Exclusive: Veteran unscripted agent and producer Bill Thompson, former Head Of Unscripted Television at Verve, is launching his own management and production company, Artists Group | Unscripted.
“In the past twenty years, I’ve never seen disruption like we are having now. But disruption breeds opportunity and now is the time to be nimble and pivot away from the traditional way of doing things,” Thompson said. “With a focus on forging new pathways, Agu will bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the unscripted television industry. Additionally, Agu will be heavily focused on representing and working with international IP/Format creators to tap into the global demand for fresh content”.
The list of international content creators signed by Thompson include the creator of The Masked Singer, Wonwoo Park, and his Seoul-based Diturn Productions.
Agu also will continue to represent longtime Thompson executive producer/showrunner clients including five-time Emmy-winning Mark Bracero (Queer...
“In the past twenty years, I’ve never seen disruption like we are having now. But disruption breeds opportunity and now is the time to be nimble and pivot away from the traditional way of doing things,” Thompson said. “With a focus on forging new pathways, Agu will bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the unscripted television industry. Additionally, Agu will be heavily focused on representing and working with international IP/Format creators to tap into the global demand for fresh content”.
The list of international content creators signed by Thompson include the creator of The Masked Singer, Wonwoo Park, and his Seoul-based Diturn Productions.
Agu also will continue to represent longtime Thompson executive producer/showrunner clients including five-time Emmy-winning Mark Bracero (Queer...
- 3/1/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The cast for The Challenge: World Championship has been unveiled by Paramount+ and will see global Mvp stars paired up with a “Challenge” legend in the new global tournament. Set to premiere on the streamer on Wednesday, March 8 in the U.S. and Canada with two episodes, MTV will air a one-time sneak preview of the premiere episode that same day at 8 p.m. Et. Watch a preview of the show in the video posted above.
The Challenge: World Championship is a franchise first pairing a global Mvp with a notable veteran from a previous season of the MTV competition series. The duo will partner up to form an epic team and work together for a shot at winning 500,000.
The Challenge Legends:
Amber Borzotra
Darrell Taylor
Jodi Weatherton
Johnny “Bananas” DeVenanzio
Jonna Stephens
Jordan Wiseley
Kaycee Clark
KellyAnne Judd
Nelson Thomas
Nia Moore
Theo Campbell
Tori Deal
Wes Bergmann
Yes...
The Challenge: World Championship is a franchise first pairing a global Mvp with a notable veteran from a previous season of the MTV competition series. The duo will partner up to form an epic team and work together for a shot at winning 500,000.
The Challenge Legends:
Amber Borzotra
Darrell Taylor
Jodi Weatherton
Johnny “Bananas” DeVenanzio
Jonna Stephens
Jordan Wiseley
Kaycee Clark
KellyAnne Judd
Nelson Thomas
Nia Moore
Theo Campbell
Tori Deal
Wes Bergmann
Yes...
- 2/15/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
The Challenge is going global.
Paramount+ today revealed that the highly anticipated global tournament, The Challenge: World Championship, will premiere on Wednesday, March 8, in the U.S. and Canada.
Fans will be treated to two back-to-back episodes on the premiere date.
The series will debut on the service in the U.K., Latin America, and Australia on Thursday, March 9, and in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and France on Wednesday, March 15.
After intense battles around the globe, The Challenge: World Championship brings together global champions and MVPs from The Challenge: Argentina, The Challenge: Australia, The Challenge: U.K., and The Challenge: USA to represent their countries and battle for the coveted title of Challenge World Champion.
Joining longtime host Tj Lavin to kick off the premiere episode are global hosts Brihony Dawson (Australia), Mark Wright (U.K.), and Marley Biyendolo (Argentina).
"In this 12-part series, each global Mvp will be paired with a Challenge Legend,...
Paramount+ today revealed that the highly anticipated global tournament, The Challenge: World Championship, will premiere on Wednesday, March 8, in the U.S. and Canada.
Fans will be treated to two back-to-back episodes on the premiere date.
The series will debut on the service in the U.K., Latin America, and Australia on Thursday, March 9, and in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and France on Wednesday, March 15.
After intense battles around the globe, The Challenge: World Championship brings together global champions and MVPs from The Challenge: Argentina, The Challenge: Australia, The Challenge: U.K., and The Challenge: USA to represent their countries and battle for the coveted title of Challenge World Champion.
Joining longtime host Tj Lavin to kick off the premiere episode are global hosts Brihony Dawson (Australia), Mark Wright (U.K.), and Marley Biyendolo (Argentina).
"In this 12-part series, each global Mvp will be paired with a Challenge Legend,...
- 1/25/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Exclusive: After four years at Verve, veteran unscripted television agent Bill Thompson has joined Vital Artists Agency, reuniting with former colleague Phil Irven.
At Verve, Thompson launched an unscripted division in 2018 and oversaw that area for the agency. His departure followed the July hire of former ICM agent Andy Stabile as Verve Partner and Head of Unscripted. Thompson met with a couple of companies and went with upstart Vital, which was launched in late 2020 by Rebel Entertainment Partners’ Irven, April Yuan and Cal Boyington. They were joined by veteran unscripted executive Nicole Zien earlier this year.
