Apparently Syfy execs say yes.
This week, the network announced it has a whopping 10 new reality in development. Wow, 10? Really?
Afraid so. Wednesday nights are already devoted to “reality” with shoes Ghost Hunters and Destination Truth, and just this week Syfy announced that beginning July 15, Thursday nights will soon follow suit. Two new series, Mary Knows Best and Paranormal Investigators are set to make their debut as Syfy’s new reality gems, with Beast Legends joining the mix sometime later this year.
(More on Techland: Q&A: Legend of the Seeker‘s Executive Produce Ken Biller Still “Hopeful For A Third Season” )
Mary follows psychic/entertainer Mary Occhino and family (a paranormal investigator, psychic and a skeptic) and will fill the Thursday night 9 p.m. slot, while the 10 p.m. slot goes to Paranormal Investigators, a show that captures a group of ghost hunters led by a former FBI agent (Look, street cred!) as they search for what’s behind the freakiest phenomena caught on tape. But the show that I’m most excited for enters the game a bit later. Beast Legends will create CGI versions of popular mythical creatures (aka, monsters!) and then track down the facts. Could they have existed? Where do the legends come from? Awesome.
(More on Techland: Is Another Battlestar Galactica Spinoff In The Works At Syfy?)
But wait! There’s more. Syfy also announced that more reality-based shows are being developed, and guys, I hate to tell you that it doesn’t look pretty. It looks like they bought everything except Halloween With The Gosselins. (Thank God). Keep reading for descriptions of Syfy’s new reality line up, including a cooking show and yes, even a feng shui how-to. (Yikes. Forget Ghost Hunters – that is scary.
Marcel’s Quantum Kitchen
Utilizing the science of cooking, Marcel’s Quantum Kitchen stars one of America’s most notorious chefs, molecular gastronomist Marcel Vigneron (Top Chef). In each episode, Marcel and his new catering and event company will be hired by a demanding client to produce an extraordinary celebration or event. Based on the client’s requests, Marcel will dream up a theme and cuisine for the event, which range from a fairytale graduation party and a Goth-rock fashion show to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new subway line. He and his team of party planners and chefs will tap the depths of their imagination and culinary talents to create everything from the immersive dcor to a delicious menu that emphasizes Marcel’s unique brand of avant-garde cooking.
Marcel’s Quantum Kitchen is a production of Intuitive Entertainment. Executive Producers: Kevin Dill and Mechelle Collins.
Force of Nature
Force of Nature follows the life of Ariel Towne, an average guy who just happens to be a Feng Shui master, as he interweaves contemporary, practical solutions with ancient mystical philosophies to help his wide range of clients achieve their goals. The show will tap into Ariel’s unique ability to translate a misunderstood, controversial discipline into an accessible tool relevant to virtually any client, situation, or space from personal homes to restaurants, stores, and even sports arenas. With Ariel as the guide, viewers will peer in on clients who are grappling with compelling, relatable problems – and desperately in need of Ariel’s help, and will be inspired by the amazing transformations that Ariel facilitates.
Force of Nature is a production of Evolution Media. Executive Produced by Douglas Ross and Co-Executive Produced by Alex Baskin.
(More on Techland: What We’re Looking Forward To In 2010: Sci-Fi TV)
The Latimer Project
Jason Latimer, three time World Champion of Magic and owner of Latimer Corp, an illusion design firm, is the creative genius behind the greatest illusions ever imagined. Together with his master builders, thinkers and illusioneers, this modern-day Harry Potter transforms everyday magic into epic visual trickery. From concept to creation, we follow the process behind Jason’s visions. Starting with doodles in a notebook ending in stunning illusions that can include elaborate ten-ton props, Jason and his team create breathtaking, mind-bending events for his clients.
The Latimer Project is a production of Pilgrim Films. Executive Produced by Craig Piligian.
Mr. Impossible
When the world’s most brilliant scientists and engineers can’t get the job done they turn to just one man Dezso Molnar. This docusoap follows the travels and travails of the “rogue inventor” who is known simply as Mr. Impossible. No matter how difficult the problem or how futuristic the technology, Dezso always finds a way to make the seemingly impossible suddenly possible. Whether his inventions are being launched into space, raced at over 600 miles an hour across the Utah Salt Flats, or diving into the depths of the Mediterranean, he is always on the lookout for ways to change life as we know it.
Mr. Impossible is a production of Story House Productions. Executive Produced by Andreas Gutzeit.
Face Off
Face Off is an exciting new competition/elimination series which explores the world of special-effects make-up artists and the unlimited imagination which allows them to create amazing works of living art. Each episode involves incredible reveals as we see the finished results of the competitors’ work. The show will go beyond simple effects make-up and incorporate many different skill sets including prosthetics, 3-D design, animatronics, sculpting, puppeteering, casting and molding.
Face Off is a production of Mission Control. Executive Produced by Michael Agbadian & Dwight Smith.
(More on Techland: Caprica Gets Smarter As Ratings Teeter, Syfy Stays Committed)
The Dome Experiment
Throughout history, social scientists have been studying “nature vs. nurture” and the great debate about what makes us a civilized society. The Dome Experiment will test the boundaries of Human Nature. Twelve test subjects from all walks of life (the leader, the worker, the entertainer, the provider, etc) will enter “The Dome”, a completely sealed bio-environment. Relying on each other for all of their daily needs (food, shelter, entertainment, security), they will face a series of challenges and experiments designed to expose the true nature of humanity. The results will be a fascinating look into the fragility of learned human behavior and will answer the question: what plays a bigger role – genetics or the environment?
The Dome Experiment is a production of 3 Ball Productions.