Who’s gonna Wipeout?

So which network has picked up Wipeout, the new obstacle-course format being made in Argentina by Endemol?

Human cannonballs, human pinballs, crashes, smashes and mud splashes. Twenty-four thrill-seekers will compete every week in the world’s largest extreme obstacle course. The show premieres on the US ABC Network on June 24. Contestants include a a deputy sheriff, a pastor, a go-go dancer, a masseuse, a waitress, a car show model, a senior credit manager and a handyman.

An unnamed Australian Network has picked up the format rights to produce its own version, on top of acquiring the US series.

But which one? All three commercial networks have similarly themed shows already in Gladiators (Seven), Friday Night Live (TEN) and Hole in the Wall (Nine).

The Australian series will be reportedly produced by Endemol Southern Star at the international set in Argentina. The location is also home to local versions of the format already commissioned by broadcasters in Germany, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

Rory Callaghan, MD of Endemol Southern Star, said: “There is a huge buzz around this format and I am in no doubt that it’s going to make a big splash down under. Wipeout packs in adrenaline and laughs from start to finish and I’m especially delighted that ABC has decided to double the fun by taking the US show alongside our own Australian version.”

Scheduling details are expected to be announced in a few weeks.

Update: Nine is now being reported as the network in question.

Source: C21Media