In Depth
Tony Robbins Lands NBC Reality Show
NBC is teaming up with self-help guru Tony Robbins and "Biggest Loser" producer Reveille for a reality show that aims to radically transform the lives of participants—in most cases without surgery, million-dollar prizes or drill sergeant-like personal trainers.
The network has greenlit eight episodes of the as-yet untitled series, which has been in the works since last year. After seeing a pilot presentation and meeting personally with Mr. Robbins, Paul Telegdy—NBC's recently hired reality chief—decided to move forward with the project.
While details of the final format are still being finalized, the heart of the show involves Mr. Robbins working with distressed individuals to give them the tools they need to change their lives. The show will stay with participants over the course of several months in order to document how their lives change.
The series is also designed to give viewers a chance to learn how to improve their own lives, Mr. Telegdy said.
"The mood of the country right now is about rebuilding and sleeves rolled up and 'Yes we can'," he said. "People want to know how to dust themselves off and pick themselves up. All of these will be featured in the show."
Mr. Robbins said he wants to create a show "where the real-life struggles and victories on-screen can touch and inspire the larger television audience at home."
"At times like these, we all have to get stronger for ourselves and for those we love," he added. "We all have to find the ways in which each of us can make that little difference that really matters."
Howard Owens, managing director for Reveille, said Mr. Robbins' show fit well with his firm's brand.
"Making shows that will change people's lives for the better is the hallmark of Reveille, and now is the time for Tony to help people on a mass broadcast scale," he said.
While the pilot presentation featured Mr. Robbins helping someone conquer their fear of public speaking, the series is likely to revolve around folks with much bigger issues.
Mr. Telegdy said NBC would attempt to keep the show timely by including some stories about people dealing with the impact of the national economic crisis, as well as other serious concerns.
"Rather like 'The Biggest Loser' inspires by the extremes of weight loss, Tony will be dealing with people who have major problems like bankruptcy, like losing your job...(and showing them) how to get over it, how to restart," Mr. Telegdy said.
Mr. Telegdy has only had one major meeting with Mr. Robbins, but he said he came away impressed.
"He blew us a way in a way that rarely people can in meetings," he said. "He leaps through the screen. He's physically arresting, mentally challenging and very high energy."
Mr. Robbins, Mr. Owens, Mark Koops and Bruce Beresford-Redman serve as executive producers of the project. Noah Oppenheim is co-executive producer.
It's unlikely NBC will have the show ready in time for its summer schedule, Mr. Telegdy said.
"It's not something we're going to rush to air," he explained.
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.
(Editor: Baumann)
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Comments 42
David Portney, Public Speaking Training Expert
For Tony, this is a marketing-stroke-of-genius; why pay zillions of dollars for an infomercial on late night TV when you can get paid to promote your products and services to a national audience for free on your own TV show? Brilliant! I need to hire Tony's PR/marketing people...
Best,
David Portney
Ida Centoni
RIGHT ON - I knew it! When Obama came out with Yes We Can - I said and asked people do you know the word - the one word - we use with participants all the way to the fire walk on friday nights at UPW Weekends? Yes - Yes - YES! I have said many many times when people say they don't know who Tony Robbins is "You Will" - This is our time - the time for people who understand human behavior and understand how to get people unstuck - and get them resourceful! I am so in! If you need a production / stage PA for Tony call me - you will need a strong Tony person to keep him on syntax and time - he cares so much about people - it his hard for him to leave them when he knows he in and making a difference in that moment for the rest of their lives! I have played this show a million times in my mind... your ratings will sky rocket!
Tj Bartel
I think this is perfect. Tony is a true gift to humanity! The world NEEDS to see him in action now more than ever! I have first hand experiennce of his magic as I graduated from his Mastery U!! I will be a feithful viewer even though I rarley watch T.V.
Blessings of love, laughter and bliss
Tj Bartel
Brigitte Sumner, author of Give Him Back His Balls and the Body/Soul Coaching Retreat
This comes at the right time! Tony is the one person I know that can and will make massive lasting change in not only the person in the reality show, but also in the lives of the millions who will be watching. What a great start for the year and a new era.
