BBC Studios and Nippon TV unveiled new comedy gameshow co-development, “Koso Koso”, in Cannes this morning as Mipcom 2023 draws to a close.

The format, the first project for Singapore/London-based incubator Empire of Arkadia (EOA), will be distributed by BBC Studios outside Asia (including India) and Nippon TV within Asia.

The family gameshow, which adds Japan’s legendary twists to established international structures, has celebrity secret agents prank unsuspecting contestants to win them a cash prize.

The pilot on Nippon TV’s flagship commercial broadcast network in June this year achieved a 24.9% viewership share among audiences 13-49 years old.

“Koso Koso” will be launched to international customers at BBC Studios Showcase in February 2024.

The comedy format has celebrity secret agents pranking unsuspecting contestants to win a cash prize on their behalf.

The project was brokered by EOA founder, Fotini Paraskakis; Daniel Thomas, head of format acquisitions at BBC Studios; and Tom Miyauchi, head of formats, content business & distribution, global business, at Nippon TV.