Drama Digest
The revival of the iconic game show called AKBingo! AKBINGO!NEO brings the group AKB48 back to your tv screens. This time around, the rules are a bit different. This time, twelve participating members are picked from the top of the leaderboards from a mobile card game called AKB48 no Dobbon! Hitorijime! In which players contribute and support members of their choice. By the end of the month, the members are chosen to participate in a series of contests and challenges.
The Feel-Good Part
The show is a massive throwback to the original show where the group would participate in a variety show which involved quizzes, sports, and much more. The reboot feels much fresher and newer with the addition of the app and the support from fans and players. Like most variety shows that center around a popular musical group, the show does a lot to keep its audience entertained. It is also a fun look into the life of pop stars when they are not on stage or stressed about performing. The members of AKB48 are very happy and pleased to be in the show, and the games and situations are entertaining. It is a beautiful opportunity for them to be silly and fun and just enjoy themselves no matter what. With the combination of light-heartedness, nostalgia, and fun, you can be sure to have a good time with this show and everything it offers.
The Disappointing Factor
There is not much you can fault in a show like this. It is a variety of game shows that is just casual, wholesome, and perfect for easy viewing. The problem, however, arises when you realize that the original show lasted for 555 episodes, so the creators, writers, crew, and the members of the AKB48 might feel a lot of fatigue. There might be a little merchandising and a sort of forced feel to the show due to the addition of the app, which is interactive. But if it is an opportunity for the fans of the group and the group members to have fun and interact, then there might not be too much of a problem. Like plenty of variations of the same formula, the show may not appeal to audiences who do not know about or like AKB48. Many of these shows are fan service, so you might not get the appeal of it if you are not a fan. However, the show might still be enjoyable if you are just willing to enjoy it for what it is.
In-Depth Analysis
You cannot undersell the nostalgia that comes with the revival of AKBINGO! The show has run for 555 episodes before AKBINGO!NEO, the show ended around 11 years ago, and bringing it back will spark great joy in those who have fond memories of the show and everything it had to offer. Moreover, it is an excellent opportunity to bring members of AKB48. Whether the show goes beyond just its nostalgia or has an actual quality depends on how you take it and how much of a fan you are. But with its comedy, light-hearted nature, and all-around fun time, it makes for a good watch.
Star Power
The revival has two new hosts. Our first primary host is the fantastic Japanese comedian Paradise Nakagawa. The comedian has guest starred in Japanese TV shows such as Gaki no Tsukai No Laughing Batsu Game: Prison, Uchimura to Zawatsuku Yoru 2, and Vs. Arashi. Our other host is the iconic Muramoto Daisuke. He has guest starred in several TV shows such as School Kakumei!, Ningen Kansatsu Variety Monitoring, Datsuryoku News Network, Gaki no Tsukai No Laughing Batsu Game: Detective Agency, and many more. He has also starred in the movie, At Home. With their combined experience in variety and game shows, the duo fit perfectly as the show hosts and provide some hilarious moments. What’s more? All the members of AKB48 make an appearance on the show as regular members.
Overall Opinion
There is a lot of fun that this show has to offer. You will enjoy a lot about the show; from fun moments to comedy, to competitions, to performances. You will enjoy this show if you enjoy AKB48 and AKBINGO!
