"Duel" Returns to ABC April 4

"Duel" Returns to ABC April 4 3/14/08

"DUEL," THE ADRENALINE-FILLED, HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPETITION GAME SHOW, RETURNS TO ABC IN A REVAMPED FORMAT, FRIDAY, APRIL 4 Mike Greenberg (ESPN's "Mike and Mike in the Morning") Returns as Host "Duel" -- the adrenaline pumping, high-stakes competition game show -- returns on a weekly basis with 10 episodes beginning FRIDAY, APRIL 4 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Mike Greenberg (ESPN's "Mike and Mike in the Morning" radio show) returns as host.

In a cutting edge format - combining trivia challenges like those on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" with the strategy played in the "World Series of Poker" -- contestants will once again find themselves in intense head-to-head matches, reacting quickly under pressure and outsmarting their opponents by using strategy and deception, as well as intellect and skill, in the race to win big money.

"Duel" premiered on ABC in December 2007 as a high-stakes tournament-style competition airing over six nights, with one of 20 contestants guaranteed to win the jackpot. Contestant Ashlee Register ultimately took home a $1.795 million jackpot. This time around, the show will be aired on a weekly basis. Each episode will feature a new group of contestants vying to duel either the previous week's winner or a brand new opponent. The goal of each contestant is to win a series of duels and take home the $500,000 jackpot. But along the way, contestants will be tempted to leave the game and walk away with their accumulated winnings.

Contestants on "Duel" will be chosen for their confidence and charisma, a love of trivia and an obsession for competition. Like the previous incarnation of the show, when contestants wins a duel, they will pick their next opponent from three potential competitors, having only been given a limited amount of information about them -- the twist being that not all may be as it appears with these challengers.

An online game of "Duel," developed by BermanBraun, will once again be available on ABC.com. Online gamers can choose to play either against the computer, or to challenge other players' duels from around the country.

Diet Pepsi Max is a key sponsor of the television show.

Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun are executive producers of "Duel" for BermanBraun. Chris Cowan, Jean Michel Michenaud and Charles Duncombe also serve as executive producers. David Rosconval and Francis Vacher are executive producers for French TV.

About the Host

Mike Greenberg is co-host of ESPN's "Mike and Mike in the Morning," a syndicated drive-time radio show covering sports and topical subjects. The popularity of the show has grown so much that it is now simulcast on ESPN2 as well, reaching over 95 million viewers in addition to its fan base of three million weekly listeners. Greenberg also anchor's ESPN's "SportsCenter," writes articles for ESPN.com and has published the book "Why My Wife Thinks I'm an Idiot," chronicling much of his recent life since starting with ESPN Radio. The book reached as high as 14th on the New York Times bestseller list.

About BermanBraun

BermanBraun, founded in February 2007, is an independent production venture based in Los Angeles. BermanBraun also has a strategic alliance with Pepsi to develop internet content.

About Rocket Science Laboratories, LLC

Rocket Science Laboratories, LLC, formed in 1998 by its two principals, Chris Cowan and Jean Michel Michenaud, has established itself as a leading innovator in the creation and production of original primetime reality formats. The company has consistently delivered top rated programming, including such series as "Temptation Island," "Joe Millionaire," "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé" and "Trading Spouses." Rocket Science Laboratories is based in West Hollywood, CA, where it maintains its corporate headquarters and production facilities. To date, Rocket Science Laboratories has produced three Top Ten-rated U.S. primetime series, produced over 130 hours of primetime programming, and its formats have been distributed across the globe.

Source: ABC Press Release