Matsumoto Hitoshi’s Return: NTV’s Secret Plans for Gaki no Tsukai Special

Matsumoto’s Return and the Gaki Tsukai Year-End Special

There is a shocking rumor circulating among TV industry professionals that Nippon TV is planning to bring back the “Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende! Zettai ni Waratte wa Ikenai” series for the New Year’s Eve special in 2025. According to a source from Nippon TV:

“If it happens, it will be the first revival in five years since the 2020 broadcast of ‘Zettai ni Waratte wa Ikenai Daihinmin GoTo Las Vegas 24-ji!’ Nippon TV is currently selecting members from the content strategy division, programming center, content production department, and sales department, led by executives, to quietly work on the adjustments. They plan to approach big-name guests like Shohei Ohtani (30), a big fan of the show.”

But why now?

“It seems that the move started from Matsumoto Hitoshi’s side. There were reports about him returning to the stage, but after withdrawing from the lawsuit with Shukan Bunshun, it appears that Matsumoto is plotting his return to terrestrial TV. He likely sees the New Year’s Eve special of ‘Gaki Tsukai’ in 2025 as the best platform and timing for his comeback.”

The end of the Gaki Tsukai year-end special was reportedly due to a decrease in motivation among the cast, including Matsumoto. From Nippon TV’s perspective, if Matsumoto is motivated to return, they would want to revive the special at all costs.

Another Nippon TV insider revealed: “Originally, Matsumoto was considering returning on a different program.”

“The top contenders were ‘Tantei! Night Scoop’ (Asahi Broadcasting) and ‘Suiyobi no Downtown’ (TBS), but Matsumoto’s side faced stronger public backlash than expected, and sponsors weren’t enthusiastic. So, instead of an immediate return, they likely want to create the impression that atonement has been made by waiting a year after the conclusion of the lawsuit. Given the strong popularity and anticipation for the ‘Gaki Tsukai’ New Year’s special, it is seen as the smoother route for his comeback.”

Inside the Top Brass of Nippon TV

For TV networks, hiring Matsumoto is a risky gamble that could invite significant backlash from viewers.

In fact, on November 25, during a routine press conference, Nippon TV president Akira Ishizawa spoke cautiously about Matsumoto’s potential return, stating, “We are considering the situation carefully and will respond appropriately.”

Vice President Hiroyuki Fukuda also commented, “We have a responsibility to explain to the viewers the reasons for his return. We have also received understanding from Yoshimoto Kogyo.” However, a Nippon TV insider believes that the true intentions of the network’s top executives lie elsewhere.

“The revival of the ‘Gaki no Tsukai’ New Year’s special is Nippon TV’s long-cherished wish. Although past episodes continue to be exclusively distributed on Hulu, which has contributed to increasing revenue, the number of Hulu subscribers is stagnating. Despite potential viewer backlash, Nippon TV aims to revive the special to attract new subscribers and increase revenue from distribution. Additionally, releasing DVDs would further boost profits.”

FRIDAY Digital sent a request for comment to Nippon TV regarding the revival of the ‘Gaki no Tsukai’ New Year’s special, but no response was received by the deadline.

Will Matsumoto’s return to terrestrial TV happen on New Year’s Eve next year? The tug-of-war among TV industry professionals continues.