Author Topic: Treasure Hunters Premeires June 16th on NBC (Read 34388 times)

puddin · « **on:** April 21, 2005, 08:59:04 PM »

April 07, 2005
Treasure Hunters Announces Casting Call
NBC is currently casting for its unscripted "Treasure Hunters" -- the new, quest-oriented series that features multi-player teams to be sent on a global search to solve a puzzle -- and the first team to uncover all the clues will be given the location of a hidden treasure.

"Treasure Hunters" will focus on the solving of the puzzle instead of the race itself.

Those interested in auditioning for "Treasure Hunters" can apply online by visiting the "Contestants" page at www.nbc.com, which also lists location dates and times for casting calls. There will be open calls in Tampa/Orlando, Nashville, Dallas/Austin, Washington D.C., New York City, Denver, Chicago and Boston.

Venue dates and locations are listed below. Potential contestants should note that locations are currently being locked and they should check www.nbc.com "Contestants" for the most up-to-date information.

"Treasure Hunters" is produced by NBC Universal Television Studio in association with Magical Elves Productions, Imagine Television and Madison Road Entertainment. Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz, Brian Grazer, David Nevins, Tom Mazza, Danica Krislovich and Jak Severson serve as executive producers.

"TREASURE HUNTERS" OPEN CASTING CALLS

THURSDAY, APRIL 14
Tampa, FL.
The Round up Country and Western Club
13918 West Hillborough Ave.
Tampa, FL. 33635
7pm – 11pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 16
Dallas, TX
Hard Rock Café
2601 McKinney Ave.
Dallas, TX 75204
10am – 5pm

Tampa, FL.
Stumps Supper Club
615 Channelside Dr. – Suite 124
Tampa, FL 33602
10am – 6 pm

Denver, CO
KUSA- NBC Affiliate
500 Speer Blvd.
Denver, CO 80203
10am – 6pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 23
Chicago, IL
WMAQ – NBC Affiliate
454 N. Columbus Dr. – NBC Tower
Chicago, IL 60611
10am – 6pm

Washington D.C.
Rock Bottom Brewery
7900 Norfolk Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20814
10am – 6pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 30
Boston, MA
The Rack
24 Clinton St.
Boston, MA 02109
10am- 6pm

Locations for New York, Nashville and Los Angeles will be listed on www.nbc.com ("Contestants") shortly.

Posted by Joe Reality on April 7, 2005 at 12:13 AM in Treasue Hunters | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 18, 2005
Treasure Hunters
Press Release - Imagine Television and Madison Road Entertainment will join NBC Universal Television Studio and Magical Elves Productions on NBC's new "Treasure Hunters," an unscripted "quest" series that will feature teams of treasure-hunting competitors who will use folklore, fantasy and actual history as clues to solve a complex puzzle.

In addition, Imagine Television's Brian Grazer and David Nevins ("Arrested Development") and Madison Road Entertainment's Tom Mazza, Danica Krislovich and Jak Severson will serve as executive producers.

The announcements were made by Jeff Gaspin, President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment & Cross Network Strategy.

"We are thrilled to partner with Imagine Television and Madison Road Entertainment," said Gaspin. "This is an ambitious project that is clearly in the right hands with this impressive producing and storytelling team."

"I can't wait to get started," said Nevins. "We thought a lot about what Imagine might bring to the reality television arena, and we think that with this idea and the terrific production team that has been assembled, we will be able to create an exciting event series."

"Madison Road and Imagine Television partnered to raise the bar in reality TV," said Mazza, "and we are thrilled to be combining those efforts with NBC."

As previously announced, multi-player teams will be sent on a global quest to solve the puzzle and the first team to uncover all the clues will be given the location of a hidden treasure. The show will focus on the solving of the puzzle instead of the race.

In addition, there will be an online component allowing web-savvy viewers to get more involved in the show.

The network has ordered 10 episodes of the series and contestant selection will begin soon. The broadcast date of the series will be announced at a later date.

"Treasure Hunters" is produced by NBC Universal Television Studio in association with Magical Elves Productions, Imagine Television and Madison Road Entertainment. Grazer, Nevins, Mazza, Krislovich and Severson join fellow executive producers Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz ("Project Runway," "Project Greenlight").

http://www.realitytvmagazine.com/blog/treasue_hunters/index.html

puddin · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2006, 04:04:35 PM »

NBC PROMISES SIZZLING SUMMER '06 WITH ORIGINAL DRAMA, ALTERNATIVE AND STANDUP COMEDY SERIES

Summer Fare Includes New Drama "Windfall," Alternative Series "Treasure Hunters" and Return of "Last Comic Standing"

BURBANK, Calif. -- January 22, 2006 -- NBC revealed its ambitious Summer 2006 programming lineup that features the original drama series "Windfall," the bold alternative series "Treasure Hunters" and the return of the standup comedy competition series "Last Comic Standing." The announcement was made today by Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment.

"We want people to know that NBC is not taking the summer off, and in fact, we are offering an engaging new drama in 'Windfall,' a riveting new competition series in 'Treasure Hunters' and the return of the audience favorite 'Last Comic Standing,'" said Reilly.

Premiere dates and times for the programs will be announced later.

Treasure Hunters" -- from Imagine Television and the producers of "Project Greenlight," "Project Runway" and "Last Comic Standing" ? is a fast-paced, adventure-reality series. In "Treasure Hunters," multi-player teams try to stay one step ahead of each other as they face intellectual and physical challenges in their quest of a promised hidden treasure. The teams must avoid elimination as they travel to historically significant locations where the must decipher cryptic codes and puzzles, each with a clue leading them closer to solving the ultimate puzzle and obtaining the coveted grand prize.

