Fox is promising a “bigger, bolder and more daring” version of the old dare show Fear Factor for its midseason lineup, but it’s unclear for now whether former host Joe Rogan will be a part of the reinvented series.
While talking to reporters Sunday in anticipation of Fox’s upfront presentation Monday, Entertainment President Michael Thorn said it was too early to say whether Rogan will return to feed Madagascar hissing roaches to participants in Fear Factor: The Next Chapter (working title).
“We just ordered the series and we are in the process of hiring showrunners and everything right now,” said Thorn. “Obviously he’s major talent tied to the show, but it’s too early for us to say how we’re going to move forward right now. But we’re thrilled to have the property and think we’re going to be able to really compliment our unscripted lineup with it.”
The new iteration will gather a group of strangers and put them under one roof in an “unforgiving, remote location.” The plan is to then throw “mind-blowing stunts and harrowing challenges” at them as they participate in a “twisted game of social strategy,” says Fox.
“We’re going to take the brand name, but I think we’ve come up with a really interesting take on it and the show from 20 years ago,” Said Fox’s CEO of Entertainment Rob Wade.
The original Fear Factor aired on NBC with Rogan as host from 2001 to 2006. NBC dusted off the unscripted series in 2011 for a nine-episode run, before it was revived by MTV in 2017 for two seasons that was emceed by Ludacris.
Fear Factor: The Next Chapter is produced by Endemol Shine North America. Kevin Lee will serve as executive producer, along with Endemol Shine North America’s Sharon Levy, Michael Heyerman and Sean Loughlin. The reimagined series is based on the original format, Fear Factor, created by Endemol Shine Netherlands. Fear Factor is internationally renowned with 32 adaptations.