During his Verve tenure, Thompson built a department that packaged and sold over 100 hours of programming including Pants on Fire (Disney +) American Dreams (Discovery +) and the upcoming USA series Barmageddon with Blake Shelton. On the talent side, Thompson brokered Leah Remini’s seven-figure People Puzzler game show deal and the reboot of Kat Von D’s LA Ink.
At Verve, Thompson launched an unscripted division in 2018 and oversaw that area for the agency. His departure followed the July hire of former ICM agent Andy Stabile as Verve Partner and Head of Unscripted. Thompson met with a couple of companies and went with upstart Vital, which was launched in late 2020 by Rebel Entertainment Partners’ Irven, April Yuan and Cal Boyington. They were joined by veteran unscripted executive Nicole Zien earlier this year.
During his Verve tenure, Thompson built a department that packaged and sold over 100 hours of programming including Pants on Fire (Disney +) American Dreams (Discovery +) and the upcoming USA series Barmageddon with Blake Shelton. On the talent side, Thompson brokered Leah Remini’s seven-figure People Puzzler game show deal and the reboot of Kat Von D’s LA Ink.
- 9/16/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Survivor star Ben Driebergen during The Challenge: USA, Episode 8. Pic credit: Paramount+
One of the stars from The Challenge: USA has recently claimed that their castmate was given a win during the spinoff show, even though they didn’t win in the event.
The latest claims arrived after Episode 8 of the spinoff aired on CBS and featured an emotional storyline for cast member Ben Driebergen.
During the episode, footage presented Ben dealing with some difficult emotions on the anniversary of his Marine Corp friend’s passing.
That led to a sleepless night for the Survivor star, who reflected on the loss during confessional interviews shown during the episode.
It also may have led to a win being gifted to Ben in the daily challenge by production, according to Amazing Race star Leo Temory.
Temory spoke out about losing the event in recent exit interviews and brought it up in comments...
One of the stars from The Challenge: USA has recently claimed that their castmate was given a win during the spinoff show, even though they didn’t win in the event.
The latest claims arrived after Episode 8 of the spinoff aired on CBS and featured an emotional storyline for cast member Ben Driebergen.
During the episode, footage presented Ben dealing with some difficult emotions on the anniversary of his Marine Corp friend’s passing.
That led to a sleepless night for the Survivor star, who reflected on the loss during confessional interviews shown during the episode.
It also may have led to a win being gifted to Ben in the daily challenge by production, according to Amazing Race star Leo Temory.
Temory spoke out about losing the event in recent exit interviews and brought it up in comments...
- 8/28/2022
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
Exclusive: Tonight marks a significant first for Bunim/Murray Productions: its long-running hit The Challenge, which launched 25 years ago on MTV, will debut for the first time on broadcast TV. CBS will follow its summer hit Big Brother with the debut of The Challenge: USA, a spinoff from B/M and MTV Entertainment Studios that features players from CBS’ unscripted lineup of Bb, Survivor, Love Island and The Amazing Race..
And no one is less worried about diluting the franchise than Julie Pizzi, the president of Bunim/Murray who has played an active role in The Challenge‘s expansion since it was first spun off in 1998 from The Real World and Road Rules. Besides its long and successful run on MTV, The Challenge recently launched the all-star edition on Paramount+, a first-ever documentary series The Challenge: Untold History,...
And no one is less worried about diluting the franchise than Julie Pizzi, the president of Bunim/Murray who has played an active role in The Challenge‘s expansion since it was first spun off in 1998 from The Real World and Road Rules. Besides its long and successful run on MTV, The Challenge recently launched the all-star edition on Paramount+, a first-ever documentary series The Challenge: Untold History,...
- 7/6/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Can CBS talent handle “The Challenge” universe? Viewers are about to find out. The network announced the cast of “The Challenge: CBS” on Wednesday, revealing the 28 “fan favorites” from “Survivor,” “Big Brother,” “The Amazing Race” and “Love Island” who will compete on the new show.
This series, which kicks off with a 90-minute premiere, will be hosted by longtime “Challenge” host T.J. Lavin. The cast, which includes three “Survivor” winners, one “Big Brother” winner, one “Amazing Race” winner and one “Love Island” winner, will be put through “the most grueling mental and physical competitions they have ever faced,” according to a press release.
Each reality TV veteran will be begin with 1,000 in their individual accounts, but must battle to keep and increase their reward throughout the season. Each episode features pairs — put together by an algorithm — working to earn money for their accounts by either winning challenges or eliminating others.
This series, which kicks off with a 90-minute premiere, will be hosted by longtime “Challenge” host T.J. Lavin. The cast, which includes three “Survivor” winners, one “Big Brother” winner, one “Amazing Race” winner and one “Love Island” winner, will be put through “the most grueling mental and physical competitions they have ever faced,” according to a press release.
Each reality TV veteran will be begin with 1,000 in their individual accounts, but must battle to keep and increase their reward throughout the season. Each episode features pairs — put together by an algorithm — working to earn money for their accounts by either winning challenges or eliminating others.
- 6/8/2022
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
Big Brother 23 winner Xavier Prather and Survivor victors Tyson Apostol, Ben Driebergen and Sarah Lacina are among the 28 fan favorites who will compete on The Challenge: USA this summer on CBS.
