Banijay Entertainment Secures Global Format Rights for “You Laugh You Lose”
Banijay Entertainment has recently announced a strategic partnership with Yoshimoto Kogyo, a prominent entertainment group in Japan known for creating the successful show “LOL: Last One Laughing.” This collaboration aims to acquire the global format rights for the long-standing comedic challenge series, “You Laugh You Lose.”
Originally airing on Nippon TV in Japan since 2006, “You Laugh You Lose” features a group of comedians facing a grueling 24-hour challenge within an immersive real-world environment. The premise is simple yet entertaining – participants must resist the urge to smile or laugh, or face comedic forfeits. With unannounced celebrity guests and increasingly absurd scenarios, the show keeps viewers engaged and the stakes high until the very end.
Banijay Entertainment will take the lead in adapting the show across its 23 territories, while Yoshimoto Kogyo will handle distribution in other regions. This partnership further solidifies Banijay’s presence in the comedy format genre, with successful productions like “LOL: Last One Laughing” in 11 markets worldwide.
James Townley, Chief Content Officer of Development at Banijay Entertainment, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “‘You Laugh You Lose’ is a blockbuster comedy classic in Japan with international potential. The format’s escalating comedic tension and penalty gag make it highly adaptable for local markets, offering a chance to create market-defining hits.”
Hiroshi Fujiwara, Director and Vice President of Yoshimoto Kogyo, also shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the show’s popularity in Japan and the opportunity to introduce it to a global audience.
The deal was negotiated by Helen Greatorex, Head of Format Acquisitions at Banijay Entertainment, and “You Laugh You Lose” is set to be featured in Banijay’s third-party showcase at the upcoming London Screenings 2026. The showcase will include a lineup of acquired titles like “Werewolves,” “Ninja Warrior,” and “All Star Hide and Seek,” alongside Banijay’s own new formats such as “Football Island” and “100 Knives.”
With a mix of established hits and innovative new formats, Banijay Entertainment is poised to continue delivering engaging content to audiences worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates on the international expansion of “You Laugh You Lose” and other exciting projects from Banijay Entertainment.
