Simon Cowell Expands Deal with NBC to Produce Peacock Series
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Simon Cowell has his hands in more projects than ever before. Recently, the media mogul signed an expanded deal with NBCUniversal. The contract includes a new unscripted series for their streaming service, Peacock, that Cowell will produce and appear in. Currently sitting as a judge on America’s Got Talent, the entertainment boss will also launch Walk The Line this Winter. Additionally, you can catch his new car series set to rival Top Gear.
The Mystery of Simon Cowell’s New Peacock Series
The details of the project remain a mystery as of now. However, it is reported to be the most significant talent deal for the company following contracts with the likes of Miley Cyrus and Meghan Trainor. In June, Cyrus headlined the Stand by You Pride concert exclusively for Peacock. Trainor on the other hand, will host a Top Chef spin-off and multi-camera comedy for NBC.
Unfortunately, NBCUniversal has not disclosed the details of Cowell’s Peacock series, but it is a major statement of intent for the digital platform. In recent months, the platform has been increasing it’s drive on unscripted content. Executives from NBC are looking to take more risks in the genre as they compete against other cable networks and streamers.
“We have to think what is a bit more outrageous that would fit into our world and our filter,” commented Susan Rovner, Chairman, Entertainment Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “It’s about trying some new things and taking some more risks. We have to push people to think of us differently. We’re getting some of it but we want to see more.”
The Syco CEO is Not Leaving Us Starved for Content
In addition to Cowell’s new Peacock series, the Syco CEO has an abundance of content ready to premiere. Since the cancellation of The X Factor last year, his production team has been hustling to take on a number of new projects. As of now, the programs are based out of the U.K.
Most recently, Cowell has announced a new car series similar to the format of Top Gear. Here, the program’s format will most likely concentrate on the examination of motor vehicles, motor based challenged, and special celebrity races. Considering Cowell’s deep love of cars, he can be considered somewhat of an expert on the topic.
Before that show hits the screen, viewers can catch his new competition series, Walk The Line. Coming to ITV this Winter, the six-part series will feature musical acts ready to perform for a panel of judges. The top two performers of the evening will then face a big decision in their bid to be the reigning champion. They can either go home with a cash prize or “walk the line” and continue to play. If they manage to stay on top of the leaderboard, they will advance to the next show, battling a different set of performers.