The spinoff of MTV’s hit global franchise features will also feature all-stars from Love Island and The Amazing Race. It will premiere Wednesday, July 6 at 9:30 p.m.
Upon arrival, the players are given 1,000 to start their individual challenge accounts, and must battle to keep and increase their reward. In each episode, an algorithm pairs contestants who will face off to earn money for their accounts by winning challenges or eliminating their opponents.
In addition to the 500,000 cash prize, the cast will be competing for a spot on The Challenge: Global Championship (working title) that will stream exclusively on Paramount.
The players are: Domenick Abbate (Survivor 36); Azah Awasum (BB23); David Alexander; Tasha Fox; Tyson...
The spinoff of MTV’s hit global franchise features will also feature all-stars from Love Island and The Amazing Race. It will premiere Wednesday, July 6 at 9:30 p.m.
Upon arrival, the players are given 1,000 to start their individual challenge accounts, and must battle to keep and increase their reward. In each episode, an algorithm pairs contestants who will face off to earn money for their accounts by winning challenges or eliminating their opponents.
In addition to the 500,000 cash prize, the cast will be competing for a spot on The Challenge: Global Championship (working title) that will stream exclusively on Paramount.
The players are: Domenick Abbate (Survivor 36); Azah Awasum (BB23); David Alexander; Tasha Fox; Tyson...
- 6/8/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Challenge: USA” announced today the 28 CBS reality stars audiences have come to know, love and sometimes hate from “Survivor,” “Big Brother,” “The Amazing Race” and “Love Island” that will compete in the most unpredictable and demanding game they’ve faced yet.
The all-star group headed for this new “Challenge” installment include “Survivor” winners Tyson Apostol, Ben Driebergen and Sarah Lacina, “Big Brother” winner Xavier Prather, “The Amazing Race” winner James Wallington, and “Love Island” winner Justine Ndiba.
Upon arrival, the contestants are given 1,000 to start their individual “Challenge” accounts, and they quickly discover they must battle to keep and increase their awards. In each episode, an algorithm pairs contestants who will face off to earn money for their accounts by winning challenges or eliminating their opponents. High-stakes and high-drama.
Also Read:
‘Big Brother’ Sets July Return for Season 24 on CBS
This will not be an easy task, as they...
The all-star group headed for this new “Challenge” installment include “Survivor” winners Tyson Apostol, Ben Driebergen and Sarah Lacina, “Big Brother” winner Xavier Prather, “The Amazing Race” winner James Wallington, and “Love Island” winner Justine Ndiba.
Upon arrival, the contestants are given 1,000 to start their individual “Challenge” accounts, and they quickly discover they must battle to keep and increase their awards. In each episode, an algorithm pairs contestants who will face off to earn money for their accounts by winning challenges or eliminating their opponents. High-stakes and high-drama.
Also Read:
‘Big Brother’ Sets July Return for Season 24 on CBS
This will not be an easy task, as they...
- 6/8/2022
- by Brandon Katz
- The Wrap
Linda Swain has been appointed the vice president of membership and outreach for the Television Academy, the body responsible for the annual Emmy Awards.
Swain will be the first person to serve in the position, after the Academy created it as part of the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals. In this role, Swain will be responsible for spearheading programs and initiatives to boost membership engagement, boosting the diversity and cultural inclusivity of the overall membership and leading outreach and recruitment of individuals and organizations that can provide diverse perspectives for the Television Academy.
Swain joins the Television Academy from Velocity Frequent Flyer, Virgin Australia’s airline loyalty program, where she lead strategic marketing plans for consumer partners. She has also held marketing executive positions at American Express Australia, Cch Publishing and Westpac Banking Corporation.
“We are thrilled to have Linda on board to guide our membership team,” Frank Scherma,...
Swain will be the first person to serve in the position, after the Academy created it as part of the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals. In this role, Swain will be responsible for spearheading programs and initiatives to boost membership engagement, boosting the diversity and cultural inclusivity of the overall membership and leading outreach and recruitment of individuals and organizations that can provide diverse perspectives for the Television Academy.
Swain joins the Television Academy from Velocity Frequent Flyer, Virgin Australia’s airline loyalty program, where she lead strategic marketing plans for consumer partners. She has also held marketing executive positions at American Express Australia, Cch Publishing and Westpac Banking Corporation.
“We are thrilled to have Linda on board to guide our membership team,” Frank Scherma,...
- 5/31/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
CBS will pair its long-running franchise Big Brother this summer with The Challenge: USA, a spinoff of MTV’s hugely successful IP.
Both shows will premiere on Wednesday, July 6. Bb opens the night with a 90-minute episode at 8 p.m., followed by the 90-minute premiere of the previously announced Challenge spinoff. The latter reality show will bring together fan favorites from CBS reality shows like Survivor, Bb, The Amazing Race and Love Island to “compete in one of the most unpredictable and demanding games of their lives, living in a constant state of paranoia and unable to trust anyone but themselves,” according to the network.
Following its premiere, The Challenge: USA will air Wednesdays at 9 p.m. Et. In addition to the 500,000 prize, the cast will be competing for a spot on The Challenge: World Championship (working title) that will stream on Paramount+. T.J. Lavin serves as host while Julie Pizzi...
