The Weakest Linkis the next classic game show to get rebooted on television, as it has been announced thatHollywood Game Nighthost Jane Lynch will host a new version ofWeakest Linkfor NBC. Slated to begin production later this year, the newWeakest Linkhas been given a 13-episode order by the network with BBC Studios and Universal Television Alternative Studio producing. “I’ve been a longtime fan of this game-changing quiz show since it first debuted,” said Lynch in a statement. “Each time the phrase ‘You are the Weakest Link. Goodbye’ passes my lips, it will be with great reverence and delight.”
Meredith Ahr, president of NBC’s reality and alternative group, also spoke about the series revival in a statement to the press. “Weakest Linkbecame an instant fan-favorite when it first aired on our network, and we are excited to bring a fresh, new take to the timeless format,” Ahr says. “Jane Lynchhas been a beloved staple in our NBC family for years, and her sharp wit and engaging personality will be the perfect match for this highly entertaining game show.”
The Weakest Linkgot its start in the UK when it first premiered in the year 2000. Narrated by Jon Briggs, the game show was hosted by Anne Robinson, who would also go on to host the American adaptation when it aired on NBC in 2001. In the United States, the series put a dent in pop culture when it premiered, and thanks to Robinson’s memorable run as host, the series is still very well remembered despite its limited run on television. Because reruns had remained on television for years, some fans may not realize the series only ran for a season and a half in the United States, although Robinson would continue to host the show in the UK until 2011, with the show ending its run officially in 2012.
The new version ofWeakest Linkwill play like the previous versions to come before it. Contestants will answer general-knowledgetrivia questionsto increase an overall prize pot, and at the end of each round, players vote off the player they believe to be the “weakest link” of the team. In addition to being voted out, contestants who fail to answer questions correctly are also subject to snarky comments from the host, something Robinson excelled very well in during her run on the show. Given some of the characters she has portrayed, it’s not difficult to picture Lynch doing great with it as well.
This will be one of many shows from the past to get anupdated version for television, asThe Weakest Linkis not even the only game show to be getting a modernized revival. An updated version ofSupermarket Sweepis also in production with new host Leslie Jones taking over for David Ruprecht, and as the version from the ’90s is a cult favorite, there’s a lot of anticipation for that revival.
It remains to be seen if the newWeakest Linkwill go into production this year as scheduled, or if more production delays could push the project back to 2021. This news comes to us fromThe Hollywood Reporter.
