Spike Adds Two More Unscripted Series

NEW YORK: The series InkMasters, featuring a competition between tattoo artists, and Car Boss, spotlighting the head of a renowned auto dealership, are to join Spike TV’s 2012 slate.

Through six one-hour episodes, InkMasters will present various tattoo challenges to a group of artists, testing their technical skills and on-the-spot creativity. Produced by Original Media, an Endemol company behind hit shows such as LA Ink and Miami Ink, the series features three judges who will ultimately select one winner to take home a cash prize and the title of "Ultimate InkMaster."

"The real stakes on this show are higher than any other competitive reality show," said Sharon Levy, Spike TV’s executive VP of original series and animation. "You cannot simply take off a tattoo as easily as you can a dress because the stitching is off or reject a dish because it’s not prepared properly. We are also thrilled to work with Charlie Corwin who has an incredible track record in building franchise series."

Car Boss, slated for eight one-hour episodes, features Ton Stuker, whose brazen methods for selling cars has made him a legend in the industry. In each episode, Stuker and his car-savvy team travel to a different dealership that is in financial straights. His blunt, tough-love approach will help guide these salespeople into a new approach for selling cars and doing business. The show is produced by Ben Silverman’s Electus and 5×5 media.

"America has always been fascinated with the art of the deal," added Levy. "No one incorporates that more than the greatest car salesman of our time, Tom Stuker.  His incomparable way of connecting with people while implementing a strategically distinctive way of selling cars will be of keen interest of our broadening audience. And who better to develop this series than one of the industry’s finest—Ben Silverman’s multimedia studio, Electus."