Moreloveseminars@www.moreloveseminars.com
The quality of our lives is a direct reflexion of the quality of questions we ask.
This show will improve the quality of the lives of its contestants and viewers!
The timing couldnet be better!
haleybaily
This is going to be superb!! Tony is exceptional cannot wait to watch this.
Ann
Where is this show being taped? NY or LA?
Anna
I want to congratulate NBC for 'getting your hands on Tony' before any other network did. More so I want to congratulate you for bringing him out to the people that have not been fortunate enough to attend his seminars in person. It changed my life immensly, and I only hope that Tony's incredible passion for helping other people will come through the screen as strong as it does in real life.
I've seen comments suggesting that Tony is all about sales. I say, so what if I he is (yes I can see that it is marketing...) when what he is selling is helping and changing millions of peoples lives. Anyone who has attended his seminars would defend him to the end I'm sure, and I am one of those people. A person like Tony should not be critized, he's doing more for humanity than 99.99% of the population. Thank you Tony, and thank you NBC for bringing him out to the public.
Sincerely,
Anna Jonsson, Sweden
Carol Walsh
This ROCKS! As someone who has experienced his teaching first hand, this is just OUTSTANDING!
The lucky participants don't even have a CLUE what they're getting themselves into, but it's going to change their lives forever! Keep your fingers crossed that they do the "firewalk"!!
Vera
This is so cooooool!!! I hope someone is going to bring it to Australia real soon. Or I'll have to move to the US. :-)
Patti
This will be the best reality show ever, because Tony Robbins is incredible. I've had the opportunity to attend his seminars and witness his abilities to help people tranform their lives.
He is a gift from God! I can't wait to see his show.
Gillaine Casciaro
Great news. This is going to be amazing and its going to make such a difference to the lives of so many. Please find a way to get it into Europe quickly.
Saskia van Beers
I'm so excited because this IS such a gift to people all over the world! And to have it so easily available. Awesome! Please make sure it's distributed worldwide...
Maria
NBC will have a huge hit with this. As long as they stay true to a reality show and not scripted.
I have experienced Tony's work at Unleash the Power Within. The chosen participants are in for an experience of their lives.
Tom Martin
As a PR consultant and former television producer -- as well as someone who has had the pleasure of producing a 30-minute biography of Tony Robbins for CNN -- I'm confident this reality series will be a huge success. Regardless of his own well-deserved fortune & fame, I've seen firsthand how Tony is sincerely dedicated to helping others -- from teenagers on the verge of suicide to senior citizens who have spent a lifetime without recognizing their true inner potential. In my television work, I've seen how viewers respond to human drama, and truly see themselves in the stories of those overcoming adversity. I can't wait to see this series!
Brent in Atlanta
Love it. America needs some Tony right now.
Kim Jobst
AT LAST!
Of all the people in the world who could, can and will make a real difference in real time, in a real way, being totally comfortable with this sort of media, it is Tony. Please make sure that this is syndicated world-wide - His message transcends race, creed and gender: it is practical, immediate, wise and powered with Love and compassion!
Kim Jobst. UK
Allan
Wake Up People. Have you all been drinking the Tony Robbins Kool-Aid. The only compassion and love Tony feels is for hinself.
Tony has had to re-invent himself so many times to avoid the lawsuits that have followed him, ever since the demise of his ill fated franchisee program, where over 20 franchise owners had collective lawsuits against him.
He is a master persuader who has convinced everyone that he is indeed who he says he is. Let's begin with his early days of stealing Brian Tracy's material, to cheating on his wife Becky, to his reckless behaviour on private planes with a girl on each arm.
Tony is the Bernie Madoff of the motivational world, but hey they all bought stock from Bernie, so why not buy some of Tony's tired old snake oil charm.
America needs to change what's gotten us into this mess in the first place. "The relentless pursuit of success, money and power." That's what Tony is about..follow him at your peril.
