FOX to Pilot Endemol’s The Money Drop

LONDON: Endemol’s The Money Drop has been picked up for a broadcast pilot by FOX, following the company’s ABC deal on 101 Ways to Leave a Gameshow.

Production starts this summer for Endemol USA’s The Money Drop pilot, based on Endemol UK’s multiplatform hit The Million Pound Drop Live, which aired Channel 4 in May. The British series averaged 2.2 million viewers, an increase of 22 percent on Channel 4’s average 10 p.m. slot. In the show, contestants are given their prize, a million in cash, at the start of the show. Eight questions stand between them taking their money, but one wrong move and they could see it all disappear through a trapdoor.

This pilot follows on last week’s U.S. commission for Endemol, when ABC ordered a pilot for 101 Ways to Leave a Gameshow.

David Goldberg, the chairman of Endemol North America, commented: "Like Deal or No Deal, the best game shows are simple and straight forward but with huge stakes. The Money Drop follows in its tradition. It is truly a spectacle, event television at its best. After the show’s explosive success in the U.K., I’m even more excited about its prospects in America and for the opportunity to be producing this game show with Mike Darnell and FOX."

Paul Römer, the chief creative officer of Endemol Group, added: “The Money Drop is one of the most exciting new formats of 2010. It is the ultimate modern day game show with literally everything going for it—unbelievable jeopardy and drama combined with completely immersive viewer participation. The format’s potential has already been proven in the U.K. and we believe it is now poised to become a global smash hit."