Candid Camera Reboot Sets Taraji P. Henson as Co-Host with Peter Funt

A new reboot is in the works from Village Roadshow Unscripted Television for the classic hidden-camera series “Candid Camera.” The project, which is described as having “modern gags with the same infectious spirit,” is hosted by “Empire” star Taraji P, Henson, who will appear alongside series veteran and executive producer Peter Funt.

Henson is also executive producing the proposed revival through her TPH Productions banner, in addition to Mark Itkin through his LA-based Tough Lamb Media.

“The original Candid Camera had brought so much laughter into my home, and I look forward to joining Peter and Village Roadshow in spreading the joy to others in this modern-day reinterpretation,” said Taraji P. Henson in a statement.

“If this announcement is some kind of epic prank by Taraji and my friends at Village Roadshow, then I’ve really been had! There couldn’t be a better time to bring back Candid Camera. Folks need stress-free smiles more than ever. Our show has a lot in common with ‘Ted Lasso’ — minus the cursing. We celebrate humanity and good sportsmanship, and we manage to do it with a lot of laughs,” added Peter Funt.

“The team at Village Roadshow is thrilled to partner with Peter to write the next chapter in the iconic Candid Camera legacy and we could not think of anyone better to join us in this next phase than Taraji, who has brought endless joy and laughter to fans throughout her career,” said Shannon Hawes Perry, EVP of Reality & Production Services of Village Roadshow Entertainment Group.

The original version of “Candid Camera” debuted in 1948, hosted by creator Allen Funt, and continued into the 1970s. Aside from occasional specials in the 1980s, the show was off air until 1991, when Dom DeLuise hosted a one season revival from Vin Di Bona. “Candid Camera” made a comeback on CBS in 1996 before moving to former network PAX TV in 2001. This version of the weekly series ended in May 2004. The show returned in August 2011 in a new series with hour-long episodes on TV Land, but this incarnation only lasted a single season.