setting and approach, share a powerful common thread: a female protagonist’s journey to overcome personal challenges and fight against injustice and crime,” said Sayako Aoki, head of international sales, content business and distribution at Nippon TV. “With fresh perspectives and narratives that build tension toward a thrilling finale, we are confident that these stories can be successfully localized, captivating audiences in any market.”

Murderous Encounter centers on two journalists who fall in love while investigating a sensational murder case, until suspicion arises that one of them may be the serial killer. The 10×60-minute series comes from the producers of My Lover’s Secret and Your Turn to Kill.

The Reluctant Preacher follows an unmotivated teacher assigned to a troubled class who unexpectedly transforms into a passionate preacher delivering bold sermons. The story tackles students’ family and relationship issues, along with the protagonist’s social media trauma. Netflix has already acquired the global streaming rights, and the full Japanese series is available worldwide.