CBS Announces Comedian, Actor and Global Superstar Kevin Hart as Host of TKO: TOTAL KNOCK OUT

CBS today announced comedian, actor and global superstar Kevin Hart will take on the role of host for the first time in his career with TKO: TOTAL KNOCK OUT, a brand new one-hour obstacle course competition series from executive producer Mark Burnett. The 10-episode series will premiere in summer 2018. Kevin Hart will also serve as an executive producer.

TKO: TOTAL KNOCK OUT features people from all walks of life where one player races through daunting obstacles while four other contestants are manning battle stations along the course, firing over-the-top projectiles in an attempt to knock them off and slow them down. It's a physical and funny "us versus them" scenario, with the top two players advancing to the final showdown to face off for a cash prize.

"This show is perfectly aligned with my global brand," said Kevin Hart. "The minute Mark Burnett pitched me, I got it and we decided to work together. This show has the potential to make me look tall."

"TKO: TOTAL KNOCK OUT is a larger-than-life competition series that's all about having fun," said Sharon Vuong, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming for CBS. "With Kevin's gift for comedy and passion for fitness, he brings a distinct voice to the show that no one else can."

"Kevin is a shining global beacon of comedy, of fitness and of fun. He is the perfect star for TKO: TOTAL KNOCK OUT, and I'm so grateful we get to work together on CBS primetime," said Burnett.

Kevin Hart has made a name for himself as one of the foremost comedians, entertainers, authors and businessmen in the industry today. He is currently on a world tour doing standup with his newest hour of material titled "The Kevin Hart: Irresponsible Tour." Up next is Hart's feature film "Night School," which he co-wrote, produces and stars in - all under his HartBeat production banner.

2017 was a banner year for Hart. His memoir, I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons, debuted at #1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list and remained on the list for 10 consecutive weeks. The book topped records on the Audible platform, selling over 100,000 copies in the first five weeks. Hart also starred in the reboot of the classic film "Jumanji," which has grossed over $900 million at the box office and has become Sony Pictures' highest-grossing domestic film of all time.

Hart's digital platform and streaming video service, the Laugh out Loud Network, has been downloaded 800,000 times in the first year. The app features a slate of original scripted and unscripted comedy series, stand-up specials, licensed programming and live broadcasts. Laugh Out Loud combines Hart's unparalleled social media savvy that earned him 100+ million followers with his vision for the future of comedy: social, mobile, multicultural and seriously funny.

Hart's feature film credits include "The Secret Life of Pets," "Central Intelligence," "Ride Along" and "Ride Along 2," "The Wedding Ringer," "Get Hard," "About Last Night" and "Think Like A Man," among others. Hart is also a force in television, launching the stand-up comedy series "Kevin Hart Presents: Hart of the City" and executive producing "Real Husbands of Hollywood."

TKO: TOTAL KNOCK OUT will be produced by MGM Television and HartBeat Productions and distributed internationally by MGM. Mark Burnett, BARRY Poznick and Kevin Hart are executive producers. In addition to serving as executive producer on TKO: TOTAL KNOCK OUT, Burnett is an executive producer of CBS' hit series SURVIVOR, produced by MGM Television and currently in its 36th season on the Network.

Kevin Hart is represented by 3 Arts Entertainment, UTA and Schreck Rose Dapello & Adams LLC.

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