“LOL: Last One Laughing,” the Amazon Prime blockbuster comedy format that’s been adapted in over 20 territories, is set for a bold French spinoff that involves hidden cameras.
Whereas the original format sees famous comedians cooped up in a house where they compete to make each other laugh and keep a straight face, “LOL In Real Life” will take six celebrity contestants out in random public places in France and among anonymous people who don’t know about the game. All their interactions will be filmed by hidden cameras.
Ordered by Thomas Dubois, head of France at Amazon MGM Studios, the spinoff will introduce new rules which will require the six celebrities to make as many people as possible laugh, whether they’re fellow contestants or anonymous folks. Each laugh is worth one point. At the end of the 6-hour game, the two celebrities with the most points will reach the final.
Popular actor and filmmaker Philippe Lacheau (“Alibi”), who’s hosted four seasons of “LOL: Tu ris, Tu perds,” the hit French adaptation of “Laughing Out Loud,” will also host “LOL In Real Life.” Endemol France is producing.
“Laughing Out Loud” is an adaptation of an original Japanese format called “Hitoshi Matsumoto Presents Documental” produced by Yoshimoto Kogyo. Besides France, Amazon has also launched localized versions in about 20 territories, including Mexico, where it’s hosted by Eugenio Derbez, and Australia, where it’s hosted by Rebel Wilson.
“LOL In Real Life” will roll out exclusively on Prime Video in 240 territories worldwide in 2025.
Season 5 of “LOL: Qui rit, sort” will also launch next year with an attractive French cast, including Artus, the actor and filmmaker of this year’s biggest French B.O. hit, “A Little Something Extra;” MMA star Cédric Doumbe, as well as actors Camille Chamoux; Vincent Dedienne, Fatou Kaba, Alexandre Kominek, Jérôme Niel, Muriel Robin, Marina Rollman and Fred Testot. The French team at Amazon Studios previously expanded “Laughing Out Loud” with a Halloween special, “LOL: Qui Crie, Sort!,’ which came out last fall.
“Laughing Out Loud” is the focus of a panel session hosted at the start of the Cannes-set TV market Mipcom today (Oct. 21) with James Farrell, head of international originals at Amazon MGM Studios; Akihiko Okamoto, president and representative director at Yoshimoto Kogyo; Thomas Dubois, head of France at Amazon MGM Studios; and Nicole Morganti, head of originals for Southern Europe at Amazon MGM Studios.