Japanese game show contestants have been trying to avoid a pit of water by fitting themselves into a cut-out shape for years. Now, Americans are taking their turn. An expat in Japan tries to explain why the country's simple humour seems to be so successful abroad. Read more and see the game in action...

Since the launch of reality TV pop-star contests, thousands of talented and talentless people have been able to get their 15 minutes of fame on primetime TV. Britain's Pop Idol concept is so popular in fact, that it has been sold to 110 countries worldwide. And there seems to be no cultural boundary that the more recent Star Academy can't cross. It's the fist Spanish TV product to be sold to both American and Arabic countries. Here is our pick of the most entertaining auditions and performances. See the videos...

West Africa brings out the ‘ow!’ factor