Laird Macintosh ("The Great Raid") hosts the series that is produced by NBC Universal Television Studio in association with Magical Elves Productions, Imagine Television and Madison Road Entertainment. Dan Cutforth ("Project Greenlight," "Last Comic Standing") and Jane Lipsitz ("Project Greenlight," "Last Comic Standing") of Magical Elves Productions, along with Brian Grazer and David Nevins of Imagine Television, and Tom Mazza, Danica Krislovich and Jak Severson of Madison Road Entertainment, serve as executive producers.

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/cgi/pr.cgi?id=20060122nbc01

Swanee · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2006, 06:06:39 PM »

Oh, great. Now I can be a couch potato all summer, too!!!

Kogs · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2006, 06:46:32 PM »

booooooooo to nbc for copying tar

puddin · « **Reply #4 on:** April 10, 2006, 07:39:19 PM »

Monday, April 10, 2006

NBC CHILLS OUT SUMMER 2006 WITH PREMIERES OF NEW ORIGINAL ALTERNATIVE SERIES 'TREASURE HUNTERS' AND 'AMERICA'S GOT TALENT' AND THE RETURN OF 'LAST COMIC STANDING'
Released by NBC

NBC CHILLS OUT SUMMER 2006 WITH PREMIERES OF NEW ORIGINAL ALTERNATIVE SERIES "TREASURE HUNTERS" AND "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT" AND THE RETURN OF "LAST COMIC STANDING"

BURBANK, Calif. -- April 10, 2006 -- NBC announced premiere dates for its bold summer 2006 alternative programming including new original series "Treasure Hunters" (Sunday, June 18) and "America's Got Talent" (Wednesday, June 21) -- plus the return of the standup comedy competition series "Last Comic Standing" (Tuesday, May 30). The announcement was made today by Craig Plestis, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming and Development, NBC Entertainment.

"This summer's alternative lineup represents all the high-energy and fun-filled programming viewers crave," said Plestis. "We purposely intended to showcase these promising projects during these months to allow them to cultivate a dedicated audience."

Following are format descriptions for NBC's summer alternative series in order of premiere dates.

LAST COMIC STANDING (two-hour premiere Tuesday, May 30, 8-10 p.m. ET; regular time Tuesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET) -- The Emmy-nominated series "Last Comic Standing" serves up a new season of laughs and surprises as the innovative comedy showcase searches for the funniest people in America. Anthony Clark ("Yes, Dear") hosts the lively laughfest, which begins with a nationwide talent search for professional and aspiring comedians. Then once the selection is narrowed down to 12, the series will follow the comedians - both male and female - as they live together and compete for the ultimate prize - an exclusive talent contract with NBC and a comedy special on Bravo. "Last Comic Standing" is produced by Peter Engel Productions, Magical Elves and NBC Universal Television Studio. The executive producers are Peter Engel ("Saved By the Bell," "City Guys"), Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz (Bravo's "Project Runway" and NBC's "Treasure Hunters") and Barry Katz ("Action," "Dane Cook's Tourgasm").

TREASURE HUNTERS (special two-hour premiere Sunday, June 18, 8-10 p.m. ET following the U.S. Open; regular time period Mondays, 9-10 p.m. ET) - "Treasure Hunters" is a fast-paced adventure/mystery reality series where multi-player teams try to stay one step ahead of each other as they are mentally and physically challenged in their quest of a promised hidden treasure. The teams must avoid elimination as they travel to historically significant locations where they must decipher cryptic codes and puzzles, each with a clue leading them closer to solving the ultimate puzzle, and obtaining the coveted grand prize. Laird Macintosh ("Ultimate Playground") hosts the series, which is produced by NBC Universal Television Studio in association with Magical Elves Productions, Imagine Television and Madison Road Entertainment. Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz (Bravo's "Project Runway," NBC's "Last Comic Standing") of Magical Elves Productions, along with Brian Grazer and David Nevins of Imagine Television, and Tom Mazza, Danica Krislovich and Jak Severson of Madison Road Entertainment, serve as executive producers.

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT (two-hour premiere Wednesday, June 21, 8-10 p.m. ET; regular time Wednesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET; 30-minute results shows Thursdays beginning July 13, 8:30-9 p.m. ET) - Simon Cowell ("American Idol") and FremantleMedia ("American Idol") will bring the hottest performers from across the country to TV audiences in a new talent competition series that allows viewers to determine who will walk away with a $1 million cash prize. The series features a colorful array of hopeful future stars who possess widely varying levels of talent. Singers, dancers, comedic performers and unique novelty acts of all ages will have a chance to strut and perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges who will determine which acts advance to the final rounds. "America's Got Talent" is produced by Cowell's SYCO TV production company and FremantleMedia. Simon Cowell, Ken Warwick and Cecile Frot-Coutaz ("American Idol") are the executive producers. Jason Raff ("Three Wishes) is the co-executive producer.

As previously announced, the scripted drama series "Windfall" starring Luke Perry ("Beverly Hills, 90210"), Lana Parrilla ("Boomtown"), Jason Gedrick ("Boomtown"), Sarah Wynter ("24") and D.J. Cotrona ("Skin"), that follows 20 lottery winners after their unexpected good fortune, will also premiere this summer on Thursday, June 8 (10-11 p.m. ET).

