MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has acquired the format rights to entertainment series Vs Kids from TV Asahi in Japan. Vs Kids pits former professionals against new generation stars, both champions in their respective categories, as they compete to see who will be the ultimate champion.

When an ex-pro is pitted against a current young star of the same field in a serious match, real international competition rules apply. There are no advantages given to the kid champions nor handicaps to the pros, as professional commentators give live play by play commentaries of the competition.

Vs Kids originally launched in a late evening slot in October 2016. The series was then immediately promoted to primetime in the autumn and continues to attract huge ratings, while expanding into both academic and game categories.

Global Acquisitions and Development EVP Vasha Wallace said: “It's an exciting and timely for a show like Vs Kids. The series has done incredibly well in Japan on TV Asahi, both in terms of ratings and reception.”

TV Asahi format development and sales head Yuka Kakui, said: “The show has received much acclaim and continues to be a stellar and unique program in our primetime. As Japan prepares for the next summer’s Olympic Games, we are thrilled that many young and uprising champions will be given a stage and look forward to many countries seeing the talent and enthusiasm of former champions.”