Nippon TV, Netflix partner on variety series
February 20, 2023
Nippon TV, Japan’s multiplatform entertainment company, has finalised a deal with Netflix to produce a new Netflix comedy variety series Ariyoshi Assists. This deal marks the first time that Nippon TV will produce a show exclusively for a global streamer which will not air nor stream on Nippon TV.
Ariyoshi Assists, which is filmed in Japan in the Japanese language, will stream globally on Netflix in over 190 countries from March 14th. There will be 10 episodes in the series which will be subtitled for viewers around the world.
“Announced in June 2022 was the establishment of our new Content Strategy Division with aims to accelerate large-scale co-development and co-productions projects with streamers, broadcasters, and producers around the world. Our goal, at that time, was to build new strategic creative collaborations with international partners to create original content for viewers worldwide,” commented Mikiko Nishiyama, EVP, International Business Development at Nippon TV. “And now, less than nine months later, we are delighted to be announcing this new deal with Netflix for Ariyoshi Assists. With the well-known and ever popular Hiroiki Ariyoshi as host, we are certain this series will entertain Netflix’s viewers around the world. The show has turned out to be the epitome of the world coveted crazy Japanese comedy show genre, wild and hilariously funny, and one that cannot be seen on Japanese network television which will surely bring roaring laughter to homes around the world on March 14th. We will continue to build new strategic creative collaborations with international partners to produce original content for viewers worldwide.”
Ariyoshi Assists stars Hiroiki Ariyoshi who will assist 10 guest hosts, including artists and professional athletes, who will each host their own episode. Every episode is built around a unique concept and format catered to highlight the special talents of the hosts. Experienced comedians, including both veterans and up-and-comers, participate and attempt to conquer the various segments proposed by the hosts, all while trying to land jokes about the absurd set-ups that Ariyoshi suddenly throws at them.
The series’ creators and show runners will be Kazuaki Hashimoto and Toshiyuki Yokozawa, creators of the TV entertainment/variety shows Ariyoshi no Kabe and Ariyoshi Zemi, both airing weekly on primetime on Nippon TV and its network stations.