Nippon TV, Japan’s leading multiplatform entertainment powerhouse, is set to unveil two brand-new scripted formats for MIPCOM, Murderous Encounter (60min. x 10eps), a dark romantic mystery centered on two journalists, and The Reluctant Preacher (60min.x 10eps), a fast-paced, sharp comedy centered on an unmotivated high school teacher. Sayako Aoki, Head of International Sales, Content Business and Distribution, Nippon TV, made the announcement.
“We are proud to introduce two new scripted formats that, while distinct in their tone, setting, and approach, share a powerful common thread: a female protagonist’s journey to overcome personal challenges and fight against injustice and crime. With fresh perspectives and narratives that build tension towards a thrilling finale, we are confident that these stories can be successfully localized, captivating audiences in any market,” commented Aoki.
Murderous Encounter is a romantic crime thriller which focuses on two journalists who fall in love while investigating a sensational murder case until suspicion arises that he might be the serial killer. Riding the wave of today’s crime suspense boom, Murderous Encounter distinguishes itself by focusing on journalists at the heart of the investigation, while exploring the themes of media ethics, trust, and the blind spots of love. The series is from the producers of My Lover’s Secret and Your turn to Kill. The team is known for skillfully planting hints early on that keep audiences guessing who the culprit is until a satisfying finale, and the same approach is fully shown in Murderous Encounter.
The Reluctant Preacher follows an unmotivated teacher assigned to a troubled class, who unexpectedly transforms into a passionate preacher delivering bold sermons that inspire her students and shake up the entire school. The story tackles students’ family and relationship issues, along with the protagonist’s social media trauma, creating a narrative that resonates with today’s youth. With a relatable lead character and sharp, fast-paced dialogue, it turns serious social issues into an engaging and entertaining comedy. In its broadcast in Japan, the show ranked #1 in its time slot among children and #2 among teenagers. Netflix has acquired the global streaming rights, and the full series is now available worldwide.
The first episode of both series has surpassed 2 million total views on AVOD platforms. Details on the new titles are below:
Murderous Encounter
Genre: Mystery, Romance, Drama
Type: Scripted Format
When people fall in love, they lose their ability to make rational decisions. As a string of gruesome murders grips a city, two journalists—a relentless freelance crime reporter and a compassionate TV director—cross paths while investigating a case that become known as “The Horus Eye Murders.” The reporter, ruthless in pursuit of a story, is always ahead of the police—again and again, his scoops make headlines before anyone else. As their professional rivalry turns into a dangerous romance, suspicion begins to creep in, and the TV director begins to question if the man she loves could in fact be the serial killer. Packed with unexpected twists, this gripping series will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
The Reluctant Preacher
Genre: Dramedy
Type: Scripted Format
This series follows a reluctant high school teacher who takes the job purely to avoid unemployment. At her new school, the staff abides by a strict motto: “Keep a healthy distance from the students.” Due to a past trauma, the teacher became afraid of expressing her own thoughts to others. However, when she gets drawn into issues like bullying, romance, and family conflicts, her competitive spirit begins to resurface. The teacher who was supposed to have zero motivation ends up delivering outrageous sermons that not only change her students but also begin to transform the entire school. This series is a blend of comedy with heartfelt drama that is sure to keep audiences entertained.
