NBC is adding a new game show to a network portfolio that already includes "Deal or No Deal," "Minute to Win It," "Who’s Still Standing" and the new Howie Mandel show “Take It All.”
Deadline.com reports that the network is adding “Hollywood Game Night,” an hour game format executive produced by “Will & Grace” alum Sean Hayes.
“The series, which has received an eight-episode order, is based on the actor-producer’s real-life ‘game nights,’ featuring A-list celebrities hanging out and living it up in a cocktail party atmosphere,” the piece reports. “In each episode, two contestants will be transported from their everyday lives into a night of fun and celebration where they get to rub shoulders with the celebrity crowd. At the end, one of the contestants will walk away with a cash prize and a night of stories and memories.”
Said Paul Telegdy, NBC president of alternative programming: “We are proud to be in business with Sean Hayes, who creatively brings so many good ideas such as this new game show romp that will be raucous and entertaining. Our audience will feel as if they are part of the party as we pull back the curtain on how today’s Hollywood stars play at home while our contestants can earn big money.”
The network originally ordered a pilot for the project back in summer 2011, the report notes.
“… At the end, one of the contestants will walk away with a cash prize and a night of stories and memories.” The other contestant will not only win nothing, but will undergo a lobotomy to remove any trace of the event.
Oooooh! A chance to rub elbows with Kathy Griffin and other D-listers…who are about the only “celebrities” who appear on game shows anymore. There was no mention of what the game actually is.
Unless Sean Hayes can use his celebrity super powers to bring in genuine stars to play, like Password was able to in the early 60s, this’ll die like most of NBC’s recent attempts at game shows. The only success from the ones you listed in this article was Deal or No Deal…and NBC ran it into the ground with over-exposure. Not impressed, yet.