Wake up People, the true GURU is YOU. YES YOU CAN without paying someone else to tell you YOU CAN!
You want love and compassion follow the Dalai Lama!!
Tony J
Hmmm, maybe you should learn more about the Dalai Lama and his religious persecution of Buddhist Shugden practitioners before praising him so highly while being critical of Tony Robbins. Take a look at this video and do your homework: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36iDni2aO-Y
Sure, I agree that Tony Robbins is human and has made mistakes like the rest of us, but he has also done so much to help so many people all over the world. Yes, he did borrow teaching from others, but you should go back to Napolean Hill, the man Brian Tracy also borrowed from.
Everyone stands on the shoulders of those who came before, and some give credit while others do not do so as freely. Yes, Tony has an ego, but that does not negate the good that he has done and continues to do! Let's be thankful for anyone who is helping others...
Tony J
My last comment was a reply to Allan's post back in February... just wanted to give a little context. I actually thought it would have been placed below his post, but obviously not! Here is his original post just to make sense out of my reply:
Allan
Wake Up People. Have you all been drinking the Tony Robbins Kool-Aid. The only compassion and love Tony feels is for hinself.
Tony has had to re-invent himself so many times to avoid the lawsuits that have followed him, ever since the demise of his ill fated franchisee program, where over 20 franchise owners had collective lawsuits against him.
He is a master persuader who has convinced everyone that he is indeed who he says he is. Let's begin with his early days of stealing Brian Tracy's material, to cheating on his wife Becky, to his reckless behaviour on private planes with a girl on each arm.
Tony is the Bernie Madoff of the motivational world, but hey they all bought stock from Bernie, so why not buy some of Tony's tired old snake oil charm.
America needs to change what's gotten us into this mess in the first place. "The relentless pursuit of success, money and power." That's what Tony is about..follow him at your peril.
Wake up People, the true GURU is YOU. YES YOU CAN without paying someone else to tell you YOU CAN!
You want love and compassion follow the Dalai Lama!!
Reply to this comment Posted February 14, 2009 5:03 PM
sylvana
Finally!!! Tony having his own tv show so that all the critics may FINALLY have a concrete understanding of what he really is about! Seeing is believing, SO true!!
Bill
I have had the experience of seeing Tony Robbins at work on a number of occasions. I think that the television audience is going to be amazed when they see some of the things Tony has accomplished working with people overcoming significant psychological and emotional trauma.
If NBC handles this properly, I think this will be some incredibly riveting TV. I look forward watching.
Angela
Marvellous News. We need a world without strangers, to believe in each other right now and share whatever is happening in our part of the world. I believe Mr Tony Robbins is the leading communicator in our world today. He introduced me to the person who could answer all my questions, me!
Angela, Sydney Australia
J.D.
I want to sign up. I'm pretty F***ed up at this point in my life.
Not the Mood of the Country
The author of this article is mistaken about the mood of the country. It is not "roll up our sleeves and give more" it is "where did this [guy] come from and why has he taken everything I have worked so hard for all my life?!!"
andrea hanna
This is great news. We are huge fans of Tony's professional work and also his not for profit which supports millions of homeless and at risk families. I hope he will have guests on his show too. We're also big fans of Sir Ken Robinson and saw Tony has endorsed Sir Ken's recent New York Times Bestseller ' "The Element, How Finding your Passion Changes Everything" I would love to see them working together at some point.
David
I'm soooooooooo excited about this show!!! I've been a Tony fan since I was 16 and he dramatically changed my life. This is going to be a hit show.
David
Peter
Go Tony!
Finally something worth watching on TV. There is so little positivity on the tube...maybe call it The People Whisperer? lol
Good luck. I am looking forward to seeing the transformations.
Elicia Burton
I am thrilled to hear this news. Tony Robbins will tell you right off he is NOT a guru, nor someone to follow, but he will encourage you to STEP UP, and make the changes you need to make in your life to move forward, forward into what you yourself will call your own success, not what others might think. Each part of your life is up to you to feel complete about, Tony helps you both see this, but also what is holding you back within yourself in order to remove blocks and move you forward, both attain and experience your own happiness, and goals for your life.
