Chinese net looks to Japan’s Dr What

Chinese channel Zhejiang TV is getting a local version of the Small World IFT-sold medical detective format Dr What: Diagnosis Unknown.

The channel will launch a 12x70mins series tomorrow following what is being described as a “landmark” co-development and coproduction deal with London- and LA-based Small World that also includes format creator NHK Enterprises from Japan.

Small World claims the move represents the first time the Chinese channel has partnered with a Japanese partner on a format.

The studio-based show will be known as Health 007 and run in a 10pm slot.

Small World’s president Tim Crescenti, Singapore-based Bomanbridge Media’s director of programme development Aegena Tay and China-based Legend Media’s director of research and development Patrick Peng brokered the agreement.

In Japan, Dr What: Diagnosis Unknown is known as Dr G’s Case File, and has run for five seasons totaling 55 episodes.

“The show sees some of the country’s brightest young brains challenged to showcase their knowledge, offering viewers fascinating real-life stories blended with a highly entertaining competitive element – and, of course, some valuable medical information along the way,” said Small World’s Crescenti.