"The Mole" is ready to burrow its way into ABC's schedule. The reality TV series, which will premiere Jan. 9, follows 10 contestants in a worldwide competition for a prize of up to $1 million. The twist: There's a saboteur - or mole - trying to thwart them, and fingering the person is part of the game.
"The Mole," with former ABC News correspondent Anderson Cooper as host, is ABC's attempt to match the ratings glory of CBS's "Survivor." The possibility it might be a "Big Brother"-style flop instead was dismissed Thursday by an ABC executive.
"We believe in the format," said Andrea Wong, senior vice president for alternative series and specials. "We had the time to edit the shows together to make compelling drama, and we have a great cast."
Filming has been completed on the nine episodes and the network is keeping mum about the players' identities. Wong would say only that they are a diverse group, split between men and women, ethnic groups and ranging in age from 20s to 60s.
The mole was picked from among the contestants. The competition took place in four countries over two continents; those locations also are secret for now.
"The Mole" seems akin to "Survivor," which pitted players against each other in various challenges. Contestants on the ABC show face physical and psychological tests while attempting to unearth the mole's identity.
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Players are "executed" - ejected from the game - for failing to glean details about the mole, Wong said. The winner is the one who has learned the most about the saboteur.
A version of the show as a hit in Belgium and the format has been sold in 40 countries, Wong said. "The Mole" was licensed and produced in America by Stone Stanley Entertainment.
Asked if viewers might be tiring of reality shows, Wong replied: "It's not about what is a fad and what is not" but a question of a strong story and characters. Those are part of "The Mole," she said.
ABC is giving the program a strong launching pad. It will air in the 8 p.m. EST Tuesday time slot now held by "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," which will move to 8 p.m. EST Friday.
Although "Millionaire" has been losing steam with viewers, it remains a ratings leader for ABC on its four weeknights. ABC is betting "Millionaire" will kick start its struggling Friday lineup, which includes the sitcoms "Norm" and "Two Guys and a Girl."
Regis Philbin's quiz show will bump the Friday shows "Madigan Men," which goes on hiatus, and the new series "Dot Comedy." The latter, a new reality Internet comedy show, is slated to return, while the fate of "Madigan Men" is uncertain.
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