MUMBAI: Fremantle has acquired worldwide distribution rights to Ants, a novel Japanese competition format where contestants tackle supersized challenges while pretending to be ant-sized humans.

The format, originally created by Nippon TV and further developed by Fremantle North America, transforms contestants into ant-sized competitors who must navigate enormous everyday objects and work together to complete physical challenges. Tasks include transporting oversized food items across a giant kitchen against the clock, with prize money increasing based on successful collections.

Under the distribution agreement, Nippon TV will retain rights for most of Asia, while Fremantle will handle the rest of the world. The show has already proven successful in Japan, where it launched as a special on Nippon TV.

"It is so rare to find a format that makes you say to yourself 'I have never seen anything like this,'" said Fremantle EVP of Unscripted Jimmy Fox. He noted that Nippon TV has a strong track record in format creation, having developed both Dragons' Den (known as Shark Tank in America) and Sokkuri Sweets, which sparked the 'cake or not cake' trend.

Fremantle's EVP global acquisitions and development Vasha Wallace, said the company has already received significant interest in the format, citing its unique blend of humour and physical challenges that appeals to viewers of all ages.

Nippon TV  head of formats Tom Miyauchi described the show as highlighting "the power of unity and teamwork, much like the ants themselves." The format features distinctive themed characters and larger-than-life set designs to create its miniaturised world.

The deal marks another significant format export from Japan, following Nippon TV's previous international successes with shows like Dragons' Den and Old Enough!, the latter of which streams on Netflix in over 190 countries.