In Depth

Fox Puts 'Hole' in 'Truth' Slot for Fall

Fox is making a late summer switch to its fall schedule, adding game show "Hole in the Wall" to its September lineup.

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GET IN THE HOLE Fox adds "Hole in the Wall" to its fall lineup.

"Hole," based on a Japanese format in which contestants play a form of human Tetris, will air Thursday nights from 8 to 9 p.m., starting Sept. 11.

It replaces the previously scheduled second season of shock game show "The Moment of Truth," which will return midseason.

"American Idol" producer FremantleMedia North America is behind "Hole," with Stuart Krasnow serving as executive producer.

While most observers had expected "Hole" to hold until Fox had a hole in its lineup later in the season, Fox President of Alternative Programming Mike Darnell said he didn't want to wait.

"It seemed like the right time to get it out," Mr. Darnell said, noting that physical competition series are making a comeback in the wake of the success of "Wipeout" on ABC. "Sometimes if things sit on the shelf for too long, they lose their mojo. And we didn't want to risk that there would be other Japanese (style) shows coming out."

What's more, Mr. Darnell said, he was pleased with how well production of "Hole" turned out, calling it "big" and "fun." In addition, Fox executives believe "Moment of Truth" won't be hurt by a delay.

"'Moment' can come back any time," he said. "It's already established."

The scheduling means "Hole" will be pitted against reality granddaddy "Survivor," ABC's "Ugly Betty" and NBC's modestly rated "My Name Is Earl" and newcomer "Kath and Kim." Fox is clearly betting it can capture young male eyeballs that aren't interested in the fare on the competition.

Mr. Darnell said he's cautiously optimistic about "Hole's" ability to break through this fall. The fact that the original Japanese game show has been a hit in several countries—and is a massive viral video phenom—means that in some ways, "The show is pre-sold a little," Mr. Darnell said. "Every kid and every parent of every kid I know has seen a version of the show on YouTube."

Fox has made some changes to the show's format. There's more at stake financially now, with a top prize of $100,000 in a bonus round. And the teams that compete against each other were clearly put together by Mr. Darnell.

"We have sumo wrestlers versus jockeys," he said. "We have a team of beauties and a team of geeks. And we have male body builders going up against a team of little people."

The show still revolves around players contorting their bodies into all sorts of odd shapes in order to fit through a hole in a moving wall. Fox has ordered 26 half-hour epsiodes of "Hole," but will air the show as an hour.

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Comments 67

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Forgive them Ed Murrow, for they know not what they do.

Moron Buster

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Does everything on television have to be serious, elitist snob? How about getting that stick out of your rear end and enjoying yourself for once?

Patrick

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Edward R. Murrow is already spinning in his grave after they gave WHDH Boston an award for their vomit-inducing, sensationalistic, alliteration-laden "news coverage".

Down with Sunbeam! They're atrocious!

Vagabond

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The end of our civilization is upon us.

vince

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how do i get on the show

chops

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my kids saw the commercial for this show, and wanted to watch it. they were really entertained. good job fox, way to entertain children during prime time!

mm

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The show is funny, but what is annoying and wrong is the comments and the pictures on the show. On one show a girl from "Rock of Love" had to lie on her back and the host stated that he is sure that lying on her back is one thing that he knows that she can do. Another is that the girl is a stripper so he is sure that she can bend in all directions. My kids love to watch the Japan version, and were excited that they had one in the U.S.the they would be able to understand what is being said but if the pictures and comments continue I will have to go back to the Japan version .

larry

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MY BUDDIES AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE SHOW .... HOW DO WE GO ABOUT GETTING ON THE SHOW

Tim Sullivan

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What happens to all that styrofoam after there done? Is it recycled ( is this a green show ) or do they dump it in a landfill to pollute the enviroment?

sam

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how do u get on show?

Courtney

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Is this going to be on air again? I LOVED it and didn't know any information about it until I read this? Is it coming back??????

John

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Thank you fox, once again, for promoting reading, by airing less appealing alternatives. King of the Hill was canceled for this?

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