Roku preps Nippon’s ‘Sokkuri Sweets’ & eyes ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’

Sokkuri Sweets

AVOD operator Roku has tapped singer-actor Josh Groban to host its upcoming remake of Japanese competition format Sokkuri Sweets and is exploring an extension of NBC’s recently cancelled series Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.

The 10-episode remake of Sokkuri Sweets, which will be known as Eye Candy, will be available via The Roku Channel and is being produced by All3Media’s Main Event Media, Huntley Productions and Good Egg Entertainment.

The series was part of the line-up acquired from now defunct shortform streamer Quibi and is based on the Nippon TV original, which features celebrities trying to tell the difference between inanimate objects and craftily created sweets and pastries that look just like them.

From shoes to plants and doorknobs, the stars must work out if the items are real or fake while only being able to view the object from a distance. Once they decide, there’s only one way to find out – by taking a bite.

Celebrity guests confirmed for the Roku version include Jamie Chung, Bryan Greenberg, Michelle Buteau, Melissa Gorga and Aparna Nancherla. A premiere date has not yet been announced.

The format has previously been adapted by Dutch pubcaster NPO, which ordered a local version from Warner Bros. International Television Production earlier this year.

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

Roku’s head of alternative programming, Brian Tannenbaum, added: “Eye Candy is pop-culture at its finest. We’ve tapped into a viral phenomenon, putting viewers on a wild ride full of colourful, confectionary concoctions and inviting them to figure out, is it real or is it cake?”

Zoey’s Playlist to play on?

The AVOD operator is also in talks to extend Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, which was recently cancelled after two seasons by US broadcaster NBC.

Roku is exploring a potential two-hour movie with the show’s producers Lionsgate Television, according to US reports, with original cast members including its main star Jane Levy set to star.

There is no deal signed as yet but an extension to the series would again underline Roku’s increasing ambitions for ‘original’ programming.

Last month, Roku ordered a second season of scripted series Die Hart, marking the first extension for one of its ‘original’ branded shows. Mirjam Laux, Roku’s VP of international platform, also recently told TBI that the Quibi shows’ success is helping to fuel further experimentation with its own series.