TV and Movies

[keri]

(Source: tvseriesfinale.com)

TV Land is bringing Candid Camera back to television. The cable channel has made a deal to rebbot the hidden camera series with a 10 episode order. The new version of Candid Camera will air sometime this summer. No word on who will host yet.

Here are the details:

SMILE! “CANDID CAMERA” IS BACK!

TV LAND TO LAUNCH NEW VERSION OF THE ICONIC HIT SERIES “CANDID CAMERA” THIS SUMMER

New York, NY – April 9, 2014 – TV Land is set to reboot the hidden camera reality television series “Candid Camera,” with Ben Silverman’s multimedia studio Electus and Peter Funt’s Candid Camera, Inc. co-producing, it was announced today by Larry W. Jones, President of TV Land. TV Land is ordering 10 episodes to air this summer.

“A remake of Candid Camera is the perfect addition to our portfolio of original series,” said Jones. “The show is full of joyful laughter that catches you off guard and leaves you in high spirits – exactly the outlook that our brand embodies.”

“Candid Camera” introduced the hidden camera concept to television in 1948, and the series continued in several iterations over the course of more than 50 years. The landmark series concealed cameras to capture the reactions of ordinary people being confronted with unusual and often challenging situations. The payoff, when unsuspecting people are told, “Smile, you’re on ‘Candid Camera!’” is one of TV’s most memorable taglines.

In addition to Ben Silverman, the new show will be executive produced and co-hosted by former “Candid Camera” host Peter Funt, son of the show’s original creator and host, Allen Funt. “We’ll be daring but respectful, funny yet insightful,” explained Peter Funt. “I can’t think of better partners to help pull this off than Electus and the team at TV Land.”

“Candid Camera is one of the most innovative shows in television history and we can’t wait to bring its unique and distinct style to today’s audience,” said Silverman. “It is an honor to get to work on the brand with Peter Funt and the team at TV Land.”

Funt and Silverman are executive producers. Larry W. Jones and Keith Cox will serve as executive producers for TV Land. The package was handled by Mark Itkin of William Morris Endeavor.

Additional casting, including a host, will be announced shortly.

About TV Land

TV Land is the programming destination featuring the best in entertainment on all platforms for consumers in their 40s and 50s. Consisting of original programming, classic and contemporary television series acquisitions, hit movies and digital portfolio, TV Land is now seen in over 98 million U.S. Homes.

About Peter Funt and Candid Camera

Peter Funt has produced and hosted over 150 episodes of “Candid Camera” since taking over for his late father. He is also a syndicated columnist, popular comedic speaker, and author of two books. He began his career with ABC News in New York, and then was a regular contributor to The New York Times and editor of On Cable magazine, before teaming up with his dad. Candid Camera, Inc. is the nation’s foremost supplier of hidden-camera material for television as well as the educational and corporate markets. For more about Candid Camera visit: www.CandidCamera.com.

[AuntG]

Actually, I have to wonder if that is a good idea. America has changed so much since the 1960's and I worry that a stunt could go bad when a person finds out it was a prank.

[keri]

On 4/12/2014 AuntG said:

Actually, I have to wonder if that is a good idea. America has changed so much since the 1960's and I worry that a stunt could go bad when a person finds out it was a prank.

I'm with you, AuntG. What happens if the subject of a "prank" flips out or goes off, feeling embarrassed or humiliated? Obviously releases must be signed before any footage can be aired, but that doesn't preclude an immediate emotional response that potentially could result in an unintended or unanticipated violent reaction. My grandmother loved the original version, but I never liked the idea of publicly embarrassing anyone for any reason. Labeling it "entertainment" seems particularly cruel. Recently Betty White had a similarly themed prank show, Off Their Rockers. Didn't Ashton Kutcher produce an updated Candid Camera spinoff in which celebrities were pranked? I didn't watch those and won't watch this one either. Perhaps Peter Funt should devote some time attempting to develop a new idea - a fresh concept - instead of continuing to recycle his father's original premise that was innovative and acceptable way back in 1948.

[Moonlady]

I like the old episodes of Candid Camera which, BTW, are nothing like Betty White's " let's make fun of old people by resorting to every elderly stereotype and call it 'pranking young people' " nonsense.

[barrel racer]

I only like the old episodes of Candid Camera. The newer ones seem to be staged. Will watch for this.