by Craig Ferguson, who previously hosted Celebrity Name Game from 2014-2017, is back with another game show hosting gig.
The Hustler will reunite Ferguson with ABC, where he got his big break with a supporting role on The Drew Carey Show. The Hustler will begin production later this fall, with an airdate announced later.
Each episode will follow five contestants as they collaborate to answer a series of trivia questions, with the goal of building a collective prize pot that increases with each correct answer. The catch? One of the five contestants, the Hustler, already knows the answers but must keep their identity a secret in order to have a shot at winning the grand prize. Throughout each episode, two contestants are anonymously eliminated by the Hustler, leaving three remaining contestants – the Hustler and two others, who must collectively decide who they think the Hustler is. If they are right, they share the prize pot. If the two contestants are wrong, the Hustler goes home with the full cash reward.
“It’s rare and exciting to have a mystery-based game show that employs viewers and contestants to tap into their sleuth skills,” said Rob Mills, senior vice president, Alternative Series, Specials and Late Night, ABC Entertainment. “This fun, new format is the perfect addition to our dynamic game show lineup, and Craig’s unmatched wit and humor make him the ideal host. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him back to ABC.”
“The Hustler,” which is produced by All3Media-backed production company Studio Lambert, is an original format created by British TV and radio host Richard Bacon, who serves as an executive producer along with Studio Lambert company founder Stephen Lambert, executive vice president of Studio Lambert USA Jack Burgess, creative director Tim Harcourt and Susan House.
