[Inside the TV Industry] The Unexpected MC Talent Poised to Take Over the “U-45” Era
Who is the "real powerhouse" amid the accelerating generational change?
A skilled MC is essential not only for variety shows but also for news and sports programs. It is the presence of a great host who can keep conversations engaging while ensuring smooth progression that makes a show shine. This is why MCs command high salaries, with the most capable talents securing the limited top spots. However, with major figures like Hitoshi Matsumoto (61) of Downtown and Masahiro Nakai (52) stepping down one after another, the power dynamics have shifted dramatically. As generational change accelerates, who will be the next to dominate the industry?
For this feature, we gathered insights from four industry professionals: Producer A from a key network news program, Director B from a variety show, Writer C, and Veteran Staff D from a production company. They named 10 comedians seen as the true power players among the next-generation MCs.
In the first part, we revealed the name of a comedian with an outstanding reputation and another in high demand for educational variety programs.
The strengths and weaknesses of edgy power players
C: While some comedians can serve as MCs for any type of show, others are too edgy, limiting the programs they can be cast in. The prime examples of this are Soshina (32) of Shimofuri Myojo and Tetsuya Morita (43) of Saraba Seishun no Hikari.
D: Soshina has a strong professional mindset. In pre-production meetings, if he thinks an idea isn’t funny, he bluntly says so. He’s not one to sugarcoat things. If a show brings in actresses or idols just for promotion, he visibly loses interest. On the other hand, if he finds a concept genuinely amusing, he gives it his all. Some staff members find him intimidating due to his strict nature, but his dedication earns him a loyal following among certain TV professionals.
A: Morita, like Soshina, is the type that resonates deeply with a niche audience. However, his tendency to throw in extreme sexual jokes makes him a difficult fit for family-oriented or daytime programs. On the other hand, he’s a perfect match for online platforms with fewer content restrictions, like Kachikochi TV on FANZA TV. Though he appears to be doing things on a whim, he actually knows how to control himself and skillfully directs the flow of conversation to make other participants shine. Among variety show staff, he’s widely regarded as one of the top MC talents of his generation.
