TBS unveils "ROOKIES" adaptation in new Saturday drama slot

Tokyograph News · 01-30-2008, 08:35 PM

Last month, TBS announced that its Saturday 8:00pm time slot, which has long been reserved for variety shows, will be changing into a drama slot this spring. The network has now revealed that the first series in that block will be an adaptation of Masanori Morita's shonen manga "ROOKIES."

The story revolves around a high school teacher and coach that tries to reform delinquents by having them join the baseball team. The show will star Ryuta Sato as the coach, Koichi Kawato. He was reportedly chosen for the role by Morita himself.

The baseball team members include Hayato Ichihara, Keisuke Koide, and Yu Shirota. Filming begins in early March, and the series begins airing in April.

Unlike most dramas, however, TBS says that "ROOKIES" will not be confined by the seasonal programming rotation. The number of episodes has not yet been decided, but planner Akihiko Ishimaru stated that they are aiming to cover all 24 volumes of the original manga.

TBS is also collaborating with Yahoo! Japan to decide who will play the female lead, the team manager. Starting on February 18, the websites for both companies will allow public voting to determine which of the audition entrants gets the role.

Link to article

**migimaru** · 01-30-2008, 09:15 PM

Sponichi says the series starts on April 19. (link)

Chunichi also lists Akiyoshi Nakao and Sousuke Takaoka as cast members. (link)

01-30-2008, 08:35 PM	#1
Tokyograph News Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 11	TBS unveils "ROOKIES" adaptation in new Saturday drama slot Last month, TBS announced that its Saturday 8:00pm time slot, which has long been reserved for variety shows, will be changing into a drama slot this spring. The network has now revealed that the first series in that block will be an adaptation of Masanori Morita's shonen manga "ROOKIES." The story revolves around a high school teacher and coach that tries to reform delinquents by having them join the baseball team. The show will star Ryuta Sato as the coach, Koichi Kawato. He was reportedly chosen for the role by Morita himself. The baseball team members include Hayato Ichihara, Keisuke Koide, and Yu Shirota. Filming begins in early March, and the series begins airing in April. Unlike most dramas, however, TBS says that "ROOKIES" will not be confined by the seasonal programming rotation. The number of episodes has not yet been decided, but planner Akihiko Ishimaru stated that they are aiming to cover all 24 volumes of the original manga. TBS is also collaborating with Yahoo! Japan to decide who will play the female lead, the team manager. Starting on February 18, the websites for both companies will allow public voting to determine which of the audition entrants gets the role. Link to article

01-30-2008, 09:15 PM	#2
migimaru ミギ丸 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 736	Sponichi says the series starts on April 19. (link) Chunichi also lists Akiyoshi Nakao and Sousuke Takaoka as cast members. (link) Last edited by migimaru : 01-31-2008 at 07:55 AM.

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