Fun TV with Kato-chan and Ken-chan
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Fun TV with Kato-chan and Ken-chan was 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 or Carol Burnett show.
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.
The duo also had a PC Engine video game (translated and censored for a Western TurboGrafx-16 release as JJ and Jeff) based on their antics, filled with toilet humor, and featuring them as the game's playable characters.
[edit] Trivia
- Leslie Nielsen once made a special appearance on the show.