Last One Laughing

I really enjoyed this—the cast were fantastic and definitely made me laugh. While it’s not the funniest show I’ve ever seen, having Bob Mortimer involved is a masterstroke, as he’s truly a comedy genius. I still consider “Would I Lie to You” my current favorite comedy show. The show originated as Documental, with the full title Hitoshi Matsumoto Presents Documental, a Japanese comedy reality television show created and hosted by Hitoshi Matsumoto. The IP is owned by Yoshimoto Kogyo, a Japanese company that has been making Japan laugh for 112 years through managing comedy clubs and artists.

Typically, streaming platforms with global reach acquire IP rights from creators, as there’s little benefit in international sales when your platform is already global. However, this deal likely includes a licensing arrangement. It’s encouraging to see an alternative to the common “make once and dub” approach to drama—there’s still room for locally adapted versions. This more traditional format has provided work for many freelancers. For TV industry professionals, studying the different versions offers valuable lessons in localization, as Lucy Smith notes.

“‘LOL: Last One Laughing’ is proof that competition formats drive audiences to streamers,” said Lucy Smith, director of Mipcom and Mip London. “Amazon is leading the way, emerging as key producers of unscripted formats. Understanding the strategy behind this hugely successful roll out and how each version has been adapted culturally and comically, will be invaluable for anyone in the business of travelling IP and production globally.”

It is well worth a watch and is very enjoyable, 20 countries can’t be wrong and congratulations to Amazon for giving the format business hope and jobs to freelancers.

As a footnote, in December 2023, two women anonymously accused Hitoshi Matsumoto of sexual assault at parties in 2015, as reported by Shukan Bunshun magazine. His agency denied the claims, and Matsumoto called them groundless but paused his career. More similar allegations followed. In January 2024, he sued the magazine’s publisher for defamation, seeking ¥550 million. The case went to trial in March but was later withdrawn in November without a settlement. Matsumoto issued a statement apologizing to anyone who felt hurt.

“LOL: Last One Laughing” is a reality comedy series that has been adapted in various countries, each featuring local comedians and hosts. Below is an overview of some notable versions:

Synopsis Last One Laughing

Ten comedians are placed in a room together and must avoid laughing while attempting to make their fellow contestants laugh. Any visible reaction results in a warning, and a second offense leads to elimination. The last comedian remaining wins the competition.

Comedy reality competition featuring ten professional comedians from the UK. Contestants include Bob Mortimer, Richard Ayoade, Daisy May Cooper, Joe Wilkinson, Judi Love, Sara Pascoe, Joe Lycett, Rob Beckett, Lou Sanders, and Harriet Kemsley.

Genre & Contestants:

Jimmy Carr, known for his stand-up comedy and hosting roles on shows like “8 Out of 10 Cats,” and Roisin Conaty, a comedian and actress recognized for her work on “GameFace” and appearances on panel shows.

Host

Channel & Premiere:

Premiered on Amazon Prime Video on March 20, 2025.

Key Creatives:

Created by Hitoshi Matsumoto. Produced by Banijay UK labels Zeppotron and Initial.

Next Episode Info:

All six episodes of the first season were released between March 20 and March 27, 2025.