Israeli variety show snatched by NBC
Never broadcast in Israel, ‘I Can Do That’ will be hosted by American actor Marlon Wayans; second series sold overseas by Israel’s Armoza Formats
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
NBC will produce six episodes of “I Can Do That,” an Israeli-made variety show that challenges a celebrity cast each week.
The show, however, has never been broadcast in Israel.
Each week, the regulars will work in pairs to put on an act with the help of guest stars who work in other fields, such as magicians, acrobats and stunt performers. At the end of the six episodes, one of the regulars will be crowned “the ultimate entertainer.”
It’s the second show sold by Armoza Formats to NBC, which acquired six episodes of game show “Who’s Still Standing?”
The NBC version will be hosted by Marlon Wayans, featuring “Dancing With the Stars” alumnus Cheryl Burke, singers Joe Jonas, Nicole Scherzinger and Ciara, comedian Jeff Dye and actor Alan Ritchson, according to Variety.
Avi Armoza, CEO of the Armoza Formats, said that selling episodes of an original Israeli show is “a tremendous achievement.”
“This is proof that Israeli creations can make it big overseas,” he said.
“I Can Do That” is planning a summer debut and Armoza, along with Wayans and other NBC executives, will also act as executive producer.
Armoza’s “I Can Do That,” which was developed in partnership with the Chinese channel JSBC, has been sold to more than 15 territories, including Spain, Italy, Brazil, Portugal, Finland, Mexico and Russia.
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