Hulu has acquired the rights to a brand new documentary called “The Contestant”, which is about an aspiring comedian who unknowingly becomes the most famous TV star in Japan, by being left naked in a room for more than a year, tasked with filling out magazine sweepstakes to earn food and clothing, prompts innumerable questions about our culture of oversharing.

The true story revealed how he had no idea he was becoming wildly famous in Japan as the series was broadcast to more than 15 million people across Japan.

“The Contestant” explores one of the first extreme reality shows that pushed boundaries and paved way for others like it. The film features interviews with the show’s producer, Toshio Tsuchiya, who was always willing to push his contestant to the brink, and Nasubi himself, whose life was irrevocably changed by the experience.

While parts of Nasubi’s infamy have been recounted before on YouTube and This American Life, this documentary bring a revelatory depth of insight by interviewing Nasubi, Tsuchiya, and others close to them. The filmmakers also explore further twists in Nasubi’s life after Denpa Shonen.

This documentary was directed by Clair Titley and was produced by MRC, Misfits Entertainment, Megumi Inman, Andee Ryder and Ian Bonhote.

The film premiered at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival and, according to Variety is scheduled to arrive on Hulu in 2024.  It hasn’t been confirmed if Disney acquired global streaming rights to also put it onto Disney+ internationally.

Will you be checking out “The Contestant”?  Let us know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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