TV Executives at Taiwan Festival Explain How Global Shows Change for Local Audiences

Television producers from major global networks shared how hit shows adapt their content for different countries during a panel at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest in Taipei. Linfield Ng of NBCUniversal Formats and Fukaya Shunsuke of TBS Television discussed the creative compromises required when taking a television format across international borders.

Adapting Content

In the U.S. drama series "Suits," an opening scene features a job applicant opening a briefcase filled with marijuana. When the show was adapted for Japanese television, that plot device was changed to money because local broadcast rules forbid showing drugs on screen. Ng noted that such changes preserve the show's core premise without altering its overall DNA. Similarly, "SNL Korea" dropped musical segments because South Korea already broadcasts many music countdown shows, and producers often swap out politically charged cold opens for topics that fit local sensitivities.

Global Formats

TBS applies a strict brand guide to its obstacle course format "Ninja Warrior," ensuring local versions maintain its identity as an Olympic-style event for unknown athletes. Fukaya explained that talk shows driven by hosts rarely translate well abroad because banter between specific personalities cannot be easily replicated. Meanwhile, NBCUniversal looks for formats with clear structures, budget-friendly designs, and strong sponsor appeal, noting that Asian productions rely heavily on upfront sponsorship rather than network funding alone.

Co-Development

TBS has increasingly pursued co-development projects with international partners, including the dating game show "Lovers or Liars?" created with U.K. distributor All3Media International. When British creators suggested ballroom dancing to help panel members spot real couples through physical contact, Fukaya worked to bridge cultural differences since couples dancing closely is less common in Japan. Both executives emphasized that understanding regional viewing habits and midnight test slots is essential before pitching or broadcasting imported intellectual property.

Context

Television formats are reusable blueprints for shows that networks buy and adapt for local viewers rather than broadcasting imported episodes directly. Companies like NBCUniversal and TBS license these frameworks while allowing regional partners to modify characters, legal cases, or props to match local laws and cultural norms. This approach helps reduce the financial risk of launching entirely new programs by relying on concepts that have already proven successful elsewhere.