Netflix is back with another set of Japanese reality shows on comedy, and it is safe to say that a decent job has been done. Instead of following traditional narratives, The New Key gets together for a sketch comedy with absurd characters, musical performances, and many other fun elements that make the show a mix of chaotic and funny watch. Headed by Shimofuri Myojo, Chocolate Planet, and Hanako, the first episode witnesses the girl group NiziU, who join them alongside a massive army of students to play a game of hide and seek. What follows is, as we mentioned, loud humor, and most of the time, it doesn’t make sense. When I think about it, it doesn’t make sense, not because of the game but because maybe that’s how the show was designed. Think of it like how, when we played games with our friends in childhood. That is the format of the show, which has been adopted by the makers.
What makes The New Key a worthwhile watch is how there has been no attempt to develop a story in a particular direction, which is what most reality shows focus on. It’s more like people doing their part as and when the camera begins to roll. Another thing is how the hosts of the show have adapted to the overall format. Be it parodying everyday situations or playing the game of hide and seek, the cast commits to it fully as and when they can.
However, having said all of that, The New Key is not without its flaws. For some people, the show can be a bit annoying. At one point, things begin to feel repetitive and cartoonish. It often looks forced as well. The cast tries its best, no doubt. Yet sometimes the show and the scenes fail to elicit laughter as one expects them to. It does become borderline nonsense because things don’t make sense at all.
The pacing also feels problematic. Some scenes drag on way too much. It moves at such a slow pace that you feel like forwarding it again and again. This makes the show an ultimate case of how even the best of comedy cannot always be one hundred percent successful. Most of the references are related to Japan. So for an international audience, the appeal reduces manifold. Perhaps had the makers done the same by adding some international touch, things would have become even better for the show.
Come to visuals, the show is bright and colorful, which makes it a good fit for the theme of comedy that the makers have chosen to present. All the sets and the costumes you see generally go over the top in order to contribute to the playful atmosphere created. So dear viewers, The New Key might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The makers tried hard, yet it lacks in many places more than one expects a show like this to. If you want to watch it, then watch at your own risk.
Final Score- [4/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times