Spike TV announced today that it is collaborating with the co-creator of “The Amazing Race” to develop a reality show for Bellator Fighting Championships. The one hour unscripted show is set to debut in 2013 and feature Bellator fighters.
The network will work with Bertram van Munster, an eight-time Emmy Award winner most famously known for co-creating the widely popular “The Amazing Race.” The concept of the show is being withheld at this time.
Payout Perspective:
This should be very helpful for Bellator when it comes to Spike TV in 2013 when introducing its fighters to a broader audience. The concept of the reality series is a smart move because not only does it appeal to MMA fans, it could attract some crossover appeal. The partnership with van Munster does not mean that the Bellator fighters will be racing around the world (although that would be fun to watch), but it means that Spike is making sure that the show is done well and produced by a veteran with a good track record.
Interesting, especially considering Bjorn Rebney just said on either The MMA Hour or MMAWeekly radio that they currently weren’t looking into a reality show.
It could be something Spike is pushing. I am curious as to what the concept will be.
Imagine if they produce a show which is better and watched by more people than TUF?!
Shouldn’t be that hard to achieve!
Things just got interesting.
Viacom is in a serious position to hurt the UFC. Especially if they build a brand that focuses on free programming.
If they use the tired formula of a “house” with “prospects,” forget it. There’s no reason to watch. If they did something where they follow a group of individual prospects from the US, Canada, Brazil and Asia and show how they work their way toward a debut in Bellator, it could be fascinating.
If you’ve ever watched Overeem’s documentary “The Reem,” imagine that with some guys who are fighting their way toward a shot at the big time. Not in some “house” with a bunch of other guys who don’t have to work for a living while trying to make a go of it. Real guys who balance jobs, families, lack of insurance, whatever while trying to hone skills, find fights, and impress the matchmakers.
Anything but a retread of TUF’s stale un-reality, in other words.