Seoul, Korea – CJ E&M has successfully launched the new comedy detective drama Flower Grandpas Investigators on its general entertainment channel tvN. The show follows on the heels of hit travel variety programme Grandpas over Flowers which through two seasons has been broadcast in 11 Asian countries and the U.S., streamed online in China on Youku, and is currently being adapted for Chinese remake by satellite broadcaster Dragon TV.

Flower Grandpas Investigators

Starring 78-year-old actor Lee Soon-jae (who appeared on Grandpas over Flowers), Flower Grandpas Investigators depicts the story of detectives whose bodies are transformed into 70-year olds while their mental maturity remains in the 20s. In addition to Lee, the drama features actors Byun Hee-bong, age 71, and Jang Gwang, age 63. Kim Hee-chul from K-pop group Super Junior rounds out the cast as a much younger detective who must learn to work with his “suddenly” older colleagues. The drama also uniquely incorporates Korean variety show elements including humorous graphics and subtitles adding to the lively feel of the show.

“Starring three elderly actors, Flower Grandpas Investigators is a novel departure from conventional Asian and global TV programming which usually depends on a younger, highly attractive cast,” said Kim Jin-young, chief producer of Flower Grandpas Investigators. “The trend towards shows featuring senior actors really took off with Grandpas over Flowers. Now in Flower Grandpas Investigators, we take this approach a step further by casting senior actors in lead dramatic roles where they must chase down clues and solve cases, navigate the travails of romantic relationships with younger actresses, and more.”