Nippon TV finalizes deal with Rabbit Films for "Silent Library"

Nippon TV recently confirmed that Rabbit Films has finalized the production of the Finnish-language version of Nippon TV’s entertainment unscripted format "Silent Library."“At Rabbit Films we have long been fans of this outrageously fun format and are proud to finally introduce a local version to the Finnish audience," Olli Suominen, CEO, Rabbit Films LTD said. "The production was a blast and we believe the viewers will enjoy the show as much as the contestants enjoyed the production.”

Locally titled "Silent Library Suomi," the Finnish version, hosted by Riku Rantala, a multi-talented and much talked about reporter, author, and host of a very popular local documentary program, began airing on primetime on February 15th on Star Channel, owned and operated by Walt Disney Company Finland. News of its completion follows Annual Individual Viewer Ratings Triple Crown title win for the 12th consecutive year in 2022 and a deal with Ah! Production of France for the program. The title consists of 30-180 minutes episodes.

Since its launch as an international format in 2007, local versions have been developed in more than 20 countries around the world. The U.S. version  launched on MTV in 2009was followed by other versions produced in the U.K., Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, France and more. First airing in 2001 on Nippon TV, "Silent Library" has been a primetime, family-oriented television title in Japan. Created by Japanese comedian Hitoshi Matsumoto and produced by Nippon TV in association with Yoshimoto Kogyo, the title has garnered positive feedback, and is considered Nippon TV’s long-running Sunday night entertainment. 

"Silent Library" showcases contestants who must always keep silent no matter what happens. There are six contestants, one librarian, and other people who sit randomly at the tables in the library. During the show, one contestant must endure crazy pranks. However, they must always keep silent because the show takes place in a library. For the Finnish version, celebrities who will appear on the program include influencers, musicians, athletes, and actors, as well as their friends, family, and other ordinary people. The library studio set is a faithful reproduction of a typical library in Finland. In addition, the pranks included in the series will incorporate Finland's unique culture, such as sauna, skiing, and Christmas.

“'Silent Library,' known around the world as Japan's leading game show format, has continued to be a ratings winner for Nippon TV, bringing laughter to our audiences for many years. In our conversations with the Finnish production team, I felt their strong passion and creativity towards producing a hilarious version for their audience," Moe Kanzaki, Sales and Licensing, International Business Development, Nippon TV, said. "Silent Library Suomi will be incorporating some unique Finnish cultural elements such as locations in saunas or Christmas themes into this crazy Japanese game show format which is a must-see this season.”