Actor Hiroshi Abe will take the lead role in the upcoming TBS Sunday drama "Caster," set to premiere this April. Known for his ability to captivate audiences, Abe will portray the unconventional and bold news anchor Soichi Shindo, who is determined to deliver the truth by any means necessary. This series marks Abe's sixth lead role, ranking him third for most appearances in Sunday dramas, behind notable actors Masakazu Tamura and Takuya Kimura.
The narrative is set against the backdrop of the fictional television station where Shindo, after spending 15 years as a reporter at public broadcasting, is appointed as the main anchor for the struggling news program "News Gate." Despite its long history of 40 years, the show currently suffers from low ratings, prompting Shindo's mission to revitalize it.
“I will be fully committing to portraying the belief and resolve of this man who pursues the truth,” Abe explained. He emphasized the complex moral questions his character faces, stating, “Viewers will reflect on what constitutes justice versus evil each time they watch.” The series promises to deliver tension-filled scenes, showcasing the responsibility and inner conflict experienced by journalists.
Supporting Abe will be Mei Nagano and Shunsuke Michieda, both of whom are also making their Sunday drama debuts. Nagano will play the role of Hana Sakikubo, the program's supervising producer who, thrust unwillingly from the world of variety shows, must adapt to the rigorous demands of news reporting. Meanwhile, Michieda’s character, Yusuke Motohashi, is a second-year assistant director pursuing journalism, who finds himself propelled by his admiration for Shindo.
Nagano expressed her excitement about working with Abe for the first time, saying, “Every day is fun and stimulating, and I’m eager to build the dynamic between Hana and Yusuke.” Meanwhile, Michieda remarked on how grateful he is to act alongside such esteemed colleagues and expressed his desire to continuously improve throughout the shooting.
The series’ producer, Hidenori Iyada, noted the inspiration for the drama stems from real experiences within the news industry. He recalled conversations with seasoned reporters during his time as a student at TBS, where he learned the importance of truth-telling. Iyada aims to honor these lessons, saying, “We want to create something meaningful and impactful by reflecting the spirit taught to us by those who work tirelessly to bring the truth to light.”
With the growing anticipation surrounding “Caster,” the show is set to tackle significant themes of integrity and responsibility within journalism. The cast, with the strong performances of Abe, Nagano, and Michieda, is expected to bring energy and compelling narratives to what promises to be another captivating TBS production.