NBCU, Asahi TV partner on formats

The Secret Game Show will debut in Japan this month

NBCUniversal Formats is partnering with Asahi Television Broadcasting to create original content together.

The two will co-develop and produce original content for Japanese and international audiences as part of the deal, beginning with The Secret Game Show.

The non-scripted format will debut in Japan this month then roll out to the international market.

It sees several unsuspecting employees, nominated by a colleague or boss, perform a series of challenges in a bid to win a life-changing amount of money. However, nobody else in the office can find out what they’re up to.

Ana Langenberg

The move comes after NBCUniversal Formats formed a partnership with MBC in Korea in 2016 to co-develop and produce an original format for Korean and international audiences, resulting in The Game with No Name.

Ana Langenberg, senior VP, format sales and production at NBCUniversal Formats, said: “As we strive to create more local content across our key markets, Asahi Television Broadcasting makes for the perfect partner to explore new and fresh ideas with. Following such a positive experience with our copro partners in Korea, Japan was the natural next step for us.”

Fumihiko Tsuji, manager, content strategy department at Asahi Television Broadcasting, added: “Asahi Television Broadcasting Corporation has been creating original content for about 70 years and we really appreciate that NBCUniversal Formats sees potential in our unique creativity and chose us as their partner for gathering new ideas together.”