Kay
Joe Schmo is ready for an encore, and he's bringing Jane Schmo with him.
Spike TV's top-rated original series, "The Joe Schmo Show," is set to return June 15, this time sending up reality relationship shows on the order of "The Bachelor" and "Temptation Island."
Cabler greenlit production earlier this year on "Joe Schmo 2," created by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese and produced by Stone Stanley Entertainment (
Daily Variety, Feb. 9).
"We know that guys despise reality relationship shows, so what better genre to mess with on behalf of guys everywhere," said Kevin Kay, Spike exec VP of programming and production.
"My wife's made me watch seven straight relationship shows, and this is my ultimate revenge," joked Wernick.
This time, the elaborate prank is played on two would-be reality TV contestants -- Joe and Jane Schmo -- who think they're competing in a reality show called "Last Chance for Love." The pair plays among eight faux contestants for the hearts of a bachelor and bachelorette in a series of wacky challenges while living together in an Agoura Hills mansion.
Ralph Garman, who emceed the original, returns in disguise as pompous, randy British host Derek Newcastle.
"We basically skewer every show you can imagine. There's even a little 'Blind Date' and a little 'My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance' in there," Stone Stanley's David Stanley said.
First season parodied a "Big Brother"/"Survivor"-style reality show. Finale drew a record-breaking 3.4 million total viewers for Spike.
The original "Joe Schmo" will be released on DVD June 22.
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