ABC Orders Ricky Gervais Game Show ‘Five to Survive’

On the heels of announcing an upcoming revival of “The Gong Show,” ABC has placed a series order for “Five to Survive,” a new hour-long game show from executive producer Ricky Gervais. The show, which has no confirmed host or premiere date yet, will feature adult guests answering questions in pursuit of cash prizes with the assistance of Gervais and a panel of children. Contestants on “Five to Survive” must answer 10 questions correctly to win their prize — with an option to be rescued by Gervais and a group of five kids in case of an incorrect answer.

“I’ve never understood the saying ‘never work with animals or children.” joked Gervais. “As a producer and director, I prefer either to Hollywood actors. They’re cheaper, they do as they’re told, and the filming hours are better.”

“Five to Survive” hails from Banijay Studios North America, which is also producing Jimmy Kimmel’s upcoming primetime game show “Big Fan.” Gervais is executive producing with David Goldberg and Banijay Studios North America chief creative officer Caroline Baumgard.