Entertainment giants are really looking forward to any hint of intellectual property these days, including by delving into random playground games.
Netflix announced Thursday that it is producing a reality competition show called Simon sayswhich is actually based on the game in which a five-year-old child plays the role of “Simon” and tells others to do what they ask of them. “Contestants will face a gauntlet of cunning challenges, strategic mind games and unexpected twists as they compete for a life-changing prize,” according to the broadcaster. But “one rule remains the same: if Simon says it, you better listen.”
However, in this competition, it feels like you are following Simon and his wishes will not always work out for the contestants. The broadcaster said: “Obedience may buy another day, but every choice has consequences.”
No, the project does not appear to be an adaptation of the 1999 action-comedy Simon Sisstarring Dennis Rodman (“It’s Not Over Even…”). The broadcaster has not yet responded to the question of who THR About who exactly will fill the titular role of Simon.
Showrunner Emer Harkin (Challenge, Friends games) will helm the series with help from executive producers Julie Pizzi, Robert Dobson and Gianni Wanegaratne. Banjay Americas’ Bunim/Murray division is producing the series.
Netflix has made use of semi-absurd or provocative concepts in its reality show before, from The floor is lava to Is it a cake? to Love is blind. The broadcaster has not announced the release date of the show yet.
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