Hit series Murderous Encounter and The Reluctant Preacher set for international launch as scripted formats.
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.
The announcement was made today by Sayako Aoki, Head of International Sales, Content Business and Distribution, Nippon TV: “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.
