NBC is getting further into the family game-show business.
The network has give a straight-to-series order to Endemol USA's Wall of Fame, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Each of the eight hourlong episodes of the series will feature one family winning money if they can not only answer pop culture trivia questions correctly but can also guess whether members of the celebrity "wall of fame" delivered the correct answers to those same questions.
"This series offers something for everyone in a unique game show format that rewards families who know their pop culture trivia," NBC president of alternative and late-night programming Paul Telegdy said. "Our celebrities will add an extra element of surprise as they too will have their knowledge tested -- providing a high potential for many unpredictable and raucous answers."
Endemol USA (Wipeout, 1 vs. 100, Dating in the Dark) has a successful track record for producing game shows. The production company previously developed Deal or No Deal based on the international format aired in more than 50 countries and aired on NBC for four seasons, consistently ranking as one of NBC's highest-rated shows.
"With its dramatic game play and celebrities supplying a steady stream of comedy, Wall of Fame has the ingredients to be the next hit," said David Goldberg, chairman and CEO of Endemol North America. "It isn't enough for families to know the correct answer to pop culture trivia questions. In order to win big money, contestants need to predict which of our eclectic panel of celebrities also knows the correct answer. Audiences will be constantly amused and surprised by our celebrity's answers. It's the classic case of 'you can't always judge a book by its cover.'"
For NBC, the order comes as it prepares to launch Hollywood Game Night on Thursday. The unscripted series from Sean Hayes' production company features host Jane Lynch overseeing a group of celebrities and contestants playing for prizes. The network in the fall will bow Million Second Quiz, with American Idol's Ryan Seacrest near a deal to host the 24-hour live competition series.
E-mail: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit
