Japanese variety shows are characterized by an eccentric, fast-paced style and are typically scheduled during prime television time for entertainment.
[2] Game shows, initially featuring trivia competitions, expanded over time to include diverse and unconventional formats, incorporating concepts like eating unusual foods.
Japanese television programs such as Music Station and Utaban (cancelled 2010) continue in an almost pristine format from the same variety shows of years before.
Hitoshi Matsumoto attempted to withdraw but the host - his comedy partner and co-host Masatoshi Hamada, cajoled him back on the platform.
[9][10] In the United States of America in December 1994, Saturday Night Live mocked these unique forms of game shows with a sketch called "Quiz Kings".
[12] Due to the similarities between their shows and other Japanese programs, ABC has been sued by TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System) for allegedly copying Sasuke and Takeshi's Castle.