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/cgi/pr.cgi?id=20060410nbc02

puddin · « **Reply #5 on:** May 19, 2006, 07:34:15 PM »

TREASURE HUNTERS (NBC, 2006-PRESENT)
(click on the links to the right to view related information)

VIEWING RELATED LISTINGS

date (day) time episode title

8/14/06 (Mo.) 9:00 PM (#110) Episode 110
8/7/06 (Mo.) 9:00 PM (#109) Episode 109
7/31/06 (Mo.) 9:00 PM (#108) Episode 108
7/24/06 (Mo.) 9:00 PM (#107) Episode 107
7/17/06 (Mo.) 9:00 PM (#106) Episode 106
7/10/06 (Mo.) 9:00 PM (#105) Episode 105
7/3/06 (Mo.) 9:00 PM (#104) Episode 104
6/26/06 (Mo.) 9:00 PM (#103) Episode 103
6/19/06 (Mo.) 9:00 PM (#102) Episode 102
6/18/06 (Su.) 8:00 PM (#101A/101B) Episode 101

( thanks to thefutoncritic )

Thursday, March 16, 2006
NBC'S NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES 'TREASURE HUNTERS' OFFERS CHANCE FOR VIEWERS TO HUNT ALONG FOR TREASURE IN EXCITING INTERACTIVE GAME FOLLOWING PREMIERE THIS SUMMER
Released by NBC

NBC'S NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES 'TREASURE HUNTERS' OFFERS CHANCE FOR VIEWERS TO HUNT ALONG FOR TREASURE IN EXCITING INTERACTIVE GAME FOLLOWING PREMIERE THIS SUMMER

Challenging SMS Text-messaging Component Provides Viewers with Opportunity for Real Riches

BURBANK, Calif. -- March 16, 2006 -- Every viewer can be a treasure hunter by going to NBC.com and signing up for an unique virtual adventure in NBC's upcoming alternative series "Treasure Hunters" (premiering this summer) that features teams of fortune-hunting competitors who will use folklore, fantasy and actual history as clues to solve a complex puzzle that will lead them to a treasure beyond their imagination.

"Treasure Hunters" will offer a new world of integrated entertainment with a short-messaging service (SMS) -- or text-messaging -- component that allows participants to use their wits and answer questions on their mobile phones in order to gather a piece of each week's puzzle via the internet. Like the television series, each piece is a special clue necessary to solve the puzzle for the treasure. In the SMS game, during each episode, two SMS questions are asked, and participants who text-in the correct answers will receive a code-word beamed to their phones. They will need the code-word to unlock two challenges on NBC.com -- and with the set of "coordinates," they must first locate a tool related to the week's episode that will then be used to complete a flash game.

Once finished, participants will receive a special clue that will lead them one step closer to the fortune. At the end of the series, participants will assemble all nine clues to solve the puzzle. Ten participants who answer correctly and quickly will then compete live online to find their own real hidden treasure. Non-SMS users can also play via NBC.com.

"Treasure Hunters" collaborated with Ask.com to provide specific clue search functions for cast members while on the hunt. These same clues can be searched, downloaded and printed by the viewing audience throughout the hunt.

"Treasure Hunters" is from Imagine Television and the producers of "Project Greenlight," "Project Runway" and "Last Comic Standing." In the fast-paced adventure reality series, multi-player teams try to stay one step ahead of each other as they are mentally and physically challenged in their quest of a promised hidden treasure. The teams must avoid elimination as they travel to historically significant locations where they must decipher cryptic codes and puzzles, each with a clue leading them closer to solving the ultimate puzzle, and obtaining the coveted grand prize.

Laird Macintosh ("The Great Raid") hosts the series, which is produced by NBC Universal Television Studio in association with Magical Elves Productions, Imagine Television and Madison Road Entertainment. Dan Cutforth ("Project Greenlight," "Last Comic Standing") and Jane Lipsitz ("Project Greenlight," "Last Comic Standing") of Magical Elves Productions, along with Brian Grazer and David Nevins of Imagine Television, and Tom Mazza, Danica Krislovich and Jak Severson of Madison Road Entertainment, serve as executive producers.

Video link here ( thanks Slowhatch

)
Vicaps here

puddin · « **Reply #6 on:** May 19, 2006, 10:53:49 PM »

another TH video here~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D523royR6FE

Slowhatch · « **Reply #7 on:** May 21, 2006, 12:04:39 AM »

The good news: lots of caps (thanks, Puddin

) and clues and spoil-stuff.
The bad news: if you thought the TAR 8 shill was bad, you won't like this. Forget product placement, the new buzzword is "branded entertainment." And Madison Road exists solely to push brands (see here).

Slowhatch · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2006, 12:02:22 AM »

The short promo
http://od-msn.msn.com/3/mbr/th_promo_042106.wmv
The long promo
http://od-msn.msn.com/3/mbr/th_promo_longform.wmv
Have fun

Oops! I missed the medium-length promo. It's here
http://Http://od-msn.msn.com/3/mbr/th_promo_exp_060406.wmv

puddin · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2006, 01:13:19 AM »

well thats what I ws looking for Slowhatch

, for some reason the NBC site won't load for me so this really helps , thank you !

