Odoru Daisousasen Re-runs Boost Fuji TV’s Happy Hour Slot

To celebrate the release of the “Odoru Daisousasen” series’ new films, past installments were broadcast in a special marathon. This has been well-received by viewers, and Fuji TV is experiencing a resurgence in popularity.

In commemoration of the series’ first new movie in 12 years, “Shinji Muroi: The Unconquered” (released October 11) and the upcoming “Shinji Muroi: The One Who Continues to Live” (scheduled for November 15), past films such as “Odoru Daisousasen THE MOVIE”, “Odoru Daisousasen THE MOVIE 2: Close the Rainbow Bridge!”, and “Odoru Daisousasen THE MOVIE 3: Free Them!” were aired. These broadcasts achieved a peak ranking of 18th overall in the weekly ratings, with the movie category securing the top spot in all cases (according to Video Research, from September 23 to October 13).

Fuji Television’s most difficult time slot to obtain viewer ratings

“Every Tuesday, the weekly TV ratings rankings from major newspapers and sports papers are published, listing about 20 to 30 programs. However, Fuji TV’s shows have long been absent from these rankings, which has become the norm. Given that, the fact that they managed to rank this time has caused quite a stir within the network.

From September 16, the Kanto-local rerun slot ‘Happy Hour’ (Part 1: 13:50–14:48, Part 2: 14:48–15:45) aired reruns of the drama ‘Odoru Daisousasen’ (all 11 episodes), which became a major topic of conversation. Within the network, there have been calls to continue airing past works in this time slot.” (TV magazine writer).

In this time slot, other networks are fiercely competing, with “Information Live Miyane-ya” (NTV) and “Gogo Sma-GO GO! Smile!” (TBS) battling it out. Since April of this year, NHK has also launched a live news program, “Afternoon LIVE News Scene”, starting at 15:10. TV Asahi has been rerunning hit dramas like “Aibou”, “Kasouken no Onna”, and “Doctor X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon”, maintaining steady performance. For Fuji TV, this has been the most difficult time slot to achieve high ratings.