ABC to Revive ‘The Gong Show’

[socialpoll id=”2391487″]

Bizarre variety/talent competition “The Gong Show,” which originally aired on NBC in daytime from 1976 to 1978 (followed by four seasons in first-run syndication and a revival from 1988-89), is being revived by ABC. Executive produced by Will Arnett through his Electric Avenue Productions banner, Den of Thieves and Principato Young Entertainment, and hosted by Arnett, every episode will celebrate un-traditionally talented, unique performers plucked from the Internet and put on a primetime stage. A revolving panel of judges will praise, critique and gong contestants.

“ABC has tapped into the nostalgia and excitement of primetime game shows,” said Rob Mills, Senior Vice President, Alternative Series, Specials & Late-Night Programming. “We are thrilled to add ‘The Gong Show’ to ABC’s schedule spearheaded by the incomparable Will Arnett.”

“The comedy culture we are living in has finally caught up to ‘The Gong Show,’ so the timing is perfect,” added Holly Jacobs, executive vice president, Reality and Syndication Programming for Sony Pictures Television. “We’ve found just the right partners to bring back this iconic original.”

Ten episodes of “The Gong Show” have been ordered for a debut at an unconfirmed date in 2017.