Fremantle has acquired the global distribution rights to the hilarious hit Japanese competition format Ants where teamwork isn’t just encouraged, it’s the only way to win. Inspired by the incredible coordination of real ant colonies, this feel-good, action-packed format proves that when people work together, no challenge is too big.

 Originally created and produced by Nippon TV and further developed by Fremantle North America for global expansion, Ants has already launched in Japan for Nippon TV, created buzz as an iconic game show for its playful yet physically demanding challenges, iconically themed characters, larger-than-life set design, and engaging team-based gameplay, and is now ready for the international market. Fremantle has picked up the format for co-distribution, with Nippon TV distributing in Asia (excluding Indonesia, India and Singapore), and Fremantle distributing in rest of world.

 In this laugh-out-loud, unique competition, contestants are transformed to the size of ants and must navigate a super-sized world to complete physical challenges that necessitate strategy thinking. From individual to group games, contestants experience larger than life obstacles, such as transporting mega sizes food items across a giant kitchen as fast as possible to win the cash prize, all while racing against the clock. The more items the contestants collect, the bigger the prize and while some ants will make it, others will not to tragic results.

Originally launched on Nippon TV as a high-energy special, Ants has quickly gained attention for its playful yet physically demanding challenges, larger-than-life set design, and engaging team-based gameplay.

Jimmy Fox, EVP, Head of Development & Sales, Unscripted at Fremantle, said: “We have always admired Nippon TV’s legacy of innovative and genre defining format creation, whether it is Dragons’ Den which brought American audiences Shark Tank or Sokkuri Sweets which sparked the ‘cake or not cake’ phenomenon. It is so rare to find a format that makes you say to yourself ‘I have never seen anything like this.’ Ants is one of those formats.”

Vasha Wallace, EVP Global Acquisitions and Development, Global Entertainment at Fremantle, said: “We are excited to bring Ants to the global stage. This show is absolute laugh out loud, hilarious and compelling viewing and we as a result we have had a lot of interest in it already. Ants blends humour with physical challenges in a way that is both engaging and fun for audiences of all ages. Its unique premise makes it a perfect addition to Fremantle’s growing portfolio of innovative concept formats. We look forward to working with our global partners to bring this one-of-a-kind show to viewers internationally.”

Tom Miyauchi, Head of Formats, Nippon TV, said “Welcome to Ants! It’s a thrilling collaboration between Fremantle and Nippon TV, combining the best of both worlds through this universal concept. This exciting, super-sized game show offers a unique perspective on the familiar species, highlighting the power of unity and teamwork, much like the ants themselves.”