As further proof that variety-show producers are getting hard up for subject matter, Tuesday sees the premiere of the regular series "Sono Kao ga Mite Mitai" ("I Want to See That Face"; Fuji TV, 10 p.m.), which is hosted by the comedy duo Ameagari Kesshitai.

The theme of the show is "faces you've never seen before." Guests think of situations and what sort of facial expressions those situations would evince. They then try to re-create those expressions. In addition, they try to reproduce difficult facial expressions from famous scenes in cartoons and movies.

Many of the more unusual prime-time programs started out as series that were broadcast during the wee hours. TV stations are more open to experimental shows when there isn't much at stake advertising-wise.