Marc Summers will start pulling double Unwrapped duty on Food Network
Aug. 25.
That's when Food anticipates turning its Monday-night 9 p.m. hour into
one-half Unwrapped, the popular food-culture series Summers hosts, and
one-half Trivia Unwrapped, a weekly knowledge quiz based on pop-food
culture, which Summers will host and co-produce.
Right now, Food runs two Unwrapped half-hours -- one original, one
repeat -- back-to-back in the time period.
The block is averaging a 0.8 rating so far this season, which increases
various demographic audience levels by 50 percent to 72 percent from
fourth-quarter-2001 results, depending on the demographic.
Under this deal, Summers will host 49 new Unwrapped episodes, 52
Trivia Unwrapped segments and three Unwrapped one-hour specials
through mid-2004.
He'll also continue hosting WinTuition on Game Show Network and pursue
other ventures with Get Real, his own production company.
In Trivia Unwrapped, contestants can win a variety of prizes, from
cash to a lifetime supply of breakfast cereal. High Noon Productions will
partner with Get Real on the series.
Unwrapped "has become destination viewing," Food senior programming vice
president Eileen Opatut said in a prepared statement. "The extension of this
terrific brand is sure to satisfy those who have a love for food, trivia and
nostalgia."