Kogs · « **Reply #10 on:** May 25, 2006, 10:36:38 AM »

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060525/COLUMNISTS01/605250302/1005/rss04

Chateau d If · « **Reply #11 on:** May 25, 2006, 12:54:40 PM »

I wonder if this won't loose her tierra before the show.

puddin · « **Reply #12 on:** May 25, 2006, 12:59:07 PM »

Chateau

here you can watch videos and interviews with the contestants , you really have to fart around with the videos to bring up the interviews . I wish I could get the url's from the videos .
http://www.nbc.com/Video/

puddin · « **Reply #13 on:** May 25, 2006, 01:08:05 PM »

heres away
go here
http://www.nbc.com/nbc/Treasure_Hunters/

hit preview in red
when the video screen popsup scroll to the bottom of it you'll see Main | 1 |

hit main
scroll down to

Treasure Hunters

puddin · « **Reply #14 on:** May 25, 2006, 05:49:41 PM »

Forget all that ^^^^^^^^^^^^^
the site is officially up !!

http://www.nbc.com/Treasure_Hunters/

Slowhatch · « **Reply #15 on:** May 25, 2006, 07:35:13 PM »

In addition to the promos mentioned above, here are the audition videos. I couldn't find videos for the southies or the Fogals. Also, note some differences between the public and private names.

puddin · « **Reply #16 on:** May 25, 2006, 08:49:53 PM »

Oh you have to teach me that trick someday Slowhatch

what a bunch of characters ,

Slowhatch · « **Reply #17 on:** May 25, 2006, 11:53:43 PM »

I couldn't find any videos on the Fogals or the southies but I did find a couple of things on the web. Brad Fogal ministers here. The southies already have their own product line. There's an Imdb entry for the same names (the twins), but since there's no photos I'll file it under "probable."

puddin · « **Reply #18 on:** May 26, 2006, 01:39:11 AM »

Thanks again Slowhatch ( nice avatar

)
and thanks Rob for giving Treasure Hunters it own thread !
It's all ours guys & gals so feel free to start a new topic , whatever ya'll want ..anything goes !!

Reality Junkee · « **Reply #19 on:** May 26, 2006, 07:09:01 PM »

All I know is I can't wait for it to start!

Hmmm...I'll do my own treasure hunting.

Nuala · « **Reply #20 on:** May 27, 2006, 04:17:27 PM »

You know after the movie with Nicholas Cage hunting for a treasure, I thought hmmmmmmmm....this would make a great new reality show. Man, I am really bummed that I did not get paid for my idea......LOL.

Jeffrey Scott · « **Reply #21 on:** May 28, 2006, 08:18:31 AM »

Something new to watch during the summer. I may check this out.

Nuala · « **Reply #22 on:** May 28, 2006, 08:33:39 PM »

Thanks Puddin' for introducing us to the teams. Wow, there are some competitive types here. Who do you think will do good at this game?

puddin · « **Reply #23 on:** May 28, 2006, 09:36:12 PM »

Oh I like the CIA and Airforce !!

Slowhatch · « **Reply #24 on:** May 28, 2006, 10:47:53 PM »

In addition to the open calls Puddin listed above, it looks like they also went looking for particular types. Here's a Women in Physics list board with a notice for female physicists; I guess the producers settled for the grad students. And here's a Marine newsletter:

Quote

“We’re really looking for a variety of contestants, anyone from a group of Marines to firemen and the CIA – everyone,” said Kamala Fritzler, casting director for NBC’s “Treasure Hunters.”

Substitute "Air Force" for "Marines" and you've nailed it down.

Texan · « **Reply #25 on:** May 30, 2006, 02:41:32 PM »

So is this suppose to be like TAR but in the US?

cinni · « **Reply #26 on:** May 31, 2006, 01:55:11 PM »

i'm so glad i wandered by. this looks like fun and i can see from the spoiler thread that the detectives are hard at work again.

gingerman28 · « **Reply #27 on:** June 03, 2006, 02:49:07 PM »

Saw the first video commercial on NBC Thursday night. Looks a lot like you know what! In the fast montage it looks like teams will be going to at least London and Paris; the alps; looks like a glacier in Alaska or Norway.

Also looks like a throwback to the first ep of TAR where you really had to follow clues to find out where you had to go next.

One clue I picked up said: "Go to the Wentworth House in Strawbery Banke, and find what the minutemen left."[b/]

That would take the teams to the Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The home of Joshua Wentworth who was an active supporter of the colonials in the revolution from Great Britain was moved there in the mid 1970's. So one of the original Minutemen may have left his musket in the care of Joshua sometime after 1775.

Another handwriten clue seems to talk about North Dakota at the point that the Missouri River comes out of the mountains. And at this point is a rock which is 400 feet high. We have seen a shot of what looks like the replica of an original wilderness fort which might be the location the teams have to find.

Looks like this series may have some possiblities for fun in trying to find and decipher clues before the teams do.

Looking forward to more promos.

RudyRules · « **Reply #28 on:** June 04, 2006, 03:03:08 AM »

Quote from: Swanee on January 23, 2006, 06:06:39 PM

Oh, great. Now I can be a couch potato all summer, too!!!

Yeh, me too Swanee. I'll give it a try, but if it conflicts w/ the new season of The Closer...That's what I'll watch!

RudyRules · « **Reply #29 on:** June 04, 2006, 03:10:58 AM »

Oh wait, I think The Closer is on Mondays...so no conflict. However, a repeat of 24 is on Fridays. I don't plan to watch 24 tho since I taped the whole season. TH...here I come!

chunkylover53 · « **Reply #30 on:** June 04, 2006, 09:22:44 PM »

I can't wait for this to start. Will be interested to see the tie into The DaVinci Code as they are pumping up that angle in the promos.

PsychoJason · « **Reply #31 on:** June 04, 2006, 09:31:36 PM »

HOLD IT! HOLD IT! HOLD IT!

Episode 2 of Treasure Hunters airs June 19, right?

Take a look at this from NHL.com:

chunkylover53 · « **Reply #32 on:** June 04, 2006, 09:40:28 PM »

I guess we all know NBC is NOT praying for a game 7. They have done nothing to promote hockey all year and they might just pay someone off to make sure they don't have to reschedule the premire.

