Variety Shows Like Kiss or Die: Kiss or Die is our latest improv obsession that was released on Netflix last week, and it’s a hilarious and slightly insane show wherein improv comedians are brought in and left to fend for themselves in uncharted territories. The twist? The person opposite them works in the adult film industry, and the situations will be getting VERY raunchy.
Featuring comedians like Gekidan Hitori, Tetsuya Morita, Takashi Watanabe, Crystal Noda, Kazuya Shimasa, Gunpee and Mamoru Miyano, and hosted by Yamasato Ryota, Yahagi Ken, and Ikeda Miyu, this variety series (also known as デスキスゲーム いいキスしないと死んじゃうドラマ) is directed by Sakuma Nobuyuki.
While this show is quite unique with its themes and particular genre, if you enjoyed watching its quirky episodes, then you will also enjoy the comedy in the following shows –
Variety Shows Like Kiss or Die
Last One Standing
AKA: トークサバイバー！～トークが面白いと生き残れるドラマ～
In this hybrid drama-comedy show, comedians are contestants and in the midst of a narrative framing, they must drop character to improvise according to the situation when prompted. The contestants need to be creative on the fly, which brings forth unique and hilarious situations and will leave you cackling. There’s an odd tension, much like Kiss or Die, to stay within the frames of the plot as well as perform spontaneous comedy that will entertain most viewers because of how the push and pull dynamic changes the storyline.
Also Read: Last One Standing (2022) Review: An Unscripted War Amidst Comedians
Ariyoshi Assists
AKA: 名アシスト有吉
In this variety show, Hiroiki Ariyoshi turns assistant to his guests, who turn into the host for the particular episode, bringing riotous energy to the stage and doing some insane antics that will leave viewers laughing. This comedic variety show is a light-hearted watch without the thrill or anticipation of Kiss or Die, but there are still challenge segments that won’t disappoint viewers.
Also Read: Ariyoshi Assists Review: Extravagant Chaos Will Make You Laugh Out Loud
Comedy Island: Japan
AKA: ここは笑いのふしぎ堂書店
This variety show has some solid improv elements that will completely leave you spellbound. Comedians are thrown into strange, unscripted situations and given unexpected challenges, and the only way out is to improvise! Each situation is unique, and the best part is that one bad joke can bring in disaster like no other! The series is available on Amazon Prime Video
Screwballs
AKA: 도라이버: 잃어버린 나사를 찾아서
In this extremely entertaining variety show, five “siblings” face a steady stream of insane challenges on their quest to find sanity. The show hinges on the chemistry between the performances and, thus, if you have watched Beat Coin, then you will thoroughly enjoy this one as well. At 30 minutes, it might seem a bit too short sometimes, but the unconventional challenges make up for the lack of time, and viewers will find a lot of delight as the contestants give their best to embrace the absurdity that is thrown at them.
Welcome, Now Get Lost
AKA: 罵倒村
Although not a TV show, this “variety film” is a bit different in that it features a host of comedians who face the most ruthless insults from a bunch of villagers and must endure it all with the sole goal of making them laugh. The absurd reality that these villagers take in all of these crazy insults will make you laugh while you root for them to endure till the end. This might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s sure entertaining, and the short runtime might just make it an exciting watch.
Also Read: Kiss Or Die Review: An Insane Ride Through Comedy, Improv and… Porn?