NHK Format ‘Chiko’s Challenge’ to Be Adapted as ‘Mapi’ in Spain
variety.comPatrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefJapanese studio-based comedy format “Chiko’s Challenge” is to be adapted for broadcast in Spain via public broadcaster TVE.
It is the first time that Japanese public broadcaster NHK has seen one of its entertainment formats adapted internationally.The deal involves Netherlands-based distribution company Lineup Industries and Spanish production company Mediacreast, which will produce 60 episodes under the local title “Mapi.” “Chiko’s Challenge” confronts celebrities with child-like questions which are often surprisingly difficult to answer.
The quizmaster is an character named Chiko, who is half CGI, half live actor and is particularly hard to please. Flimsy answers are likely to be ridiculed and cause the quizmaster to have a tantrum, before an expert reveals the true answer and a provides a humorous demonstration or experiment.
The show was launched in Japan in 2018 and has already run to 162 episodes aired.The relationship between Lineup and NHK follows an earlier agreement which saw NHK adapt Dutch format “Radio Gaga,” originally produced by De Chinezen for VRT, a drama about a hyper-local, intimate radio station, into a successful show now in its third season.
Read more on variety.com