Ricky Gervais to Host Original Primetime Game-Show FIVE TO SURVIVE for ABC

ABC has given a series order to FIVE TO SURVIVE . The one-hour game show will feature priceless interactions between funnyman Ricky Gervais and kids who will assist grown-up contestants with answering questions for a chance to win a large cash prize. Gervais teams with Banijay Studios NORTH AMERICA to produce. A search for a host is underway.

"Five to Survive" is an original studio-based game show that features one adult contestant who must answer 10 questions correctly to earn the top prize. If they answer incorrectly, the contestant has a chance to be saved by a group of five kids who have been asked the same question.

"When Ricky presented his idea for 'Five to Survive,' we immediately knew this was a project that needed to land here at ABC," said Robert Mills, senior vice president, Alternative Series, Specials, & Late Night Programming, ABC Entertainment. "It has spirit, it's fun and it will have the unforgettable comedic moniker that is Ricky Gervais."

For Gervais, all of the elements of this game show made the series worth fitting into his busy schedule. Gervais comments, "I've never understood the saying 'never work with animals or children.' As a producer and director, I prefer either to Hollywood actors. They're cheaper, they do as they're told, and the filming hours are better."

David Goldberg, Banijay Group president and CEO, Banijay Studios North America, said, "At its core, 'Five to Survive' is a high-stakes Q&A game show with the unpredictable twist of contestants putting their earning potential in the hands of children. You never know what's going to come out of a kid's mouth, and with Ricky Gervais, one of the funniest comedians in the world wrangling and asking the questions, it's certain to be a rollercoaster ride. This should be the type of show that appeals to audiences all over the world."
Ricky Gervais, David Goldberg and Caroline Baumgard, chief creative officer, Banijay Studios North America, will serve as executive producers.

Banijay Studios NORTH AMERICA are the producers of Jimmy Kimmel's upcoming primetime game show "Big Fan" and "What Happens at the Abbey."

A winner of seven BAFTA Awards, three Golden Globes and two Emmys, Gervais remains one of the most beloved and respected talents working today. He created and stars in "Derek." Gervais first introduced himself to global audiences with his 2001 British TV hit "The Office," which became a globally successful format, including an Emmy-winning nine-seasons on U.S. television and a movie, "David Brent: Life on the Road." Gervais starred in and created "Extras," "Life's Too Short" and "The Ricky Gervais Show," which was based on his record-breaking podcast that has been downloaded more than 500 million times. He has also guest-starred on many popular television series, including "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Louie," "Sesame Street," "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy." His film credits include the "Night at the Museum" franchise, "Muppets Most Wanted," "Ghost Town," "The Invention of Lying," and "Special Correspondents," which he wrote and co-directed. As a stand-up comedian, Gervais has sold over 2 million tickets in arenas around the world. He is also the author of the popular children's book series "Flanimals."

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