New Series Pickups for Spike

NEW YORK: Spike TV has given a 20-episode order to Repo Games, a game show from Jersey Shore producers 495 Productions, and a 10-episode order to Bar Rescue.

In Bar Rescue, which goes into production in April, Jon Taffer, a leading restaurant and bar consultant, will give failing establishments one last chance to succeed. The food/beverage-themed show is a first for Spike, which is looking to broaden its audience. The series comes to the network from 3 Ball Productions/Eyeworks US.

Repo Games is billed as Cops meets Jeopardy. In the show, repo men Josh Lewis and Tom Detone give debtors one last chance to keep their cars—if they’re willing to play for it by answering questions. The series will be shot on location throughout the country. Production begins next month.

"The guys featured on Bar Rescue and Repo Games share that same authentic, real-life persona that will resonate with Spike’s expanding audience," noted Sharon Levy, Spike TV’s executive VP of original series and animation. "We are thrilled to partner with the incredibly creative production teams that developed The Jersey Shore and The Biggest Loser to bring these unique concepts to life."