MIPCOM– NBCUniversal International Formats has acquired the Asian rights for ABC International’s (the format sales division of Asahi Broadcasting Corporation (ABC JAPAN), Japanese hit format, Who is the Real Celebrity (WTRC).

Having aired over 70 episodes in Japan, WTRC is a comedy quiz show for celebrities to establish whether they are in fact authentic personalities.  In every episode, each team takes on a series of challenges, which test their five senses. The challenges vary from distinguishing an expensive bottle of wine and identifying cuisines from a famous chef to picking out an instrument worth 100,000 USD by listening. With an extortionate and affordable option in each round, the contestants must make the correct selection to win their position as a real celebrity.

Shusaku Inoue, Managing Director from ABC International said: “We are excited to be working with NBCUniversal International Formats. WTRC is one of the highest rated shows in a prime time-slot in the competitive Japanese market. With its reputation and connections, we have confidence that NBCUniversal International Formats will make this format travel successfully throughout Asia.”

Yvonne Pilkington, SVP, Format Sales & Production, NBCUniversal International Formats comments: “WTRC is a brilliantly entertaining format, which has the real potential to make an impact across Asia. We’re looking forward to working with ABC International to successfully adapt the format for a wider audience.”