LOS ANGELES, Sept. 28 — Spike TV announces today a new, distinctive slate of non-scripted original pilots covering a broad spectrum of themes including action, comedy, and factual entertainment, from some of the most successful producers in television and film. The pilots in development feature deadly warriors, treasure hunters, a scientific exploration of death, terror survival tips and an elaborate, high-octane hoax.
“Our development slate represents the wide scope of guys’ interests, presented in an authentic way that only Spike can provide,” said Sharon Levy, senior vice president, development, Spike TV.
Spike TV has partnered with some of the most successful producers and production companies in Hollywood and the UK for its new pilot slate. This list includes Thom Beers, behind two of cable’s top series, “Ice Road Truckers” and “Deadliest Catch;” 44 Blue who produced “Survive This!” and “Lockup;” Tom DeSanto, who served as producer for the mega-blockbuster theatricals “Transformers” and “X-Men;” and Ricochet, producer of “Supernanny.”
Spike TV’s original non-scripted pilot slate includes:
“1000 WAYS TO DIE”
Did you know that 107 people die every minute? Why are we so fascinated with death? This fast-paced show will be a voyeuristic journey into the real ways in which people die.
Production: Thom Beers Original Productions (“Deadliest Catch,” “Ice
Road Truckers”)
“CAUGHT IN THE ACTION”
Each week, friends set up their unsuspecting friends to be placed in the center of their own action movie. From bar room brawls, to car chases, to hostage negotiations, “Caught in the Action” places people in the middle of an elaborate high-octane hoax.
Producer: Hallock Healey Entertainment (“Scare Tactics”) Eps Scott Hallock, Kevin Healey
“THE DEADLIEST WARRIOR”
Who is the Deadliest Warrior of all time? Each week this series examines two groups of the world’s most lethal men in a historical and action-packed narrative. From their weapons, to their armor, even what they had available to eat at the time, “Deadliest Warrior” will take an in-depth look at the most feared men on the planet. Each episode will culminate by actually pitting the warriors against each other in a computerized battle that will calculate a winner using the latest in CG technology.
Production: Gary Tarpanian and Paninee Theeranuntawat of Morningstar Entertainment (“Battlegrounds: The Art or War,” “Jesse James: Legend, Outlaw, Terrorist”)
“DECLASSIFIED”
From U.S. Navy Seals to Green Berets to Delta Force, these highly trained special operation American military teams conduct “top secret” missions in the most hostile environments imaginable. These missions have been classified top secret — until now! “Declassified” is a primetime television series that captures the drama and heroic spirit of some of the most daring U.S. Special Ops missions ever conducted. Each one-hour episode will feature one mission, played out in a hybrid mix of scripted action and documentary storytelling.
Production: Production: 44 Blue Productions and Tom DeSanto Productions / EPs Tom DeSanto (“Transformers,” “X-Men”), Rasha Drachkovitch (“Survive This!,” “Lockup”)
“DIVE FOR TREASURE”
Greed and obsession collide as a rag-tag crew of treasure hunters hit the open ocean in search of their riches, with former Marines as escorts.
Production: Ricochet Television (“Supernanny”) EPs Nick Powell, Nick Emerson
“SURVIVING TERROR”
Is New York City prepared for a nuclear attack? Are you and your family safe from biological weapons? In today’s America, it’s important to know how to survive terror. From escape routes, to shelter building, to what to eat during a nuclear winter, this series is a survivalist’s look at how Americans can arm themselves with knowledge that could save their lives in the event of a terrorist attack.
Production: Wall to Wall Media (“Frontier House,” “Spymaster,” “Joe Millionaire UK,” “Ancient Egyptians,” “Smallpox”) EPs Alex Graham, Jonathan Hewes
Spike TV is available in 93.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.
*all above are working titles
SOURCE Spike TV