Chinese net plans to Crack Them Up

Chinese broadcaster Jiangxi has ordered a local version of Ukrainian ‘reverse’ comedy panel format Crack Them Up – the first foreign acquisition of its kind for the channel.

The Chinese version represents Jiangxi’s first international format and comes as China prepares to bring in tough new regulations limiting the number of overseas titles that can be remade locally.

Producer Shixi Media brokered the deal with Jiangxi for the format, which Eccho Rights sells.

Shixi’s CEO, Xichen Liu, said: “The new restrictions on singing formats in China gives other genres the chance to blossom and comedy based shows are in the ideal position to take advantage of this opportunity. Crack Them Up has the potential to raise a brand new viewing passion for comedy shows.”

Eccho Rights launched Crack Them Up at MIPTV this year. The show sees regular people trying to make two host comedians laugh in exchange for cash prizes.