In Depth

MTV Near to Revival of Kutcher's 'Geek'

MTV is close to reviving "Beauty and the Geek," the Ashton Kutcher-Fox 21 reality show that most recently aired on the CW.

Negotiations are underway for MTV to air six episodes of what's being called "Beauty and the Geek: Celebrity," according to people familiar with the talks. In a twist on the show's original format, everyday geeks would be paired with celebrity "beauties" as part of the social experiment at the core of the show.

In addition to the initial six episode order, MTV will likely retain an option for additional cycles of the series.

The deal puts Mr. Kutcher back in business with MTV, which have birth to Mr. Kutcher's hidden camera series "Punk'd." Mr. Kutcher produces via his Katalyst production banner.

Fox 21 parent 20th Century Fox TV has been talking to networks about picking up the show for several months now. In October, 20th co-chairman Gary Newman told TelevisionWeek a pickup was "probably likely to happen soon."

While Mr. Newman didn't mention any networks, MTV always seemed a logical home. It had previously aired "Beauty" repeats.

Executives at 20th have a never-say-die attitude when it comes to keeping shows alive even after networks have moved on.

The studio never gave up on "Family Guy," finding ways to keep the franchise alive even after it was axed by Fox—twice.

And while Fox has said it won't be ordering any more episodes of "King of the Hill," 20th has talked to ABC about picking up the show.

As for "Beauty," the show has been a strong performer internationally, Mr. Newman said, explaining one reason the studio was interested in keeping the franchise alive.

"It’s a format that sold in many countries around the world," he said. "It’s turned into a nice, profitable business."