PsychoJason · « **Reply #33 on:** June 04, 2006, 09:58:28 PM »

Quote from: chunkylover53 on June 04, 2006, 09:40:28 PM

I guess we all know NBC is NOT praying for a game 7. They have done nothing to promote hockey all year and they might just pay someone off to make sure they don't have to reschedule the premire.

And I am guessing CBC IS praying for a game 7, since that seems to be their only source of revenue. And they have been promoting the hell out of it!

Let's hope NBC paid off the Oilers to win...

puddin · « **Reply #34 on:** June 04, 2006, 10:28:58 PM »

I didn't even know Hockey was on primetime tv ?

Kogs · « **Reply #35 on:** June 04, 2006, 11:08:17 PM »

just for stanley cup finals puddin

PsychoJason · « **Reply #36 on:** June 04, 2006, 11:24:36 PM »

Quote from: puddin on June 04, 2006, 10:28:58 PM

I didn't even know Hockey was on primetime tv ?

That's CBC's and TSN's regular primetime schedule! I'm sure OLN has been doing primetime hockey for a while now...

http://geocities.com/psychojason32/hnic.mp3

rmax · « **Reply #37 on:** June 05, 2006, 05:40:05 AM »

Quote

One clue I picked up said: "Go to the Wentworth House in Strawbery Banke, and find what the minutemen left."

Hey, I live very close to Strawbery Banke! I don't remember reading anything about a reality tv series filming around town. Does anyone know when the series was filmed? I wonder if hours of operation bunching will be a part of this "race?"

chunkylover53 · « **Reply #38 on:** June 05, 2006, 05:47:36 AM »

IIRC games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals are on OLN. The rest are on NBC. That would include a potential game 7. I guess NBC is willing to take a chance that there will not be a game 7 and if there is they will have to delay the first episode. It's not like they don't have plenty of open slots they could run the show in instead of a rerun.

puddin · « **Reply #39 on:** June 05, 2006, 08:47:47 PM »

Monday, June 5, 2006
TEN TEAMS SEEK A HIDDEN TREASURE AS THEIR QUEST BEGINS THIS SUMMER IN NBC'S "TREASURE HUNTERS"
Released by NBC

TEN TEAMS SEEK A HIDDEN TREASURE AS THEIR QUEST BEGINS THIS SUMMER IN NBC'S "TREASURE HUNTERS"

TEN TEAMS SEEK A HIDDEN TREASURE AS THEIR QUEST BEGINS THIS SUMMER IN NBC'S "TREASURE HUNTERS"

BURBANK June 5, 2005 From the producers of "The Da Vinci Code" and "Last Comic Standing" comes NBC's "Treasure Hunters," a fast-paced adventure/mystery reality series where multi-player teams try to stay one step ahead of each other as they are mentally and physically challenged in their quest for a promised hidden treasure. The teams must avoid elimination as they travel to historically significant locations around the globe where they decipher cryptic codes and puzzles, each with a clue leading them closer to solving the ultimate puzzle, and obtaining the coveted grand prize.

The adventure series kicks off with a special 2-hour premiere episode on Sunday, June 18 (8-10 p.m. ET), and then moves to its regular Monday timeslot (9-10 p.m. ET), beginning on Monday, June 19.

The teams are:

AIR FORCE
Matt Rillos, 28, Highlands Ranch, CO
Brooke Rillos, 28, Highlands Ranch, CO
Matt Zitzlsperger, 28, Plymouth, MN

BROWN FAMILY
Tonny Brown, 38, Garland, TX
Keith Brown, 43, Corvalis, OR
Terrance Brown, 40, Fort Worth, TX

EX-CIA
Jacob Porter, 34, McLean, VA
Mark West, 36, Pensacola, FL
Todd Moore, 32, Sterling, VA

FOGAL FAMILY
Brad Fogal, 48, Orange County, CA
Margie Fogal, 47, Orange County, CA
Kayte Fogal, 25, San Clemente, CA

GENIUSES
Charles Taylor, 22, Dallas, TX
Francis Goldshmid, 20, Dallas, TX
Sam Khurana, 21, Dallas, TX

GRAD STUDENTS
Jessica Schilling, 27, San Diego, CA
Melissa Schilling, 27, San Diego, CA
Kathleen Krapfl, 26, San Diego, CA

MISS USA
Melissa Witek, 25, Cocoa Beach, FL (Miss USA Florida 2005)
Kaitlyn Christopher, 20, Indianapolis, IN (Miss USA Indiana 2005)
Kristen Johnson, 24, Evanston, IL (Miss USA Kentucky 2005)

SOUTHIE BOYS
Matthew Mullen, 37, Los Angeles, CA
Martin Mullen, 37, Los Angeles, CA
John Collins, 33, Boston, MA

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Taryn Brown, 28, New York, NY
Drew Brown, 26, Boston, MA
Chandra Lewis, 26, Edgewater, NJ

WILD HANLONS
Josh Hanlon, 19, Copperas Cove, TX
Patrick Hanlon, 39, Copperas Cove, TX
Ben Hanlon, 50, Lampasas, TX

Laird Macintosh ("Ultimate Playground") hosts the series, which is produced by NBC Universal Television Studio in association with Magical Elves Productions, Imagine Television and Madison Road Entertainment. Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz (Bravo's "Project Runway," NBC's "Last Comic Standing") of Magical Elves Productions, along with Imagine Television's Brian Grazer ("The DaVinci Code") and David Nevins ("Arrested Development," "24"), and Tom Mazza, Danica Krislovich and Jak Severson of Madison Road Entertainment, serve as executive producers.

gingerman28 · « **Reply #40 on:** June 05, 2006, 09:44:48 PM »

Ummm, obviously a young one's game: 25 of the 30 "racers" are under the age of 40!! And the one oldest player is only 50!

puddin · « **Reply #41 on:** June 05, 2006, 11:10:55 PM »

Your right Gman , no Fran & Barry's or Meredith & Gretchens

chunkylover53 · « **Reply #42 on:** June 06, 2006, 08:21:23 AM »

I wish there was a better mix of ages represented but I am sure that won't stop me from watching it.

