NHK orders French gameshow

Japanese public broadcaster NHK has ordered a local version of long running French gameshow Tout le Monde Veut Prendre sa Place (Hold On To Your Seat) after striking a deal with distributor Banijay International.

This marks the rare occasion where a Japanese broadcaster acquires the format rights to a European series.

The original series was created by Effervescence Productions for France 2 and has aired 1500 episodes since 2006. NHK will produce five episodes and strip it across the week.

This comes as the format has also been picked up by Ukrainian broadcaster ICTV, which will air 20 episodes during an afternoon slot, and Spanish broadcaster Cuatro has ordered a pilot.

Simone Halberstadt Harari, president, Effervescence Productions, said: “We’re delighted to share this incredibly strong, ratings-winning format with Japan. Owing to its simplicity, fast pace and nail-biting addictiveness, it has become such a core part of daily French viewing. We can’t wait to see the reaction of its first Asian viewers.”