Kato-chan Ken-chan Gokigen TV

Kato-chan Ken-chan Gokigen TV is a popular Japanese television variety show aired on Tokyo Broadcasting System around the mid-1980s. Starring Ken Shimura and Cha Kato, former members of the group The Drifters from Hachiji Dayo! Zen'in Shugo, the irreverent and satirical program would poke fun at contemporary society in Japan, and would feature comedy vignettes similar to those found on The Benny Hill Show or The Carol Burnett Show. Leslie Nielsen once made a special appearance on the show as well.

It is notable for having a segment featuring funny home videos sent in by viewers, as the home camcorder became more popular in Japan, which Ken and Kato would comment on. In 1989, American producer Vin Di Bona initiated a partnership with Tokyo Broadcasting System to develop a similar program in the west, which ultimately led to the successful America's Funniest Home Videos and other similar shows worldwide. Some videos seen in the first season of America's Funniest Home Videos originally aired on Fun TV with Kato-chan and Ken-chan.

The duo also had a PC Engine video game called "Kato-chan and Ken-chan" based on their antics, filled with toilet humor, and featuring them as the game's playable characters.

Created By

Status

Ended

Original Name

Kato-chan Ken-chan Gokigen TV

First Air Date

Last Air Date

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Episodes

Language

English

Production Companies

Networks

TBS