PsychoJason · « **Reply #43 on:** June 13, 2006, 02:27:43 AM »

Well, I think it's a good, yet unfortunate, bet that Treasure Hunters will air on Monday. It's slim-to-nil that the series will go to game 7 at this point.

cinni · « **Reply #44 on:** June 13, 2006, 09:52:43 AM »

funny that my local paper had this show listed to start last night. rats. guess i'm waiting with everyone else. i did finally see an add promoting for sunday here on global tv.

CeeeJay · « **Reply #45 on:** June 14, 2006, 02:34:02 PM »

Honestly it seems that way too many people are trying to cash in on this Di Vinci thing!!!! Is the movie worth seeing?? I really enjoyed National Treasure....

gingerman28 · « **Reply #46 on:** June 17, 2006, 09:44:08 AM »

Bad news from The Washington Post today. Tom Shales, a very respected TV critic, pans the bejeesus out of "Treasure Hunters" premiering tomorrow on NBC:

"NBC's Treasure Hunters map leads straight to Dullesville." And "You can't hide the fact that Treasure is Junk.

Contestants are outfitted with three necessities: a cellphone, a laptop, and a Visa Card. More product placements? "At least viewers are armed with a necessity of their own: the marvelous, wonderful channel-changer with which they can effortlessly transport themselves to a location preferable to Treasure Hunters - specifically, any channel not airing it."

"It's hard to respond at all to Treasure Hunters except perhaps to have your pulse quickened a bit - not by the herky-jerky photography, or raggy-taggy editing, but by the beat-beat-beat of the thundering din on the soundtrack, a musical score that could easily replace the fingernail remover as one of the world's great torture devices."

"After absurdly quick visits to an Alaskan glacier, Lake George, wherever, the entire ensemble meets at the State Capitol Building in Lincoln, Neb. Godd gosha mighty, couldn't they all jjst have gone straight there in the first place?"

Finally,

"Treasure Hunters is likely to be a fiasco, and a horrendous one, but on a scale better described at teensy or weensy"

Doesn't sound good for the success of TH in this area, at least. Audiences do follow Mr. Shales' critiques.

Link for the entire article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/16/AR2006061602024.html?sub=AR

Slowhatch · « **Reply #47 on:** June 17, 2006, 11:46:03 AM »

Another pan (but not as caustic) from the NY Times. Some stuff about TJ:

Quote

In tomorrow's episode, an image of a Jeffersonian cane appears in an explanatory video. We learn that the cane, which the contestants will find, secretes a key, and parts of the cane combine to form a gadget that can open a box.

chunkylover53 · « **Reply #48 on:** June 17, 2006, 01:11:43 PM »

I will at least give it a shot. It's like Ebert and Roper, if they hate it chances are I will probally like it.

puddin · « **Reply #49 on:** June 17, 2006, 01:21:13 PM »

I read the bad reviews but don't care what the critics say ! I'm going to watch no matter what !!

chunkylover53 · « **Reply #50 on:** June 17, 2006, 10:09:55 PM »

We will see what NBC thinks of their show since they have to show hockey on Monday instead of TH. Do they move a repeat to show a new episode or how do they fix the problem?

puddin · « **Reply #51 on:** June 17, 2006, 10:37:00 PM »

My local listings still have TH , no matter if its pre-empted they will just show it some other night ...hopefully no Weds because BBAllstars is on

Kogs · « **Reply #52 on:** June 17, 2006, 10:42:50 PM »

Quote from: puddin on June 17, 2006, 10:37:00 PM

My local listings still have TH , no matter if its pre-empted they will just show it some other night ...hopefully no Weds because BBAllstars is on

my directv guide has hockey

but they have alternate programming in parthenthasise that include treasure hunters

chunkylover53 · « **Reply #53 on:** June 17, 2006, 10:47:45 PM »

I am sure they have a plan. I guess we will find out tomorrow.

chunkylover53 · « **Reply #54 on:** June 18, 2006, 09:59:22 AM »

The negative reviews keep coming in. This one from hollywoodreporter.com

The most striking thing about NBC's "Treasure Hunters" is how much it looks and feels like CBS' "The Amazing Race," right down to its summertime premiere. For a reality show to bear so close a resemblance to another, you would almost swear you were watching Fox. "Hunters" also pilfers elements from the film "National Treasure." While it doesn't improve on either the series or the film, it does a good job of recognizing the strengths of both and re-creating them.

At the same time, "Hunters," with its 10 executive producers and co-executive producers, forcefully argues for a theory of inverse relationship between the number of top execs and the degree of originality.

In this reality contest, 10 teams of three players dart across the U.S., performing physical challenges and solving an occasional puzzle. The challenges, though arduous, still can be performed by the few players who haven't seen the inside of a gym for a while. The puzzles, though a little tricky, still can be mastered by the team of Miss USA contestants.