I have been blessed with each program and event I have been able to attend, with scholarships and Tony Robbins Foundation helps so many people in many ways. I have found that Tony is entertaining, knowledgeable and spirited. This show should be an excellent example of what can be done, with Tony's Programs or by following these methods with or without Tony.
For myself, each step has been monumental for me,I have come so far. If I had the opportunity to work directly with Tony Robbins in this way I image my life changes would be faster. As it is, I have noticed great differences in my behaviors, and in my results.
I am looking forward to watching and also wish I could also particiapate with Tony in person.
GO TONY GO!
Thank you!
Elicia Burton
Aviv Darling
This news is OUTSTANDING!!!!!
My boyfriend was a key note speaker for Tony and at first I thought it was all "emotional touchy feely hogwash." I would literally make fun of the infomercials and his ideology. Little did I know what I called my life was filled with self doubt, destruction, and defeat.
I attended one of his seminars, out of guilt because someone bought my ticket, and low and behold I have never been the same. My relationships have improved, my focus, my health, my outlook, and most importantly my will to live.
Thank you Tony and thank you C.D for pushing me to the extreme so I could see my true potential. If only T.V. would showcase shows like this, the world would not be in the mess we are in today.
GO TONY and NBC!!!! There could never be enough positivity and hope.
Thank you,
Aviv
David Parker
I thought about a program like this years ago. Have Tony Robbins change someone's life and then they can pay for their own makeover and buy their own house without some tv station funding it. Tony is a genius and I just hope I can see this program in the UK. Any ideas anybody?
DJ Shannon
Apparently NBC is unaware that Tony interviewed convicted death row inmate/murderer/"Crips" gang founder "Tookie" Williams. Robbins had the audacity to speak at Williams' funeral after his execution (some of which made TV newscasts) where Robbins called Williams "a great man"...basically Robbins spit in the graves of those murdered by Williams and his fellow "Crips". NBC may as well give San Quentin Prison and Rykers Island their own reality shows. A despicable decision by this network...Robbins has conned countless people over 25 years so he can keep his castle in San Diego.
monica
I am very proud of Owen Robbins whomever you are!
EXCELLENT!
GET ME IN THE SHOW>>> GET READY FOR A SWINMMING POOL>>> Beautiful Day! JUNE 20,2009
PETER TURO
Let's not forget Sage. I am very happy for both of.
The show will be a huge success. I can't wait to see it
How can I help ?
With love and gratitude,
Peter
Peter Turo
James N. Shows
Tony is good at what he does, but he still seems to lack Family Values... un-like what he teaches..
Tony's Uncle... Jim Shows
Hal Callya
Don't waste your time watching this garbage - FAKE BS.
Robert
You can call tony a fraud or a huckster but the one thing I know about Tony is that he truly cares about changing people and he lives to help others.
He is a phenomenal personality and catalyst for change. You can't escape his charisma when interacting with him.
He has been given extraordinary talent and he is utilizing every gift he has to contribute and share with others.
If Tony really made $30,000,000 in one year I am sure he gave most of it away. That is Tony, that is what he is all about.
Robert A.
Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst
Jeremy Charney
Looking forward to finally having something real to watch on TV that is uplifting and inspirational.
Breakthrough with Tony Robbins will be a a tremendous success. Looking forward 2 tuning in! Wishing both Tony and Sage all the best
Jeremy Charney
najma
When is NBC airing Anthony Robbins's reality show?
Sharon Ferguson
We have members all around the globe.
We are really excited and looking forward to seeing Tony's new show.
Sharon
FingerBiz.com
Yvo
Hi there,
Tony is the best. I hope they will broadcast the show in the netherlands, where I live. I've been to Unleash the power within twice and 'Life has never been the same!' Make a move, Say YES!
Yvo
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.