Why ‘Suits’ Japan Swapped Drugs for Cash: NBCUniversal, TBS Format Chiefs on Localizing Hits at Taiwan Creative Content Fest

Japan’s remake of *Suits* replaced the marijuana in its pilot’s briefcase with cash because drugs cannot be shown on Japanese television. The change illustrates how international TV formats are adjusted to local rules and tastes while keeping the central premise intact.

At Taiwan Creative Content Fest in Taipei, NBCUniversal’s Linfield Ng and TBS’s Fukaya Shunsuke described how that balance works. NBCUniversal has produced more than 25 versions of *Top Chef* and supports local teams before, during and after filming. TBS’s *Sasuke*, known as *Ninja Warrior*, has local versions in 25 countries; its brand guide preserves the idea of an Olympics for unknown athletes, while allowing adaptations such as head-to-head races. The speakers also noted that host-led talk shows can be harder to export, and that co-development can help resolve cultural differences by focusing on the creative intent.