Television
October 24, 2002
ABC And Executive Producer/Creator Mike Fleiss Give "The Will" A Way
(October 24, 2002 - Burbank, CA) - From Mike Fleiss' Next Entertainment, executive producer and creator of the dating show phenomenon "The Bachelor," comes "The Will," a reality series focused on a wealthy "benefactor" who wants to bequeath a fortune in a fun and creative way. The show is set to air on the ABC Television Network in 2003.
Family members will compete, game show style, to win the inheritance of their wealthy relative. A nationwide search has begun for the benefactor. Interested parties may call the casting hotline at 866-825-2075 or log on to ABC.com, keyword: casting or to www.thewilltv.com.
"This should give viewers a unique look at a real American family," said Mike Fleiss. "The vote outs between relatives should be intense."
This season "The Bachelor's" recent 9 p.m. Wednesday evening premiere bested NBC's hit drama series "The West Wing" by an impressive 54% among Adults 18-34, and was the top rated program on Wednesday night in this key demographic, out-delivering even the season premiere of the NBC powerhouse "Law & Order." After an impressive debut, "The Bachelor" followed up with an even more astonishing second episode besting the hit drama "West Wing" head-to-head with the key 18-49 demographic. Again ranking as the #1 program of the night with adults 18-34 and it was ABC's highest rated program of the night with households. Stay tuned for "The Bachelorette" debuting this spring followed by a third installment of "The Bachelor."
"When we put Mike up to bat, he always hits us a home run," says Andrea Wong, senior vice president, alternative series and specials, ABC. "We expect 'The Will' to continue his tradition of giving us appointment, 'water cooler' television."
Recently, ABC entered into a multi-year, wide-ranging deal with Fleiss, his production company, Next Entertainment, and Telepictures Productions. The deal calls for Fleiss and Telepictures to produce "The Will" plus an additional new reality series for the network along with developing a sitcom.
"The Will" will be produced by Next Entertainment in association with Telepictures Productions for ABC. Mike Fleiss (“Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire,” “Battle of Child Geniuses”) is executive producer. # # #