Tomorrow Studios to adapt ‘Connected’ scripted format for US market

CONNECTED: The Homebound Detective

Tomorrow Studios has optioned the rights to make a US adaptation of Japanese crime drama format Connected: The Homebound Detective.

The format, which was created by the UK’s Envision Entertainment and Japanese broadcaster Nippon TV, where it debuted in April, follows Ataru Aida, an agoraphobic young man who still lives in his childhood bedroom.

When he is unceremoniously fired from his job, he takes his frustrations out on the internet, connecting with online sleuths around the world to expose his idol’s extramarital affair. When the cops come knocking at his door, he thinks he’s gotten himself into a heap of trouble, but instead he’s granted an opportunity to use his genius internet research abilities to help solve crimes.

Envision and Nippon TV, which created the format as the first project to result from a scripted co-pro deal last year, will also co-produce the US version alongside Tomorrow Studios, which is a partnership between CEO and founder Marty Adelstein and ITV Studios.

The agreement between the two companies sees creators from both working together on content that will “combine their Western and Eastern sensibilities” for the global market. Connected was originally inspired by the Nippon TV format Double Booking, which aired in 2020.

Mikiko Nishiyama, EVP of International Business Development at Nippon TV, added: “Connected is perfect for today’s world that is defined by hybrid communication styles, and Tomorrow Studios is a wonderful partner in expanding this innovative story with a US version.”