TV

USA Networks orders “First Impressions” competition hosted and mentored by Dana Carvey

Just last week, Dana Carvey was playing “Wheel of Impressions” once more with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Now Carvey will find out how amateur impersonators fare, as the former Saturday Night Live star will preside over the new USA Network competition series, First Impressions.

USA, also an NBC Universal channel, announced the half-hour series order today.

“There is no better talent to mentor these contestants than the master of impressions, Dana Carvey,” said Jackie de Crinis, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, USA Network, “The expertise and humor that he will bring to the series is unsurpassed and we can’t wait to have his world famous celebrity impersonations on our network.”

“There are so many great impressionists and First Impressions gives them an opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Carvey, “Besides, I’ve always enjoyed watching an impressionist nail somebody….as in capture their voice. Now I get paid to watch.”

The unscripted half-hour competition series will feature impersonation battles with Carvey mentoring contestants, and playing along as the show’s “expert-in-residence.” Viewers at home will cast votes each week for the winner.

The show comes from Renegade 83 and Gaspin Media. Carvey, Jeff Gaspin, David Garfinkle and Jay Renfroe will executive produce.

Here’s Carvey and Fallon from last week playing Wheel of Impressions:

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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