Format Focus: Reality Bites Back
- Published: 27 August 2008 17:33
- Author: Will Hurrell
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- Last Updated: 27 August 2008 17:33
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Comedians get the chance to send up reality shows in this US format.
The format
Reality Bites Back is an 8 x 30-minute series featuring up-and-coming comedians taking part in an elimination contest, which is half sketch show, half reality format.
Each week, the group of comics spoof a different reality series, such as American Idol, The Apprentice and Big Brother.
For example, in an episode called Hunting with the Stars, they have to hunt and "shoot" a C-list celebrity.
At the end of each episode, one of the contestants is voted off the show and, in the series finale, one comic is crowned the Lord of Reality. The winner gets a $50,000 cash prize to help him or her on the road towards making it as a successful comedian.
Who's showing it?
The series premiered in mid-July on US network Comedy Central in the US in a 10.30pm slot.
Coming to the UK?
The series was produced by Eyeworks-owned 3Ball Productions, which is also behind NBC's The Biggest Loser. Fremantle Media Enterprises (FME) recently picked up the international distribution rights on the format, which will be launched at Mipcom in October.
Could it work here?
It could prove an innovative hybrid format (provided they use paint guns as opposed to real bullets when hunting C-list celebs!).
