After nearly eight years off the air, the beloved Japanese variety show "Za-Imo" (ザ・イロモネア) is making its triumphant return. TBS has announced the revival of the show, officially titled "ウンナン極限ネタバトル! ザ・イロモネア〜笑わせたら100万円〜", which will air on February 24 from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM. The show initially debuted back in 2005 and quickly became a fan favorite, featuring comedians battling it out for laughter—and, of course, cash prizes.
The upcoming special is particularly significant as it commemorates 南原清隆's 60th birthday. Following its original run, the show saw several regular and special episodes before its hiatus. This resurgence is not just any comeback; it’s paired with nostalgia, excitement, and the promise of hilarious entertainment.
Since its inception, "Za-Imo" has thrived on unique formats, with each participating comedian selecting from five distinct genres: one-liners, impersonations, short skits, puns, and silent comedy. Contestants perform their acts before an audience of 100 spectators, with five randomly selected judges assessing the performances. To win the grand prize of 100万円, contestants must successfully entertain three judges during the initial rounds and all five during the final challenge.
Hosts 内村光良 and 南原清隆 expressed their joy at the revival. "It's been eight years since we last aired "Za-Imo," and it feels fantastic to be back!" said 内村. He added with humor, "Apparently, after eight years, we broke the set! Our art team had to rebuild it from scratch, which is quite amusing!" With the air of excitement building, he encouraged the participating comedians to give it their all for the substantial cash reward.
Meanwhile, 南原 was equally thrilled but caught off guard by the announcement. "I didn't know about this revival for my 60th birthday until now, and I couldn’t be happier! The fact we received 4000 applications for just 100 available seats is quite astonishing! I hope everyone tunes in to witness the unique challenges 'Za-Imo' offers compared to ordinary stage performances. "
That atmosphere isn’t just excitement; it’s electric. The anticipation surrounding the event is palpable, with both hosts and viewers eager to see which comedians will rise to the occasion and leave their marks on the show's storied legacy.
The first hints of who will compete will be revealed during the "Za-Imo Special: Rare Footage Release" airing at 2 PM on February 15, followed by the "100万円 Earned Special" on February 17 at 11:56 PM, setting the stage for this highly awaited comeback of comedy and skill.
While the show promises laughter and challenges, it also stirs conversations among audiences about nostalgia for classic Japanese entertainment. With so many fans clamoring for its return, "Za-Imo" is set to engage viewers who perhaps lost touch with the show amid its lengthy hiatus.
It's not just nostalgia, though: this revival may well breathe new life not only for the show itself but also for the genre of variety comedy, potentially influencing how comedy contests are conducted moving forward.
The high hopes paired with the surprise of audiences are leading to what can potentially be one of the biggest comeback stories of 2025, as comedians vie not only for the cash prize but to recapture the heart of Japanese television—a goal both 内村 and 南原 appear prepared to make happen.
This captivating comeback of "Za-Imo" echoes the resilience of entertainment shows, demonstrating how beloved programming can re-emerge powerful and renewed, embracing history's weight all the same.