The Contestant: How a Japanese comedian was kidnapped, stripped naked and secretly broadcast to millions

In 1999, Japanese comedian Tomoaki ‘Nasubi’ Hamatsu was unknowingly filmed for a reality TV show where he lived in isolation, surviving solely on items won from competitions, while 17 million viewers watched weekly. Hulu's documentary "The Contestant" explores this extreme reality TV scenario, revealing Nasubi's lack of awareness that his ordeal was broadcasted, making him a national sensation without his consent.

Nasubi's challenges included living naked, depending solely on competition prizes for sustenance, and enduring mental and physical hardships, believing his recordings were private. The show's popularity soared, yet Nasubi suffered, a situation he later likened to Stockholm Syndrome. The documentary highlights the ethical concerns of such reality shows and Nasubi's subsequent life, using his fame for advocacy and charitable efforts.