"Celebrity Come Dine With Me" In Development at NBC



(image via eonline)

Question for Ben Silverman: Why do we need judges? From TheHollywoodReporter:

"NBC has another celebrity reality show in the works.

"The net is partnering with Granada America for a series with the working title 'Celebrity Come Dine With Me.' In each episode, a celebrity plays host to a dinner party for four of their famous friends. At night's end, the party will be judged by its presentation, food and entertainment value.

"The concept is based on a format owned by Granada that's found success in 16 countries, including the U.K., where the show has aired four seasons since 2005. The overseas versions have mainly showcased nonfamous contestants, though some also have experimented with celebrity contestants.

"NBC considers 'Dine' as being in development, but the show is casting for a five-episode run planned for December."

The Corsair doesn't get this (then again, few reality shows do we get). Why "judge" the parties? These are celebrities. How about -- a la IFC's Dinner for Five -- just seat 4 interesting celebrities from various worlds (film, radio, painting, literature, chef, politics, the Catholic clergy, finance, etc) and just let them riff. Chat. Then edit the product down to fit the time slot. Cheap. Smart. That's how The Corsair would pitch it: who needs judges and louche competition.

Oh yeah, network television -- smartness is to be eschewed.