Both shows will premiere on Wednesday, July 6. Bb opens the night with a 90-minute episode at 8 p.m., followed by the 90-minute premiere of the previously announced Challenge spinoff. The latter reality show will bring together fan favorites from CBS reality shows like Survivor, Bb, The Amazing Race and Love Island to “compete in one of the most unpredictable and demanding games of their lives, living in a constant state of paranoia and unable to trust anyone but themselves,” according to the network.
Following its premiere, The Challenge: USA will air Wednesdays at 9 p.m. Et. In addition to the 500,000 prize, the cast will be competing for a spot on The Challenge: World Championship (working title) that will stream on Paramount+. T.J. Lavin serves as host while Julie Pizzi...
- 5/31/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Another round of fan favorites are back to compete on “The Challenge: All Stars.”
A first look at the upcoming season of the series, which you can watch above, promises a fierce competition, as this is the first time that all the contestants were required to have qualified for or won the finals.
The new season will reignite old rivalries and even spark a few new ones as these contestants come back to get another shot at their share of 500,000. T.J. Lavin hosts.
Here is a list of all the contestants for Season 3 of “The Challenge: All Stars”:
Brad Fiorenza: 10 Challenges – 1 Win, 3 Finals / 1 All StarsCynthia Roberts: 2 Challenges – 1 WinDarrell Taylor: 9 Challenges – 4 Wins / 2 All Stars – 2 FinalsDerrick Kosinski: 10 Challenges – 3 Wins, 2 FinalsJemmye Carroll: 7 Challenges – 1 Final / 2 All Stars – 1 FinalJonna Mannion: 5 Challenges / 2 All Stars – 1 Win, 1 FinalJordan Wisely: 6 Challenges – 3 Wins, 1 FinalKailah Casillas: 5 Challenges – 1 FinalKellyAnne Judd: 4 Challenges – 1 Final / 1 All Stars, 1 FinalKendal Sheppard: 1 Challenge – 1 Win / 2 All StarsLaterrian...
A first look at the upcoming season of the series, which you can watch above, promises a fierce competition, as this is the first time that all the contestants were required to have qualified for or won the finals.
The new season will reignite old rivalries and even spark a few new ones as these contestants come back to get another shot at their share of 500,000. T.J. Lavin hosts.
Here is a list of all the contestants for Season 3 of “The Challenge: All Stars”:
Brad Fiorenza: 10 Challenges – 1 Win, 3 Finals / 1 All StarsCynthia Roberts: 2 Challenges – 1 WinDarrell Taylor: 9 Challenges – 4 Wins / 2 All Stars – 2 FinalsDerrick Kosinski: 10 Challenges – 3 Wins, 2 FinalsJemmye Carroll: 7 Challenges – 1 Final / 2 All Stars – 1 FinalJonna Mannion: 5 Challenges / 2 All Stars – 1 Win, 1 FinalJordan Wisely: 6 Challenges – 3 Wins, 1 FinalKailah Casillas: 5 Challenges – 1 FinalKellyAnne Judd: 4 Challenges – 1 Final / 1 All Stars, 1 FinalKendal Sheppard: 1 Challenge – 1 Win / 2 All StarsLaterrian...
- 4/20/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
The Challenge: All Stars has scored a second-season renewal at Paramount+, which also revealed the season’s premiere date and contestants set to return for the competition show.
Set to drop Thursday, November 11 exclusively on Paramount+, The Challenge: All Stars Season 2 will welcome back 24 cast members from the show’s long history, including players who haven’t competed in more that 20 years. With past relationships that run deep and competitive streaks that never die, they will have to overcome the obstacles both in and out of the game to take home the win. The players will face over-the-top challenges for a shot at the $500,000 grand prize. Tj Lavin is set to host.
Contestants set to appear are Ayanna Mackins, Brad Fiorenza, Casey Cooper, Cohutta Grindstaff, Darrell Taylor, Derek Chavez, Derrick Kosinski, Janelle Casanave, Jasmin Reynaud, Jodi Weatherton, Jonna Mannion, Katie Doyle, Kendal Darnell, Laterrian Wallace, Leah Gillingwater, Melinda Collins, Mj Garrett,...
Set to drop Thursday, November 11 exclusively on Paramount+, The Challenge: All Stars Season 2 will welcome back 24 cast members from the show’s long history, including players who haven’t competed in more that 20 years. With past relationships that run deep and competitive streaks that never die, they will have to overcome the obstacles both in and out of the game to take home the win. The players will face over-the-top challenges for a shot at the $500,000 grand prize. Tj Lavin is set to host.
Contestants set to appear are Ayanna Mackins, Brad Fiorenza, Casey Cooper, Cohutta Grindstaff, Darrell Taylor, Derek Chavez, Derrick Kosinski, Janelle Casanave, Jasmin Reynaud, Jodi Weatherton, Jonna Mannion, Katie Doyle, Kendal Darnell, Laterrian Wallace, Leah Gillingwater, Melinda Collins, Mj Garrett,...
- 10/13/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
MTV’s long-running reality competition program “The Challenge” will debut an “All Stars” season on ViacomCBS’ new streaming service Paramount Plus on April 1.
