Poster for “Three Idiots in Kenya” / Courtesy of Netflix
When Netflix first entered the Korean market within the mid-2010s, trade specialists and critics feared the streaming platform would turn into a “black gap” swallowing up native movie and drama contents into what’s steadily turning into the dominant distribution system and bypassing conventional broadcasting. These considerations shortly proved true.
Now, the identical development is unfolding with actuality exhibits — a style that has lengthy served as a vital pillar for Korean TV networks and cable channels that misplaced floor when it comes to scripted content material.
The latest Netflix actuality program “Three Idiots in Kenya” is a first-rate instance. Launched in late November, the sequence marks the primary collaboration between Netflix and star producer Na Yung-suk, identified for creating hit exhibits for TV and cable channels. As a Netflix unique, it was absolutely funded by the platform.
The six-episode program follows three male entertainers as they journey by Kenya in a spin-off of the 2019 tvN selection sequence, “New Journey to the West,” additionally produced by Na. The brand new present retains almost all the weather of its predecessor, from the forged and enhancing fashion to signature video games.
Talking to reporters forward of the discharge, Na likened Netflix to “the preferred division retailer,” along with his crew representing “the oldest and most prestigious retailer on the town.” He mentioned, “Why not showcase our work to international audiences by Netflix? I need to say to viewers around the globe: ‘That is what Koreans take pleasure in. What do you suppose?'”
With “Three Idiots in Kenya” now accomplished, Na and Netflix are reportedly growing one other journey program that includes actor Lee Search engine optimisation-jin, once more concentrating on international viewers.
Unique productions usually are not Netflix’s solely technique. The platform has additionally partnered with the crew behind cable TV channel JTBC’s hit present “Crime Scene” to create an expanded model for launch on Netflix.
Disney+ can also be boosting its slate of Korean actuality content material. Following the success of “Culinary Class Wars,” producers are reportedly engaged on a brand new sequence slated for launch subsequent 12 months.
Cultural critic Yun Suk-jin mentioned the rising collaborations between international streaming providers and TV producers mirror mutual curiosity. “Working with Netflix provides producers entry to a a lot bigger price range. For them, it’s a possibility,” he mentioned, noting that “Culinary Class Wars” was created by 5 former MBC producers.
From the angle of the platforms, the attraction is simple, Shin added. “Actuality exhibits are identified for being cost-effective. For streaming corporations, there’s no motive to not put money into them in the event that they’re already confirmed to be standard.”
