Steve Carell 'Riot' TV Show Debuts on Fox: 'The Office' Cast Stars in Improv Comedy
Three years after signing off from "The Office," "40-Year-Old Virgin" star Steve Carell returns to his improv roots on his next television project. With his mastery of physical comedy, even having had his chest hair waxed on the big screen, Carell now produces "Riot" -- a new extreme game and improv comedy series to be premiered on Fox on Tuesday at 9:00pm.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he jokingly said that he had no idea what he was getting himself into, speaking of the comedy that was fondly described as "an improvisation show on steroids" by another cast member.
Carell originally produced a game show called "Slide Show," which followed the international format of "Anything Goes." "Slide Show" presented two teams composed of comedians and funny celebrities who were put up against each other in a series of hilarious physical tasks and challenges. "Riot" will be adopting this format and will feature the show's trademark set that is tilted at an angle of 22.5 degrees. The camera will be adjusted to the televisions of viewers for it to appear normal to them while the actors struggle to perform tasks on the tilted set. There will also be other games where teams will be facing unpredictable challenges including sketches, song and dance performances -- all while navigating the amusingly tilted set.
Aside from all the challenges, the main point of the show is putting actors and actresses in an unfamiliar situation where they will have no script. The show will not have second takes or any rehearsals. It is the very essence of improvisation. Lined up for the 8-episode season are Mayim Bialik, David Arquette, Tom Green, Chris Kattan, Jason Alexander, Cherly Hines, and DL Hughley. Carell will be with his "Office" co-star Andy Buckley. Given all this, the audience can be sure to expect nothing less than but pure hilarity and surprises, something the celebrity guests themselves should expect as well.