In Depth
NBC Turns to Robbins to Transform Reality
Network Already Casting on Pilot Presentation
NBC is looking to unleash the power within Tony Robbins, signing the self-help guru to front a new reality show.
Tony Robbins
The network is keeping a tight lid on details, but an NBC insider confirmed that the network has ordered a pilot presentation for the project. Casting on the show has already begun.
While NBC isn’t discussing the project—and that includes declining to reveal the production company behind the show—a casting notice indicates the potential series will be a transformational-style show in the same vein as NBC’s hit “The Biggest Loser.”
“The world’s leading life coach, Tony Robbins, is teaming with NBC to offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get you, or someone you love, the help they need,” the casting notice for the project reads. “If your case is right, you could meet Tony one-on-one and experience an incredible transformation.”
Producers have put out a call for people who’ve had their lives “knocked off course by a tragedy from which they can’t seem to recover” or who are “paralyzed by fears or anger.” The show promises potential participants “the chance to turn their life around.”
Mr. Robbins, 48, is best known for his motivational speaking tours, books and videos, many of which have been pitched via infomercial. According to Forbes, Mr. Robbins’ “Unleash the Power Within” seminars netted him around $9 million in 2007; the magazine estimated his annual income that year at around $30 million.
NBC reality chief Craig Plestis is overseeing Mr. Robbins’ project. Mr. Plestis’ long-term future at the network is currently up in the air, with NBC maintaining a strict silence about widespread reports that the executive soon will be replaced by former BBC Worldwide Americas executive Paul Telegdy.
As previously reported, Mr. Plestis may be headed to Universal Media Studios, possibly to oversee a new unscripted unit.
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Comments 22
Reality Creator
GREAT ANOTHER NBC FLOP IN THE WORKS DESPITE BEING A WORTHY CAUSE. REALITY OVERSATURATED AND NO BREAKOUT HITS IN YEARS FOR THE NETWORKS. CBS HAS NOT HAD A NEW HIT IN 7 YEARS SINCE SURVIVOR. ABC NO NEW HITS SINCE DANCING STARS DESPITE WIPEOUT BEING SOLID THIS PAST SUMMR BUT TAILED OFF AT THE END. NBC ALL FLOPS BUT SUMMER STAPLE AGT AND ADEQUATE BIGGEST LOSER. FOX IDOL AND SUMMER TENTPOLES KITCHEN NIGHTMARES, AND DANCE. CW JUST CLOSE UP SHOP ALL TANKS ANTM CONTINUES DECLINE AND ALL OTHERS TANKED ESPECIALLY STYLISTA. GET BACK TO ME ASAP IF YOU WANT MAJOR HITS FUNNY AND ENTERTAINING COMPETITION SHOWS TO SAVE YOUR NETWORK.
Paul Cosens
Tony Robbins truely is amazing! He will be an incredible asset to this programme. I would love to see him on TV on a regular basis.
Outstanding man and outstanding speaker.
Live with passion!
Paul
Dercove
This would be a reality program I would watch. Just being able to see Robbins work his magic would be worth while.
Tom Beal
Tony and his work have been an incredible blessing to me and my life. I've studied him since 1990 and seen him live several times, even traveled to his island in Fiji last year, and have witnessed incredible transformation in myself and others through his guidance. The man is a genius and I look forward to this show. Will be amazing!
Wendy
I don't watch TV...
THIS I WOULD TURN THE TV ON FOR!!!
His work has helped countless numbers of people through all kinds of issues. In my humble opinion.. those watching a show like this, will recieve help in what they learn.
dglefforge
I'M SURE IT'S GOING TO FLOP!! NBC IS THE BIGGEST LOOSER!! FOR SURE!!!!
Joe Bua
http://iamatvjunkie.typepad.com/i_am_a_tv_junkie_a_blog_f/2008/11/nbc-wants-to-unleash-the-ratings-within-with-tony-robbins-will-you-watch.html
This is just ridonkulous!
