MIPCOM Cannes announced a unique joint keynote with Head of International Originals, Amazon MGM Studios, James Farrell, and Akihiko Okamoto, President and Representative Director, Yoshimoto exploring the origination and approach that has made “LOL: Last One Laughing” one of the most successful and traveled formats of recent years and Prime Video’s most watched title ever in several countries. The session, part of the market’s Media Mastermind Keynote series, will be staged on the first full day of MIPCOM Cannes on October 21 at 10.20 in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals. The 40th edition of the International Co-Production and Entertainment Content Market will take place in Cannes from 21-24 October 2024.
Originating from a top-line pitch to Farrell of “Ten comedians gather in a room and try to make each other laugh. The last one to keep a straight face wins,” the original 2016 series from Japan, Documental, created by and starring Hitoshi Matsumoto and owned by Yoshimoto Kogyo, has gone on to spawn successful local versions in over 20 territories including Canada, India, Brazil, Nigeria and the Nordics and is the most watched title of all time on Prime Video in France, Germany and Italy. Local celebrity hosts to date have included Graham Norton (Ireland), Jay Baruchel (Canada), Eugenio Derbez (Mexico), Fedez (Italy), Michael "Bully" Herbig (Germany), Rebel Wilson (Australia) and Trevor Noah (South Africa).
The original Japanese version has already reached its 13th season, with eight adaptations confirmed across the last year and, most recently, a UK version hosted by Jimmy Carr announced. The comedy format has enjoyed a successful rollout rarely seen for the genre, steadily growing to be one of the most successful global formats of recent years with each version drawing contestants from that country’s top comedians and comedy actors.
“‘LOL: Last One Laughing’ is proof that competition formats drive audiences to streamers.” said Lucy Smith, Director of MIPCOM Cannes and MIP London. “Amazon is leading the way, emerging as key producers of unscripted formats. Understanding the strategy behind this hugely successful roll out and how each version has been adapted culturally and comically, will be invaluable for anyone in the business of travelling IP and production globally.”