Banijay strikes deal with LOL creators

Banijay Entertainment has linked up with Yoshimoto, the creators of hit comedy format LOL: Last One Laughing, to bring the producers next format to market.

You Laugh You Lose debuted in Japan in 2006 and is a long-running comedic challenge spectacle that originally aired on Nippon TV.

The format places comedians inside a fully immersive real-world, location-based ‘day-in-the-life’ scenario for 24 hours, with players adopting characters, costumes and elaborate set-ups as they navigate an escalating comedy universe.

Banijay will sell lead adaptations across its 23 territory footprint, with Yoshimoto retaining distribution in all other markets.

The deal builds on Banijay Entertainment’s partnership with Yoshimoto, which has seen the group producing the show in 11 markets.

James Townley, chief content officer of development, described the show as “a blockbuster comedy classic”.

He added: “It’s playful, unpredictable, and packed with international potential. The 24-hour scenario delivers escalating comedic tension, and the instant penalty gag adds a hilarious format beat.”

Hiroshi Fujiwara, director and vice president of Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., said: “We are proud to count it among Japan’s most popular variety shows, and we look forward to audiences around the world enjoying the format.”

The deal was brokered by Helen Greatorex, head of format acquisitions at Banijay Entertainment, which has been ramping up its third-party format slate following deals for Dreamspark and StudioCanal’s Werewolves, and Ninja Warrior from Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS).