I'm a very casual fan, and I first got into gaki after watching a clip of their no laughing batsu many years ago, and I've made it a yearly tradition to watch their batsu games ever since.
I knew it wasn't going to last forever especially since they were all getting older, but COVID really sped its cancellation up by a few years imo. These last few years have really hurt and I haven't watched anything of them ever since the last batsu.
I've tried watching some of their other stuff that was subbed, but they honestly never really appealed to me, the few that I watched anyway. That's why I say I'm a very casual fan.
I recall watching one of their other shows where they make weird food combinations and they taste it but it just didn't click for me. I think I just liked the batsu games for their chemistry in hanging out and joking together, dicking around trying to make eachother laugh and with all the varying and creative ways the show tries to make the cast break. So their more regular and normal comedy stuff just doesn't really do it for me, I guess.
I've watched documental and that's the closest I've seen, but that's only with Matsumoto and honestly I'm not that into it neither because I felt like a lot of the times it was just people getting their asshole out to make people laugh.
I don't suppose any more hardcore fans of the show could recommend any of their content in particular that would appeal to a more casual fan like myself, who only really liked their batsu games?
I'd also be super appreciative of any outside recommendations of similar game shows since this is the only one I've ever watched over the years and my life currently feels like it's missing something now that I haven't been able to get my batsu fix in a few years.
I feel like the batsu games are targeted to a wider audience, whereas the weekly show tends to usually be a little bit more eccentric and episodes can be hit or miss. Watching them after batsu games I didn't enjoy them as much at first, but in the last couple years I have been getting into them more, so maybe try a few different episodes and you might find something you like.
These are my favourite series:
Shichi Henge: This is kind of like a condensed version of the batsu games. For each episode one comedian performs 7 skits as different characters to try and make the group laugh. Some episodes are better than others depending on who the comedian is, but I think most of them are good.
Rendezvous Game: The 5 of them are given a vague general location (e.g. large carpark) and have to travel separately to the place they think the others will go to and meet up. If anyone goes to the same place they can then stick together for the next location until they all meet. The chemistry in this is good. There was also a long special episode with a few guests that I thought was good (not sure it was subbed though).
I Think This Item Will Suit You: Each of them have to buy clothes for a guest, and the guest ranks them. I like the chemistry they have on this as well and amusing to see their sense of fashion.
Any of the series they are walking outside together like Ask the Best in a Strange Town, and Stroll to Meet Celebrities.
Apart from that, I liked Lincoln back when it was airing and I think the vibe might a bit easier to watch for a casual viewer. It's mostly Downtown and other comedians though, not the 5 of them. Maybe check out the athletic festival special.
Since you mention it, there is a new episode today. Watched it and it is wholesome as always!