Which brings us to the issue of casting, which is as critical for an unscripted show as it is for the scripted variety. Most teams in "Hunters" are telegenic and symbolic. There is the military team, the family team, the yuppie team, the babe team, the high IQ team, and so on. Just as in "Race," we get a little background about each of the competitors as the game begins. Not so much that we actually know them; just enough to stereotype them for cheering purposes.

The host is Laird Macintosh (also host for NBC's "Ultimate Playground"), whose resume includes modeling, acting and performing as a magician. Macintosh is a graduate of the Jeff Probst school of reality show hosts, which requires a deathly serious demeanor, as if this was more than a variation of a scavenger hunt but a race to stave off global warming and end world hunger.

In any case, the timing is right. With a weakened American dollar and the high cost of gas draining family budgets, more people are likely considering vacations close to home. With its first-class cinematography and vague allusions to America's history, "Hunters" reminds viewers that there are an abundance of things to see and do, even in Nebraska.

Reviewers were asked not to reveal the first team eliminated, but it is obvious in just the first few minutes who the real winners are -- members of the NBC sales department. Collectively, they have taken product placement to new and annoying heights. Contestants wear clothes, use cell phones, perform Internet searches and more for corporate sponsors. They can't travel a mile without being bombarded by commercial messages. Reality programming doesn't get more real than that.

Bottom line: The motto here is Out-hustle, Out-sell and Out-copy.

chunkylover53 · « **Reply #55 on:** June 18, 2006, 10:00:22 AM »

Variety.com pans it also

Even in the cutthroat world of summer reality shows, "Treasure Hunters" scores a rare superfecta -- borrowing elements from no fewer than four movies and TV shows. Think of it as a "The Da Vinci Code"-"National Treasure"-like quest with mind-teasing clues, leading to an "Amazing Race"-type contest between teams bearing labels ("Geniuses," "Ex-CIA," "Miss USA") plucked out of "Fear Factor." Frankly, the two-hour premiere is exhausting, but for those who can't get enough of seeing someone barf or a fat guy almost drown, it might be the perfect summer time-killer.

First, the mathematical set-up: Five teams of three are dispatched to Alaska and five more to Maui, without either knowing that a second competition is in the works. The various groups seek to decipher riddles that lead to physical tests, while a robotic host (Laird Macintosh) tells them, via a prominent product placement for a cellphone, when they've gotten it right and where to go next.

Granted, someone needs to be bitchslapped for one truly terrible decision, putting the beauty pageant contestants in Alaska, where they spend the early going covered up in parkas. Idiots! Fortunately, some blond twins in Hawaii immediately strip down to bikinis, providing minor compensation for this oversight.

Another young woman, on a boat, graphically loses her breakfast. Meanwhile, overweight brothers don swimsuits, too, and one announces that he doesn't know how to swim before plunging into choppy waters. Will he make it to shore? If not, tune in for NBC's next summer reality delight, "Insurance Hunters."

"Treasure Hunters" also dives right into the melodramatic urgency of reality competitions, and in the process comes away with some unintentional laughs. One team, for example, says in utter seriousness, "Right now, the CIA's our biggest concern." Gee, if only they were members of Congress.

Yet despite a pounding, tension-packed theme by "24""24" composer Sean Callery, the racing around adds up to a chaotic bore without a hint of originality, as well as the most confusing set of rules for a reality show since the first season of "The Mole." How do you win? What's the ultimate prize again? Does anybody really know what time it is, and does anybody really care?

In terms of assets, "Treasure Hunters" -- which receives a two-hour premiere before moving to Mondays -- does provide a pretty travelogue of its two locales, at least marginal legitimacy by virtue of "Da Vinci Code" producer Brian GrazerBrian Grazer's participation and the prospective fun of mounting a great big scavenger hunt with GE's money.

As treasures go, though, the real reward comes when the closing credits finally begin to roll. After two hours of silliness, now that's priceless.

chunkylover53 · « **Reply #56 on:** June 18, 2006, 10:03:29 AM »

LA Times doesn't exactly hate it.

If it worked once, they'll do it again
'Treasure Hunters' copies so many other reality series. But, hey, people like that stuff, so it'll probably survive.

"Treasure Hunters," which premieres Sunday night on NBC and moves to Mondays thereafter, is really no more than the globe-trotting CBS reality-competition series "The Amazing Race" dressed in the clothes of the 2004 Nicolas Cage action film "National Treasure." That film was about a hoard of loot hidden by the Founding Fathers behind a series of "Da Vinci Code"-style firewalls, brain teasers and locked boxes, and though the resemblances may not be technically actionable, if the network legal department has done its job, they are close enough that we may reasonably imagine Jerry Bruckheimer — producer of both "The Amazing Race" and "National Treasure," oddly — wondering just what is up with that.

Still, given that people are usually only too happy to be given another version of something they already like, and judging by the success of its constituent parts, I would expect this series to do well.

"Survivor" is, of course, also among its ancestors, the very model of the modern let's-pretend game show. (I detect hints as well of "Cannonball Run" and "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.") The stage here is set with some burble about "the secrets of history," "hidden messages left by our forefathers" and "seven mysterious artifacts" that "protect the secret of the key" to a treasure whose "location is guarded by an ancient secret society that still exists today." (Not Opus Dei, I am guessing.)

You should not expect too much of an actual story to emerge from this hodgepodge of themed puzzles, scenic romps and bold product placement (Visa cards, Motorola RAZR cellphones, Ask.com and Orbitz.com, "a crucial tool for booking your travel along the hunt"). But the narrative decorations are inextricable from the fun, in the same way that Candyland or Uncle Wiggly gives a little life to moving pieces around a board or Disneyland clothes a roller coaster in the trappings of a trip through space, a runaway mine train, an alpine adventure.

