‘Fear Factor,’ ‘Wipeout’ Makeovers in the Works at Endemol Shine Following Success of ‘Deal or No Deal Island’ (EXCLUSIVE)
variety.comMichael Schneider Variety Editor at Large When NBC recently resurrected its long-dormant “Deal or No Deal,” it came with a new format: “Deal or No Deal Island.” The game show was originally a “shiny floor” in-studio contest where players had to guess how much money was inside a large briefcase.
The updated iteration takes things outdoors, raising the stakes by adding interpersonal dynamics, physical challenges and survival to the mix.
At producer Endemol Shine North America, they call adding a fresh spin to existing IP the “ESNA twist.” And it’s become a hallmark for CEO Sharon Levy, who took over the shingle — part of Banijay Americas — a little more than a year ago. “I’m not a fan of a straight-up reboot without a reason for being,” Levy says. “You need to give them a reason to watch.
And it has to feel of the moment. Development is probably always my first true love. It’s how I started and as much as I love making things, I love cracking them ahead of time.
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