Chris Hardwick
Like 'Price Is Right' game Plinko, the competition will feature a combination of trivia and a ball falling down a ruthless wall of pegs.
Chris Hardwick continues to expand his hosting duties. The @midnight and Talking Dead personality has signed on to host and executive produce NBC's latest play in the game show space, The Wall.
Also produced by LeBron James’ and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Entertainment and Glassman Media, the series features two-person teams vying for "life-changing amounts of cash" that will either be won or lost based on answers to trivia questions — and the bounce of a ball.
Initially a 10-episode order, The Wall's ball element comes into play on a wall made up of a field of pegs — think Plinko on The Price is Right — with the game pieces careening towards slots marked with different monetary values.
"I love game shows, and partnering with LeBron James and NBC to potentially give away millions of dollars to people who deserve it is an incredible opportunity," said Hardwick. "I’m sorry, NBC, I’m hoping to give away a lot of your money."
As for James, the executive producer and NBA star (who's amassing quite a TV roster under his SpringHill banner) had this to say: "I’m excited about this series because it’s different than anything on TV right now. It’s got everything — excitement, drama and action — and it’s something the entire family can watch and root for together. I believe Chris Hardwick brings all of that together in a really entertaining way that people will enjoy. For SpringHill Entertainment, it’s about creating quality and innovative content for all types of audiences, and I’m proud of the exciting projects we continue to be a part of."
Like many aspirational-focused reality orders of the last few years, the network is going after "deserving competitors" — with a rundown of examples including a close father-daughter duo and a churchgoer and the pedestrian she donated her car to. "The Wall is a bit like life, it rewards people who are both smart and lucky," said NBC Entertainment president of alternative and late night programming Paul Telegdy. "It’s a game that’s had us on the edge of our seats, and Chris Hardwick is a brilliantly witty and warm host."
Under Telegdy, who boasts the highest-rated reality show on TV in The Voice, NBC has been on a buying spree in the unscripted game. The next year alone will see it add a Spartan Race competition from American Ninja Warriors producers, a live spin on Law & Order with You the Jury and fitness competition Strong.
The Wall was developed by Glassman Media in conjunction with CORE Media. No premiere date has been set.
