Inside Move: UPN, Endemol link for 'Chains'

Weblet close to inking for gamer after NBC opts out

By JOSEF ADALIAN

NBC may have broken those "Chains of Love," but Endemol Entertainment didn't give up -- and now the controversial relationship gamer may be headed to UPN.

Weblet is closing in on a deal with Endemol for six one-hour episodes of "Chains," an extreme version of "The Dating Game" in which up to four men or women are literally shackled to one member of the opposite sex for several days. The four pursuers are then let free, one by one.

Last summer, NBC pacted with Endemol for up to 16 hours of "Chains." Peacock later backed out of the deal, citing creative differences with the Dutch format factory. That allowed UPN, which had been pursuing "Chains" before NBC landed the show, to get back in the game.

UPN is expected to air its episodes of "Chains" as specials, probably in March or April. If they're successful, the weblet could turn "Chains" into a regular series.

Endemol is producing other specials for NBC in place of the web's original commitment to "Chains."