Deal or No Deal Takes a Vacation Around the World for Special May Episodes

Deal or No Deal Takes a Vacation Around the World for Special May Episodes 2/27/08

NBC'S 'DEAL OR NO DEAL' TAKES A VACATION AROUND THE WORLD TO PLAY THE GAME IN ESTONIA, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE PHILIPPINES FOR SPECIAL EPISODES TO AIR IN MAY

Host Howie Mandel Experiences The Local Flavor As He Takes On The Streets

Burbank, Calif. - February 27, 2007 - The worldwide hit game show "Deal or No Deal" from Endemol USA took America by storm in 2005, and now after over two years of thrilling episodes, host Howie Mandel will have a chance to visit the foreign-based "Deal or No Deal" productions in a series of exciting new games to be played in Estonia, South Africa and the Philippines. Airing in May, these special two-hour episodes will feature popular United States host Howie Mandel, along with American contestants who will play the game according to the foreign set's rules.

"'Deal or No Deal' is an international success story so it makes perfect sense to take our act on the road and provide American audiences with a first hand look at how it's done in other corners of the globe," said David Goldberg, president of Endemol USA. "It should be a lot of fun for the host countries when they see Howie, who is a great ambassador for the show, take the stage."

"Deal or No Deal" is an Endemol format that began in the Netherlands and is now produced in over 50 countries. With over two years of success with the US version, the around-the-world tour brings the show back to its international roots. The international games will be played on the actual sets in the respective country, with their host, models and Banker. Mandel will be on hand to aid the American contestants as they play versions of "Deal or No Deal" that American's have never seen before - and possibly receive offers testing the American sensibility. In between games, Mandel will take the viewers on a guided tour of the countries, where he will sample the country's local offerings, interact with the locals and shop for souvenirs to bring home to the Briefcase Models (and maybe the Banker, too).

Contestants on the show play for a top prize of $1 million in a high-energy match of nerves, instincts and raw intuition. Each night, the game of odds and chance unfolds when a contestant faces 26 sealed briefcases containing anything from a measly penny to $1 million. Without knowing the amount in each briefcase, the contestant picks one -- his to keep, if he chooses, until its unsealing at game's end. The game kicks into high gear when the amount of cash in each case is revealed to the contestant round-by-round - and is tempted after each round by a mysterious entity known only as "the Banker" to accept an offer of cash in exchange for what might be contained in the contestant's chosen briefcase -- prompting Mandel to ask the all-important question -- "Deal or No Deal"?

"Deal or No Deal" is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. The series is executive-produced by Scott St. John.

Source: NBC Press Release