Japan has created some extreme game shows that have found their way abroad either through license deals or format sales — think “Takeshi’s Castle” or “Ninja Warrior” — but not every show has to be crazy, weird or destructive. Japanese broadcaster Nippon TV’s “9 Windows,” being offered for sale at the virtual Mip-com, is halfway between the game show and talent contest genres. Set in an interactive studio, each episode features nine contestants with astonishing and unusual abilities, all beamed in from their home through giant studio screens — a “new normal” for the post-coronavirus era. The show unfolds in three rounds, with contestants competing for a cash prize by attempting to mesmerize a studio jury with their hidden talent. A studio host provides commentary and laughs, while there is also viewer play-along at every stage. The show, developed in partnership with the Story Lab, made its debut in Nippon TV’s home market in the last week of September. While few unusual skills have so far been revealed, producers are teasing talents ranging from blow-ing out candles with a power-punch […]
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