Fox is partnering with Howie Mandel on a reality special that’s takes Glee-style musical numbers and puts them into the everyday real world.
Titled Mobbed, the show is a hidden-camera prank series in which Mandel and hundreds of strangers will help special guests plan surprise musical song-and-dance stunts for friends and loved ones.
“It’s so exciting to be a part of this huge musical spectacle never before attempted on this scale,” Mandel says.
Here’s how it works: A big piece of news — marriage proposal, etc. — is delivered to another person with the help of Mandel and his team, which rehearse a giant flash mob musical number throughout the episode. On the day of the event, the prankee is subjected to a huge and unexpected performance, starting with a few dancers and evolving into a giant spectacle.
The project has been in development as a potential series for the past year, and Fox could air more Mobbed if the show delivers a large rating. The show will air after American Idol on Thursday, March 31 at 9 p.m.
Image Credit: Eric Vlasic/Fox
Uh, no. Thanks.
I’m torn. I LOVE flash mobs. It’s on my bucket list to be on way, but…. Howie Mandel + Reality TV = Not for me.
*one
*groan*
As if the fictious show isn’t bad enough?
this actually sounds really fun. coming from a big Glee fan and former show choir/musical kid, so I’m kind of biased. but I would at least give it a chance.
I’m with Sam on this. Similar backgrounds PLUS I absoluetely love things like what they did GCS in NYC recently and those high school flash mob things. But I also agree with that other person. Howie Mandel? Really? Minus 50 points before I haven seen it!
This project has more to do with Improv Everywhere than with Glee.
The more Glee-like shows they air, the more likely it is Glee will wear out its welcome early, and will disappear.
I couldn’t disagree more, Josh. While GLEE seems to have lost its way, it has inspired tonz of teens – into music, theatre, expressing themselves, wanting music education and, more importantly, confidence in themselves, in being ok with being different. It has been reported that GLEE will go on with new characters so that people can relate in a real time sort of way. These kids will grduate, new teachers and students will come in We will not be seeing 30-year olds playing teenagers and that’s a good thing!
Cory Montieth turns 29 in May, so basically we already are seeing 30-year-olds playing teens.
I’ll watch it at least one or 2 times before making a decision about whether it’s good or awful.