Tokyo Broadcasting System and A. Smith & Co. develop luck-based competition series “Dumb Luck” for U.S.

Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) and A. Smith & Co. Productions are developing a new U.S. competition series based on a Japanese format that relies on luck rather than pure physical performance, according to a report by Deadline. The project, titled “Dumb Luck,” is described as an adaptation of “Kisuke,” a competition concept associated with the Ninja Warrior ecosystem in Japan.

The collaboration brings together two companies that have previously worked on the American version of “Ninja Warrior.” Deadline reports that TBS is the Japanese company behind the Ninja Warrior format, while A. Smith & Co. Productions produces the U.S. series for NBC. The two firms are now teaming up again, this time for a separate competition property built around luck-based outcomes.

Deadline describes “Dumb Luck” as being developed for the United States, with “Kisuke” cited as the originating format. The adaptation is characterized in the report as a competition series that will incorporate luck as a central element of how challengers progress or compete, rather than a straightforward measure of technique or strength alone.

The report does not provide additional production details, such as a network or streaming home for “Dumb Luck” in the U.S., an episode order, or a stated premiere timeline. As described, the project remains in development as the partners work through translation of the format from Japan to U.S. audiences.

While the Ninja Warrior brand is already familiar to viewers through the American series that A. Smith & Co. Productions produces for NBC, “Dumb Luck” would represent a different kind of competition premise. Deadline’s framing emphasizes the luck-based structure drawn from the Japanese “Kisuke” concept, suggesting the producers are looking to keep audiences engaged through unpredictability rather than solely through obstacle-course results.

For viewers, the main immediate impact is that the pairing of established Ninja Warrior producers is expanding into a separate format adaptation. For the companies involved, the deal highlights continued investment in competition programming built on international IP, using a proven production partnership as a foundation for new U.S. properties.

For now, the key next step is continued development of the “Dumb Luck” adaptation, including how the “Kisuke” luck element is translated into U.S. rules and production design. The report indicates the series is being developed, but further announcements would be needed before audiences can confirm the casting process, production schedule, or where the series will ultimately air or stream.