Yeah, at the end of a hard day I wanna come home to Lurch from The Addams Family helping people to unleash the power within.
And I want braised kale for dinner.
NOT.
Bobby Gill
Same as Wendy, I rarely watch TV - but this will be MUST SEE viewing! I can't wait for this show! Tony Robbins is brilliant and an inspiration to millions.
Go see him live at a UPW event if you get the chance. Amazing!!
Bobby
JARA
I agree with the posts above... I am not one for TV but for this show I am willing to tune in and watch the man work his magic!
This is going to be truly exciting to see what types of changes people really do get in their lives...
Brett Figueroa
this is a MUST..the times demand this level of programming. Congratulations to Tony and NBC!!
Lifestyle
"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it!"
This man changes peoples lives for the better. I won't miss an espisode!
D. Manning
Tony Robbins' CD programs have really helped me make important changes and improvements in my life so I'm SO THERE for this show. (And I really hope it doesn't end up being cheesy, which it could with too much network interference.)
Jane McCormick
I am the lady that wrote my true life story about Frank Sinatra and the way it was in Las Vegas in the 60's.
Breaking My Silence. Confessions of a Rat Pack Party Girl. And sex trade servivor. Goggle me and see all the news on my life story. Jane McCormick
Maurice Castillo
Can't wait to see this production of Tony doing interventions on TV. To many it will seem like it was scripted but I have seen his work live hundreds of times and he ceases to amaze me.
His ability to get to the core of the issue and turn it around is simply astonishing. Just this past December at one of his events he took a guy who was stuttering all his life since he was like 3 years old and helped him unravel his life to realize his stuttering was a self imposed crutch.
Tony had the guy speaking normally with no stuttering in less than 2 hours, it was such a triumphant experience to watch this young man in his mid to late 20's be freed of his limiting, crippling map of life.
Many are going to benefit from watching Tony as he coaches folks out of their slump, setback, fear, loss, etc.
Great news!
Monica M
It is amazing to see how Tony transforms a persons life. Watch & see for yourself!
haley
I love reality! I love TR this is a sure hit he is extraordinary
Debbie Kosta
I was one of Tony Robbins' promoters in Europe for over 6 years and had the opportunity to witness first hand how he helped people to transform their lives over the four-day event, 'Unleash the Power Within'. His rapid success in Europe, where we started from less than 1,000 participants at one live event, increased to 11,000 participants in no time, is due to Tony's gift as an incredible communicator who has the ability and talent to captivate the entire room, consisting of all walks of life - from Londoners to Scandinavians, to Arabs, and from housewives to CEO's! I know this, because these people were my clients, and after each live event they would not resist in quickly reserving a place to the next one for a friend, colleague or loved one.
Anthony Robbins helped millions of people improve their quality of life through his live events and products, and now he will help you do the same in your own living room. NBC's reality show with Tony Robbins could not have come at a better time. Bravo!!!
Debbie Kosta, Producer at Vista Clara Productions for feature film, The Miracle of Spanish Harlem'.
Paul Cosens
I too promoted Tony Robbins for a while and still do informally... the man is OUTSTANDING and deserves huge plaudits. Really needs to be experienced to be appreciated. Truely tranceformational.
David
This is really cool. Hope to be able to see it ...
ROY MASON
Inspirational mr robbins
Can you fix the real estate market?? IM still hangin in there. http://www.SanDiegoRealtyUpdate.com
ROY MASON, SAN DIEGO , CA , REAL ESTATE
Jessie
Not only is this man an incredible speaker, he is a genuine HEART. He does this because he cares and loves people. I was a part of the audience to the show. For all of you who will tune in, you will not regret it. As usual Tony produces tear jerking beautiful transformations for real people. The fact that he could take a tragedy and still awaken and inspire these people is a miracle and it is amazing to witness. If this show flops, then my concern is not for NBC but for society as a whole.
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