Following a “Superhuman” special that served as a tryout this January, Fox has officially greenlit a full series of the brainy reality competition series, ordering eight hourlong episodes. Kal Penn, who hosted the two-hour special earlier this year, will be back to host the show. Casting of the contestants is currently underway.
“Superhuman” tests the abilities of ordinary people to use their extraordinary , distinct, nearly super-human skills such as memory, hearing, taste, touch, smell and sight. The January special featured 12 people competing for a grand prize of $100,000. Penn and a guest panel provided insights and comedic commentary about the competitors’ unique abilities, while guiding the studio audience who ultimately decided who took home the “Superhuman” title and cash prize.
“Superhuman” is based on Germany’s “The Brain,” from Endemol Shine; that show is currently in its sixth season and has spawned editions in China, Italy, Brazil, Spain and France. The U.S. version will mark the seventh pickup of the show internationally, and there are also kids’ versions of the format around the globe.