Additionally, this upcoming new season will also bring after show “The Challenge: Aftermath,” which is set to provide a behind-the-scenes look at everything from the challenges to eliminations and inside-the-house drama. This after show is hosted by “Real World” and “The Challenge” alumnus Devyn Simone and will be available to stream on Paramount Plus and on “The Challenge” YouTube channel.
The new nine-episode season will feature 22 returning “Challenge” competitors — yes, an entire season of true veterans — some of whom have just been seen on the most recent season, “The Challenge: Double Agents” on MTV, and some of whom are making their grand return after years away, all competing for a $500,000 grand prize.
“The Challenge: All Stars” cast includes Ruthie Alcaide, Ace Amerson, Eric “Big Easy” Banks, Trishelle Cannatella,...
Additionally, this upcoming new season will also bring after show “The Challenge: Aftermath,” which is set to provide a behind-the-scenes look at everything from the challenges to eliminations and inside-the-house drama. This after show is hosted by “Real World” and “The Challenge” alumnus Devyn Simone and will be available to stream on Paramount Plus and on “The Challenge” YouTube channel.
The new nine-episode season will feature 22 returning “Challenge” competitors — yes, an entire season of true veterans — some of whom have just been seen on the most recent season, “The Challenge: Double Agents” on MTV, and some of whom are making their grand return after years away, all competing for a $500,000 grand prize.
“The Challenge: All Stars” cast includes Ruthie Alcaide, Ace Amerson, Eric “Big Easy” Banks, Trishelle Cannatella,...
- 3/16/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount+ released the first trailer for “The Challenge: All Stars” on Tuesday, revealing the full cast of competitors returning to the MTV franchise, some after more than a decade away.
Among the old fan-favorites who will compete for the $500,000 grand prize are Katie Cooley, Mark Long, Nehemiah Clark, Ruthie Alcaide, Beth Stolarczyk and Trishelle Cannatella. See the full list of 22 cast members below.
Hosted by Tj Lavin, “The Challenge: All Stars” is a nine-episode limited series spinoff of MTV’s long-running “The Challenge.” The series will debut new episodes weekly on Paramount+ starting Thursday April 1, joining the currently streaming “Real World” revival series and the upcoming “Road Rules” reboot.
Paramount+ will also launch “The Challenge: Aftermath,” an aftershow hosted by “Challenge” vet Devyn Simone.
“The Challenge: All Stars” was created for MTV by Bunim/Murray Productions. Julie Pizzi, Justin Booth and Mark Long serve as executive producers, alongside Jack Reifert as co-executive producer.
Among the old fan-favorites who will compete for the $500,000 grand prize are Katie Cooley, Mark Long, Nehemiah Clark, Ruthie Alcaide, Beth Stolarczyk and Trishelle Cannatella. See the full list of 22 cast members below.
Hosted by Tj Lavin, “The Challenge: All Stars” is a nine-episode limited series spinoff of MTV’s long-running “The Challenge.” The series will debut new episodes weekly on Paramount+ starting Thursday April 1, joining the currently streaming “Real World” revival series and the upcoming “Road Rules” reboot.
Paramount+ will also launch “The Challenge: Aftermath,” an aftershow hosted by “Challenge” vet Devyn Simone.
“The Challenge: All Stars” was created for MTV by Bunim/Murray Productions. Julie Pizzi, Justin Booth and Mark Long serve as executive producers, alongside Jack Reifert as co-executive producer.
- 3/16/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Exclusive: MTV’s hit unscripted series The Challenge will keep going. The ViacomCBS cable network has picked up the venerable athletic competition series for a record 36th season.
The news comes as the current installment, The Challenge: Total Madness, is pacing to be the franchise’s highest-rated season in eight years, with total viewership up 10% (1.51 mil vs. 1.39 mil) and P18-49 averaging a 1.61 rating in Live+3.
The Challenge also has been key to MTV maintaining its spot as the #1 cable network among P18-34 with 2 of the top 3 cable series — The Challenge (#2) and Jersey Shore Family Vacation (#3).
In The Challenge: Total Madness, veterans team up with rookie prospects from franchises including Big Brother, Amazing Race, American Ninja Warrior and Survivor to go though grueling challenges and brutal eliminations. In the July 16 Season 35 finale, nine finalists compete for their share of the $1,000,000 prize.
The season will be followed in the near...
The news comes as the current installment, The Challenge: Total Madness, is pacing to be the franchise’s highest-rated season in eight years, with total viewership up 10% (1.51 mil vs. 1.39 mil) and P18-49 averaging a 1.61 rating in Live+3.
The Challenge also has been key to MTV maintaining its spot as the #1 cable network among P18-34 with 2 of the top 3 cable series — The Challenge (#2) and Jersey Shore Family Vacation (#3).
In The Challenge: Total Madness, veterans team up with rookie prospects from franchises including Big Brother, Amazing Race, American Ninja Warrior and Survivor to go though grueling challenges and brutal eliminations. In the July 16 Season 35 finale, nine finalists compete for their share of the $1,000,000 prize.
The season will be followed in the near...
- 7/9/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
After two years away from “The Challenge” franchise, director of photography Jason “Ninja” Williams returned for the landmark 35th season of the MTV reality competition. The third in a trilogy of increasingly intense physical competitions, the season, subtitled “Total Madness,” was a post-apocalyptic theme that saw the players living in an underground bunker and tasked Williams and his team to make it feel like the outside world around them was completely gone.
