Hitoshi Matsumoto 'Documental' Format to Launch US Version

The American adaptation of Hitoshi Matsumoto's comedy format 'Documental' is now in production.

Production will be handled by Fulwell Entertainment, known for producing the Grammy Awards telecast and 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians'. The showrunner is Eric Pankowski, an executive producer on 'Carpool Karaoke'. He will serve as executive producer alongside Ben Winston and Emma Conway.

The original Japanese version launched on Prime Video in 2016. Its international expansion began in 2019 with a Mexican adaptation. The format is now active in 25 countries and regions, with over 80 total seasons produced.

Italy, Germany, and Mexico have each produced nine seasons. The German version recently ranked fifth globally for all TV series and first for non-English TV series on Prime Video's weekly Top 10 chart.

The premise is simple: contestants must make others laugh while resisting laughter themselves. The format has been licensed and produced in territories including Australia, Canada, France, and India. Casting for the US version will be announced at a later date.

Source: PR Times via 吉本興業株式会社