Nippon TV’s Ultimate Brain Renewed in Belgium, Netherlands

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The Nippon TV quiz format Ultimate Brain has received second-season pickups from VRT Ketnet in Belgium and NPO Zapp in the Netherlands.

The Japanese format has been adapted in China as well as in the U.K. on CBBC. The edutainment show sees competitors answering science-themed questions. Nippon TV distributes the format in Japan, Brunei, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Eccho Rights manages the property in other markets. The deals in Belgium and the Netherlands were clinched by Sputnik Media.

“The ratings are exceeding our expectations,” commented Rutger Beckers, managing partner at Sputnik Media. “I love the format because, through an entertainment show, it nurtures children’s curiosity for science and technology. These are valuable skills and mindsets to acquire, wherever the kids go next in life. And on top of that, it’s big fun to produce this show.”

Atsushi Hatayama, president of international business development at Nippon TV, remarked, “The two countries will join the United Kingdom and China in broadcasting more than one season and I look forward to the day when this one-of-a-kind quiz show is available and enjoyed the world over.”

Hatayama continued, “Currently, our scripted drama format Anne/Mother is a megahit in Turkey, where our other original drama Woman—My Life for My Children—is on its way to equal success. The legendary Nippon TV business show format Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank has also continued to entertain viewers in many countries and territories. Nippon TV’s scripted and non-scripted format sales have reached fever pitch and during ATF, we look forward to sharing Ultimate Brain as well as many of our other titles.”