How does the theme drive the shot style you want your operators to employ?
Through the years I’ve learned you have to follow the theme, otherwise your visual map won’t work. Also you have to make the people look and feel like they belong on this set, and make the set feel like it belongs with these people. And we have different people every season. You can’t use super slow motion all the time; you...
How does the theme drive the shot style you want your operators to employ?
Through the years I’ve learned you have to follow the theme, otherwise your visual map won’t work. Also you have to make the people look and feel like they belong on this set, and make the set feel like it belongs with these people. And we have different people every season. You can’t use super slow motion all the time; you...
- 6/23/2020
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Verve continues to build out its unscripted division, adding veteran reality TV producers Sean Travis and Justin Booth to its client roster.
Travis, best known for executive producing MTV’s hit docuseries The Hills and The City, directed early seasons of MTV’s The Real World. He produced the first Beastie Boys music video which helped launch the band’s career. On the film side, Travis won the Best Director award at the AFI Film Fest for his first feature film, The Week That Girl Died.
Travis expanded his producing and directing slate to include larger-scale competition reality series including ABC’s The Mole with Anderson Cooper, Celebrity Mole, The Rebel Billionaire with Richard Branson and more recently CBS’ Hunted. He also has been executive producer-showrunner for a slate of docuseries including Fox’s The Princes of Malibu, MTV’s The Hills, The City, Wait til Next Year and Siesta Key,...
Travis, best known for executive producing MTV’s hit docuseries The Hills and The City, directed early seasons of MTV’s The Real World. He produced the first Beastie Boys music video which helped launch the band’s career. On the film side, Travis won the Best Director award at the AFI Film Fest for his first feature film, The Week That Girl Died.
Travis expanded his producing and directing slate to include larger-scale competition reality series including ABC’s The Mole with Anderson Cooper, Celebrity Mole, The Rebel Billionaire with Richard Branson and more recently CBS’ Hunted. He also has been executive producer-showrunner for a slate of docuseries including Fox’s The Princes of Malibu, MTV’s The Hills, The City, Wait til Next Year and Siesta Key,...
- 5/13/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
MTV’s ‘The Challenge: Total Madness’ Season 35 Premiere Scores Highest Ratings In Years In Key Demos
Exclusive: MTV’s The Challenge: Total Madness‘ Season 35 premiere Wednesday saw its highest ratings in years in two key demos.
The hit athletic competition show, which pits 28 cast members against one another in a quest for a $1 million prize, drew a 1.14 rating in P18-49, its best premiere showing in eight years, and a 1.27 rating in P18-34, the highest in seven years, in Live+Sd.
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The premiere episode at 8 Pm Et saw its biggest lifts in M18-49 (+71%) and M18-34 (+69%), perhaps reflecting a void in sports programming during the Covid-19 pandemic. Total viewers were 1.06 million, up 47% from last season’s average (726k). Wednesday’s night...
The hit athletic competition show, which pits 28 cast members against one another in a quest for a $1 million prize, drew a 1.14 rating in P18-49, its best premiere showing in eight years, and a 1.27 rating in P18-34, the highest in seven years, in Live+Sd.
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The premiere episode at 8 Pm Et saw its biggest lifts in M18-49 (+71%) and M18-34 (+69%), perhaps reflecting a void in sports programming during the Covid-19 pandemic. Total viewers were 1.06 million, up 47% from last season’s average (726k). Wednesday’s night...
- 4/2/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix is dropping new episodes of “Nailed It!” in April and Quibi released the official trailer for “Murder House Flip.”
Dates
Netflix is dropping Season 4 of “Nailed It!” on Wednesday, April 1. The show, hosted by Nicole Byer and Jacques Torres, follows home-bakers, who have a poor track record in the kitchen, as they take a shot at re-creating edible masterpieces for a $10,000 prize. The show is produced by Magical Elves with Casey Kriley, Patrick Doody and Gayle Gawlowski serving as executive producers. Watch the official trailer of the upcoming Season 4 below.
First Looks
Quibi has released the official trailer of “Murder House Flip.” The unconventional new home renovation show takes on the country’s most infamous homes in which there have been mysterious murders. Homeowners turn to high-end renovation experts, Mikel Welch and Joelle Uzyel, to take these homes from “morbid to marvelous.” “Murder...
Dates
Netflix is dropping Season 4 of “Nailed It!” on Wednesday, April 1. The show, hosted by Nicole Byer and Jacques Torres, follows home-bakers, who have a poor track record in the kitchen, as they take a shot at re-creating edible masterpieces for a $10,000 prize. The show is produced by Magical Elves with Casey Kriley, Patrick Doody and Gayle Gawlowski serving as executive producers. Watch the official trailer of the upcoming Season 4 below.
First Looks
Quibi has released the official trailer of “Murder House Flip.” The unconventional new home renovation show takes on the country’s most infamous homes in which there have been mysterious murders. Homeowners turn to high-end renovation experts, Mikel Welch and Joelle Uzyel, to take these homes from “morbid to marvelous.” “Murder...
- 3/18/2020
- by Klaritza Rico
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, MTV announced the premiere date and cast for the 35th season of “The Challenge,” and the CW announces premiere dates for three summer shows.
