Byplayers: 100 Days in the Forest of Supporting Actors (2021)
A sharp, self-aware Japanese comedy where beloved supporting actors play themselves, stranded together in a remote studio for 100 chaotic days.
Byplayers: 100 Days in the Forest of Supporting Actors - Series Information
- Original Title: バイプレイヤーズ～名脇役の森の100日間～
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: TV Osaka, TV Tokyo
- Alternative Titles: バイプレイヤーズ～名脇役の森の100日間～ (JP), Byplayers～名配角在森林的100天～ (CN)
- Production Companies: TV Tokyo, TBS Sparkle
- Production Countries: Japan
Byplayers: 100 Days in the Forest of Supporting Actors - Plot
Set in "Byplaywood" a large film studio surrounded by forest, far from the city. The story depicts 100 days of turmoil caused by the gathering of serial dramas and movies from various TV stations at once in this remote studio. It is a drama full of battles for ratings between studios, clashes between young, mid-career, and big names, and a heartwarming story of friendship and bonding. Also, the self-deprecation and parodies are enhanced by the fact that the actors play a role of themselves.
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Byplayers: 100 Days in the Forest of Supporting Actors - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kenichi Endo
- Tomorowo Taguchi
- Susumu Terajima
- Yutaka Matsushige
- Ken Mitsuishi
- Kana Kita
- Yasukaze Motomiya
- Shun Sugata
- Ikkei Watanabe
- Hitoshi Ozawa
Byplayers: 100 Days in the Forest of Supporting Actors - FAQs
Do the actors in Byplayers play themselves?
Yes, one of the show's most distinctive features is that the cast plays fictionalized versions of themselves. This self-referential approach sharpens the comedy, allowing the actors to poke fun at their own industry status, rivalries, and the unspoken hierarchy of supporting roles in Japanese television.
What is Byplayers: 100 Days in the Forest of Supporting Actors about?
The series is set in "Byplaywood," a sprawling film studio deep in the forest, far from city life. When productions from multiple TV stations converge there simultaneously, the result is 100 days of chaos — ratings wars, generational clashes, and unexpected bonds forming among Japan's most recognizable supporting actors.
Where can you watch Byplayers: 100 Days in the Forest of Supporting Actors?
The series originally aired on TV Tokyo and TV Osaka in Japan in 2021. For international viewers, availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming and viewing options available in your country.
Who are the main actors in Byplayers?
The ensemble cast features some of Japan's most celebrated character actors, including Kenichi Endo, Tomorowo Taguchi, Susumu Terajima, Yutaka Matsushige, Ken Mitsuishi, Kana Kita, Yasukaze Motomiya, Shun Sugata, Ikkei Watanabe, and Hitoshi Ozawa — all playing fictionalized versions of themselves.
Is Byplayers part of a larger franchise?
Byplayers: 100 Days in the Forest of Supporting Actors is the third installment in the Byplayers franchise, which began in 2017 on TV Tokyo. The franchise follows Japan's beloved supporting actors in various comedic, self-deprecating scenarios, with each season presenting a fresh premise and setting.
How many episodes does Byplayers season 1 have?
This season runs for 12 episodes, each approximately 30 minutes long. The compact format keeps the comedy brisk and the ensemble dynamics lively, making it an easy binge for fans of Japanese comedy or anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes world of TV production.
What makes Byplayers unique among Japanese comedy series?
Few Japanese comedies lean so boldly into industry self-parody. By casting real supporting actors as themselves and placing them in an absurd studio-in-the-woods setting, Byplayers turns the unspoken rules of Japanese showbiz — seniority, ratings pressure, typecasting — into rich comedic material with genuine warmth underneath.
What shows are similar to Byplayers?
If you enjoy ensemble comedies with a showbiz twist, try Difficult People, Claws, or Marlon — all of which blend sharp self-awareness with character-driven humor. American Housewife and Lopez vs Lopez also offer that mix of warmth and wit that fans of Byplayers tend to appreciate.
More About Byplayers: 100 Days in the Forest of Supporting Actors
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