Ten teams of three hunt for clues that send them to puzzles whose solution hurries them on to their next destination; in Sunday's opener, all roads lead, through jungles and across glaciers, to Mt. Rushmore, just like in "North by Northwest," where the first team will be eliminated.

Each has its own theme: Air Force, Ex-CIA, Miss USA, Young Professionals, the Geniuses (not as smart as they think they are, is the already established joke), the Grad Students (hot girls, whose hotness is photographically emphasized) and so on.

Most of the contestants are young-to-youngish, sensibly enough, given all the running and climbing and swimming and diving and huffing and puffing involved, and a disproportionate number seem to be from Texas.

Notably bucking the age trend are the Brown Family, a trio of very large but very game African Americans in their late 30s and 40s; the mulleted and amusing Wild Hanlons; and the Fogal Family, headed by an Orange County pastor who seems to have taken as his guiding text "The Lord helps those who helps themselves."

"Treasure Hunters" is not as baldly Machiavellian as "Survivor," but there is room for bad behavior. "If there's a point where we have to stretch the truth a little bit and ask for forgiveness later," says Papa Fogal, "I don't think we're beyond that" — but one must remember that this is also the very mantra of reality television, where the truth is just taffy to pull. Any whisper of evil is sure to be amplified.

It's become commonplace to claim that the advantage of reality shows is that ordinary folks are inherently more interesting and (by definition) more authentic than what writers are making up these days. And though it is true that many working screenwriters have no ear for the way people actually talk, what the average Joe or Jane has to say is not always interesting either, or immune from cliché.

What reality TV does offer, however, that its invented competition largely does not, is a real sense of place. Non-reality television habitually substitutes one place for another in the name of practicality or economy. "Treasure Hunters" puts you exactly where it claims to put you: in the choppy waters off Maui, or on an Alaskan glacier, or the steps of the Nebraska State House, and does you the favor of photographing them well. This is exciting in itself, regardless of what the contestants are up to, and makes "Treasure Hunters" an ideal summer entertainment for armchair travelers.

PsychoJason · « **Reply #57 on:** June 18, 2006, 10:38:51 AM »

I wonder what our role will be in this reality show? NBC has continuously said we can win a treasure too, so I'm wondering if their is either an ITV game we play with the show, or if we are all on the ultimate web search (Ask.com is a sponsor of Treasure Hunters). Let's put our hints on RFF...

GO OILERS!

chunkylover53 · « **Reply #58 on:** June 18, 2006, 10:55:15 AM »

I have heard it may be something like Gameshow Marathon.

puddin · « **Reply #59 on:** June 18, 2006, 12:29:43 PM »

http://www.nbc.com/Treasure_Hunters/game/

supsandalee · « **Reply #60 on:** June 18, 2006, 05:44:15 PM »

I must have been living under a rock since TAR ended because I knew nothing about this show until this afternoon.

I'm quickly reading all the posts to get caught up before the show begins. Can't wait! I need a reality tv fix before Big Brother begins.

puddin · « **Reply #61 on:** June 18, 2006, 05:54:10 PM »

SUPS ! Check out the TAR Spoilers for a fix

supsandalee · « **Reply #62 on:** June 18, 2006, 06:05:59 PM »

Quote from: puddin on June 18, 2006, 05:54:10 PM

SUPS ! Check out the TAR Spoilers for a fix

Oh, I've read all the TAR spoilers -- I only took about a week off from there.

chunkylover53 · « **Reply #63 on:** June 18, 2006, 07:34:26 PM »

The Taylor Hicks Ford commerical during the show was quite disturbing. I can't believe he had to take a job like that!!

Slowhatch · « **Reply #64 on:** June 28, 2006, 07:55:12 PM »

I thought it was a little odd that the teams would make a long(ish) hike up the hill at Rushmore when no one could see the cache site from the main trail. But a sharp-eyed person at NBC has explained it: production hung rags from trees and bushes to mark the trail up to the site.

Chateau d If · « **Reply #65 on:** June 29, 2006, 11:58:37 AM »

I remember hearing some audio about "there's the burlap"

It's kind of like TAR when there is a lot of unheard info the additional info sheets. Like, for example, the address for Bart the Bear in Heber City.

RudyRules · « **Reply #66 on:** June 30, 2006, 02:33:41 AM »

Quote from: chunkylover53 on June 18, 2006, 07:34:26 PM

The Taylor Hicks Ford commerical during the show was quite disturbing. I can't believe he had to take a job like that!!

You mean it was disturbing b/c you feel he HAD to take a job like that??
I know this is

, but I don't think Taylor HAD to take that job. In my estimation, it's an opportunity. Commercials help expose new performers. Once he gets going with his recordings he probably won't have time to do commercials!! Whatever, I'm a Taylor fan...and I like him in the Ford commercial...and just about anything he does is good to me.

(If you want, chunky, we can chat about this in a Taylor thread...or puddin will bust us!

)

Pedaler · « **Reply #67 on:** June 30, 2006, 12:38:44 PM »

Quote

I thought it was a little odd that the teams would make a long(ish) hike up the hill at Rushmore when no one could see the cache site from the main trail. But a sharp-eyed person at NBC has explained it: production hung rags from trees and bushes to mark the trail up to the site.

Thanks for the info, Slowhatch. I was wondering that myself.

I enjoyed the entire Mt. Rushmore/Mt. Theodaore Roosevelt sequence except for that. There was no explanation on how the teams figured out to hike off the main trail.

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