Casting
MTV has revealed the lineup for season 35 of the reality-competition series “The Challenge,” dubbed “The Challenge: Total Madness.” To commemorate the landmark season, the 28-member cast features a mix of series veterans and newcomers competing in challenges for a million-dollar prize. Among the veterans are Mattie Breaux, Tula “Big T” Fazakerley and Jennifer West, each back for their second-ever challenge; third-time challengers Josh Martinez, Dee Nguyen, Melissa Reeves, Rogan O’Connor and Stephen Bear; fourth-time challenger Tori Deal; fifth-time challengers Kailah Casillas and Kyle Christie; sixth-time challengers Nelson Thomas and Jordan Wisely; seventh-time challengers Ashley Mitchell and Cory Wharton; and eighth-time challenger Jenna Compono. Additionally, mega-veterans such as 13-time challengers Aneesa Ferreira and Wes Bergmann, 17-time challenger Ct Tamburello; and Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio,...
Casting
MTV has revealed the lineup for season 35 of the reality-competition series “The Challenge,” dubbed “The Challenge: Total Madness.” To commemorate the landmark season, the 28-member cast features a mix of series veterans and newcomers competing in challenges for a million-dollar prize. Among the veterans are Mattie Breaux, Tula “Big T” Fazakerley and Jennifer West, each back for their second-ever challenge; third-time challengers Josh Martinez, Dee Nguyen, Melissa Reeves, Rogan O’Connor and Stephen Bear; fourth-time challenger Tori Deal; fifth-time challengers Kailah Casillas and Kyle Christie; sixth-time challengers Nelson Thomas and Jordan Wisely; seventh-time challengers Ashley Mitchell and Cory Wharton; and eighth-time challenger Jenna Compono. Additionally, mega-veterans such as 13-time challengers Aneesa Ferreira and Wes Bergmann, 17-time challenger Ct Tamburello; and Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio,...
- 3/5/2020
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
The debut of The Challenge: War of the Worlds 2, the 34th season in MTV’s long-running reality franchise, delivered the franchise’s highest premiere demo ratings in years. Last night’s season opener logged a 0.85 rating in P18-49 in Live+same day, the best season premiere rating in six years in the demo, and a 0.98 in P18-34, its best season premiere rating in five years in the demo.
Wednesday’s night’s 0.85 in P18-49 is up 7% versus the prior season premiere, the opener of The Challenge: War of the Worlds in February (0.79), and up 2% vs. the season average for War of the Worlds (0.83), which was the highest in seven years in 18-49 (Live+3). Among P18-34, Wednesday night’s 0.98 rating is up 9% versus the prior season premiere (0.90) and up 5% versus the full prior season average (0.93). Total viewers were 886,000, up 2% from last season’s average (865k).
Last season...
Wednesday’s night’s 0.85 in P18-49 is up 7% versus the prior season premiere, the opener of The Challenge: War of the Worlds in February (0.79), and up 2% vs. the season average for War of the Worlds (0.83), which was the highest in seven years in 18-49 (Live+3). Among P18-34, Wednesday night’s 0.98 rating is up 9% versus the prior season premiere (0.90) and up 5% versus the full prior season average (0.93). Total viewers were 886,000, up 2% from last season’s average (865k).
Last season...
- 8/29/2019
- by Denise Petski and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The Challenge: War of the Worlds season finale was a ratings win for MTV. The final episode, which saw Turabi “Turbo” Camkiran, a two-time Survivor Turkey winner, walk away with the $750,000 grand prize, drew 1.04 million viewers and a 1.0 rating in Live+ same day. That makes it the highest-rated episode of The Challenge since the finale of Rivals II in 2013 (1.23).
Among P18-49, the War of the Worlds full season (0.83) out-performed the prior season Vendettas by +15% (0.72). It also was the highest-rated season of The Challenge in six years (1.02) in the demo, since Rivals II in summer 2013.
Love Island alum Theo Campbell nabbed the $200,000 second prize, and longtime challenger Wes Bergmann took home $50,000.
In The Challenge,: War of the Worlds, veterans teamed up with rookie prospects from franchises including The Bachelor, Big Brother, Love Island, Survivor, American Ninja Warrior, UK series Geordie Shore and Ex on the Beach, and Floribama Shore.
Among P18-49, the War of the Worlds full season (0.83) out-performed the prior season Vendettas by +15% (0.72). It also was the highest-rated season of The Challenge in six years (1.02) in the demo, since Rivals II in summer 2013.
Love Island alum Theo Campbell nabbed the $200,000 second prize, and longtime challenger Wes Bergmann took home $50,000.
In The Challenge,: War of the Worlds, veterans teamed up with rookie prospects from franchises including The Bachelor, Big Brother, Love Island, Survivor, American Ninja Warrior, UK series Geordie Shore and Ex on the Beach, and Floribama Shore.
- 5/24/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Thirty-three seasons into MTV’s “The Challenge,” the reality competition series has spawned a band of traveling producers and engineers who fly around the world to create one-of-a-kind games. This includes placing cameras, smoke elements and a puzzle inside a plane that was suspended more than 30 feet above water.
