If there’s one thing Millennials have been clamoring for, it’s a remake ofThe Gong Show, the 1970s amateur talent show produced and hosted byChuck Barris. The Sony Pictures Television production ran on NBC and featured absurdist humor, memorably terrible losing acts, and prizes that were equal parts ludicrous and worthless. Occasionallycontroversial and risqué,The Gong Showgot its name from the comically large gong that celebrity judges would use to put the kibosh on a particularly poor act.
Now, asTHRreports, the show is making a return with a very strange selection for its host, Tommy Maitland. Never heard of him? That’s because he doesn’t exist; not really, anyway. It’s actuallyMike Myersin disguise and he’s expected to put on anAndy Kaufman-level performance by staying in character as Maitland, a 72-year-old U.K. native who is coming out of retirement for the show (and the paycheck). Head on over to THR for their exclusive phone interview with the Brit.
Here’s what producerWill Arnetthad to say about the host:
“I’ve been a huge fan of Tommy since I first saw his stand-up in the U.K. while traveling as a teenager. He was so funny and original. I had the good fortune to cross paths with Tommy a few years ago and ever since we’ve talked about working together. I tried for years to come up with a vehicle that was suitable to expose his immense talent on a bigger stage, andThe Gong Showis the perfect fit.”
When the variety show debuts on ABC this June 22nd, the rotating celebrity judge roster will include such famous faces asZach Galifianakis,Alison Brie,Andy Samberg,Elizabeth Banks,Joel McHale,Dana Carvey,Will Forte,Jack BlackandAnthony Anderson. They’ll offer up heaps of praise, scathing criticism, and/or an enthusiastic gonging for hopeful contestants, as is the game show’s hook. Keep an eye out forThe Gong Showthis June.
