Format

The Homebound Detective, the Japanese crime format produced by global content firm Envision Entertainment and Japanese broadcaster Nippon TV, has been optioned for adaption in the U.S. market by Tomorrow Studios, an ITV Studios partnership. Envision Entertainment and Nippon TV will co-produce the series with Tomorrow Studios.
The show follows Ataru Aida, an agoraphobic young man who still lives in his childhood bedroom. When he is unceremoniously fired from his job, he takes his frustrations out on the internet, connecting with online sleuths around the world to expose his idol’s extramarital affair. When the cops come knocking at his door, he thinks he’s gotten himself into a heap of trouble, but instead he’s granted an opportunity to use his genius internet research abilities to help solve crimes. Little does he know his virtual investigations have real life consequences.

In April 2022, Connected was broadcast in Japan to critical acclaim and ratings success, reaching number one on Japanese catch up service TVer, number one on streaming (Hulu Japan) and trending number one on Twitter in Japan (reaching number six worldwide). The format was created by Creative Director Itaru Mizuno for Nippon TV and CEO / founder Michael Nakan for Envision Entertainment.

Mikiko Nishiyama, Executive Vice President of International Business Development at Nippon TV, commented: “Connected is perfect for today’s world that is defined by hybrid communication styles, and Tomorrow Studios is a wonderful partner in expanding this innovative story with a U.S. version. I cannot wait to work on the development of this English language version with bold ideas from the top creators at USA’s Tomorrow Studios, Japan’s Nippon TV, and the UK’s Envision Entertainment.”