Executive producer Justin Booth joined “The Challenge” in 2003 and wanted to take it on “an international adventure,” he says. To do so, he and his colleagues started out by finding local crew in whatever country they were filming in that season. But some members kept getting invited back, despite the need to fly them to the new location.
“A lot of the things that we endeavor to do are never done before,” says Booth, “and that can be overwhelming for people. So I need strong personalities who don’t get flustered and have a work ethic and unflappable attitude.”
That includes...
Executive producer Justin Booth joined “The Challenge” in 2003 and wanted to take it on “an international adventure,” he says. To do so, he and his colleagues started out by finding local crew in whatever country they were filming in that season. But some members kept getting invited back, despite the need to fly them to the new location.
“A lot of the things that we endeavor to do are never done before,” says Booth, “and that can be overwhelming for people. So I need strong personalities who don’t get flustered and have a work ethic and unflappable attitude.”
That includes...
- 5/21/2019
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
The latest episode of MTV’s “The Challenge: War of the Worlds” has earned the franchise its highest-rated episode since 2013.
The episode pulled a 1.55 rating among adults under 50 with three days of delayed viewing factored in, according to Nielsen, making it the highest-rated installment in the “Challenge” franchise since 2013’s “Rivals II” nearly 10 seasons ago.
Aired on Wednesday, Feb. 13, the second episode of the season saw a key player, last season’s champ Ashley Mitchell, as well as her teammate, former “Bachelorette” suitor Chase McNary, eliminated from the competition.
Also Read: MTV Orders 'Jersey Shore' Dating Series Starring Vinny and Pauly D
It also marked a five percent increase in the demo over the Feb. 6 season premiere.
The 33rd season of the long-running competition series has seen longtime veterans team up with rookie prospects from franchises including “The Bachelor,” “Big Brother,” “Love Island,” “Survivor” “American Ninja Warrior” as...
The episode pulled a 1.55 rating among adults under 50 with three days of delayed viewing factored in, according to Nielsen, making it the highest-rated installment in the “Challenge” franchise since 2013’s “Rivals II” nearly 10 seasons ago.
Aired on Wednesday, Feb. 13, the second episode of the season saw a key player, last season’s champ Ashley Mitchell, as well as her teammate, former “Bachelorette” suitor Chase McNary, eliminated from the competition.
Also Read: MTV Orders 'Jersey Shore' Dating Series Starring Vinny and Pauly D
It also marked a five percent increase in the demo over the Feb. 6 season premiere.
The 33rd season of the long-running competition series has seen longtime veterans team up with rookie prospects from franchises including “The Bachelor,” “Big Brother,” “Love Island,” “Survivor” “American Ninja Warrior” as...
- 2/19/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Complete list of winners and nominees of the 2014 Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles at the Staples Center on Sunday February 8. Winners will be updated as they're announced during the telecast and pre-telecast. Record Of The Year “Fancy,” Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli Xcx “Chandelier,” Sia **Winner** “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version),” Sam Smith “Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift “All About That Bass,” Meghan Trainor Album Of The Year **Winner** “Morning Phase,” Beck “Beyoncé,” Beyoncé “X,” Ed Sheeran “In The Lonely Hour,” Sam Smith “Girl,” Pharrell Williams Song Of The Year “All About That Bass,” Kevin Kadish & Meghan Trainor, songwriters (Meghan Trainor) “Chandelier,” Sia Furler & Jesse Shatkin, songwriters (Sia) “Shake It Off,” Max Martin, Shellback & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift) **Winner** “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version),” James Napier, William Phillips & Sam Smith, songwriters (Sam Smith) “Take Me To Church,” Andrew Hozier-Byrne, songwriter (Hozier) Best New Artist Iggy Azalea Bastille Brandy Clark...
- 2/8/2015
- by Donna Dickens
- Hitfix
Stephen Rivers, a veteran independent PR consultant with highly placed clients in entertainment and politics, died early Tuesday after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was 55.
Rivers' work occasionally straddled communities in Hollywood and Washington and included more than two dozen trips to Cuba with actors and directors who sought his help navigating rules governing research trips. A highlight saw Rivers accompany Benicio Del Toro to Havana in 2008 for a Havana Film Festival screening of the movie "Che."
Jordan's Queen Rania Al Abdullah numbered among his clients. Rivers was active in state and national Democratic Party campaigns but also enjoyed close relationships with Republicans including Arnold Schwarzenegger. He served as family spokesperson for the California governor and wife Maria Shriver.
"Stephen was a great human being -- one of the best," Schwarzenegger and Shriver said. "What made him so special was his total grasp of his craft, whether it was the entertainment world,...
Rivers' work occasionally straddled communities in Hollywood and Washington and included more than two dozen trips to Cuba with actors and directors who sought his help navigating rules governing research trips. A highlight saw Rivers accompany Benicio Del Toro to Havana in 2008 for a Havana Film Festival screening of the movie "Che."
Jordan's Queen Rania Al Abdullah numbered among his clients. Rivers was active in state and national Democratic Party campaigns but also enjoyed close relationships with Republicans including Arnold Schwarzenegger. He served as family spokesperson for the California governor and wife Maria Shriver.
"Stephen was a great human being -- one of the best," Schwarzenegger and Shriver said. "What made him so special was his total grasp of his craft, whether it was the entertainment world,...
- 6/8/2010
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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