So the BBC Entertainment division has announced it has commissioned Initial Television to produce a new game show, Wipeout. Which now means I’ve got the Beach Boys song running round my head. Thanks, BBC.
Initially, I did wonder if the BBC were bringing back one of its back catalogue of gameshows from the early 1990s, hosted by Paul Daniels (see this video) and, in its later daytime years, Bob Monkhouse.
But no. Oh no, this Wipeout is very different indeed. A preview from the American version is available after the jump…
This version of Wipeout does seem to have more in common with the slapstick of Opportunity Knocks than it does with the rather sedate charms of a Paul Daniels-hosted quiz. According to the press release, the US show has become “the summer’s number one show in the key 18-49 demographic.”
Initial’s Creative Director Nick Samwell-Smith says:
“The Wipeout format delivers prime-time family entertainment and the UK audience is going to love every minute of this high octane new show.
“There will be breathtaking thrills and spills on one of the biggest, most extraordinary obstacle courses ever built.”
The preview clip above does seem to bear this out. Only — is it just me, or does this seem more up ITV’s street than the Beeb?
Looks like they're looking for contestants NOW and the closing deadline is soon - September 26th 08!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/beonashow/gameshow_wo.shtml