TBI Scripted Hot Picks: The Greatest Teacher

Producer: Nippon TV | Distributor: Nippon TV | Broadcaster: Nippon TV (Japan)

This suspenseful one-hour drama follows the story of a teacher, who is pushed off the school balcony after a graduation ceremony. The last thing she sees is the sleeve of someone’s uniform, but the next minute she suddenly finds herself rebooted back one year in time to her homeroom class on the first day of school.

With 30 suspects and only a fleeting glimpse of a uniform sleeve, the time-travelling teacher embarks on a relentless journey to unveil the truth.

Based on Nippon’s own 2019 series Mr. Hiragii’s Homeroom, this new, updated spin is being launched to market as both a show and a format, with global audiences in mind.

“We were inspired to create a new series featuring the reality of school life but from a very different, modern, dramatic angle. This series is also in line with our storytelling style of depicting what’s happening now in the real world through mystery and emotional stories to keep viewers engaged,” says Yuki Akehi, director of global business at Nippon TV.

“The most important change that the teacher makes on the second round of her life is an absolute resolution to make a difference this time. If not, not only will the students not change, but she will be dead again,” reveals Akehi.

She adds that, aside from the mystery elements, the show also tackles social issues with “an innovative and exhilarating approach, sure to inspire global production companies to create their own version based on this format.”