Nippon TV Unveils New Formats

Nippon TV has revealed a new business game-show format and a scripted drama-comedy format for international distribution.

Money or Junk is an unscripted business survival format that sees contestants sent to remote locations with only their phones. They must work to make money out of nothing by creating items out of junk and selling them on e-commerce apps.

Whoever earns the most cash within the time limit will be crowned the winner. Due to high ratings after its July premiere on Nippon TV, it has already been renewed for a second season for later this year.

The second new format is Life’s Punchline, a scripted drama-comedy series. It follows three young comedians who decide to give up their dreams as they face life’s obstacles. The series was broadcast weekly on Nippon TV from April to June and has earned almost 14 million total views to date on VOD.

Mikiko Nishiyama, managing director, said: “Our two new formats for this fall are unique in that their idiosyncrasies and quirks give them quite the twist. Following in the footsteps of Nippon TV’s highly successful business format Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank, with more than 40 versions in 186 territories, Money or Junk was created with a business concept at its core, updated with craft, survival elements for the entire family audience in the digital era. Additionally, Life’s Punchline has ‘clues’ that will make viewers drop their jaws in surprise and laughter. The story centers around a comedy trio, and each episode opens with a comedic skit, which eventually blends into bigger plots of drama. Vividly depicting each character’s worries and emotional conflicts in their late 20s that stem from their dream, job, family and romantic interest, viewers are sure to find someone they can relate to.”