A new version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” is on its way in Japan along with the first adaptation of “Shark Tank” in Taiwan in deals that signal an extended life span for classic formats in the region. Neither market has ever rivalled the formats enthusiasm displayed in South and Southeast Asia, and the new pick-ups could open the door to change in North Asia. 

“Who Wants to be A Millionaire Japan” returns to commercial network Fuji TV, which aired early versions of the format about 13 years ago. Kazunari Ninomiya will host the show. TX details have not been confirmed.  

Rights for “Shark Tank” have been acquired by Videoland in Sony’s first unscripted deals in Taiwan in almost two decades. Sony’s last adaptations in Taiwan were “The Dating Game” and “The Newlywed Game”, both produced approx 15 years ago. 

Release dates have not been confirmed, but both are likely to launch in 2026. Shooting starts on the Fuji TV special in January 2026. 

“These are the right sort of shows for this moment in time,” says Adam Herr, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Singapore-based SVP of Distribution for the Asia-Pacific region. 

“Both tap into the key trends of recent years: “Shark Tank” is an aspirational format which allows anyone to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams and financial independence, while “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” is a fun, easy to watch quiz show that in Japan will evoke nostalgia as people harken back to the original show in the early 2000s with the original beloved host, Monta Mino,” he added. 

In India, adaptations of scripted titles “Doc” and “Party of Five” have been greenlit for Sony Pictures Networks India’s (SPNI) 2026 schedule. Details of the airdates and episodes have not yet been released. 

Sony adapted “Everybody Loves Raymond” for Star TV in 2015/6, and also made five seasons of “I Dream of Jeannie” for SPNI networks.