MTV launches Asian reality series

MTV is launching two new reality shows in Asia, marking the broadcaster’s first moves into original commissions in the region.

The Viacom-owned broadcaster is launching Freshwater Blue in Australia and Shibuhara Girls in Japan and both shows will travel across the company’s international networks.

Freshwater Blue is produced by BBC Worldwide-owned Freehand and follows a group of 12 youngsters from Sydney’s Northern beaches. The 8x30mins scripted reality show will initially air in December.

Meanwhile, 12x30mins Shibuhara Girls will launch on MTV Japan in January and follows four young women in Shibuya and Harajuka as they try and make it in the fashion world.

MTV hopes that these two reality shows will follow the success of its US series including The Hills and Jersey Shore.

Bob Bakish, president of MTV Networks International, said: “Our investment in Freshwater Blue and Shibuhara Girls marks important milestones for us, demonstrating how our localisation strategy can expand even further to connect and reflect young audiences throughout Asia, the Pacific and the rest of the world.”