Funny Or Die Viral Video Becomes Hot Reality Series Concept

Everyone has been wondering where the next big reality format idea would come from. Funny or Die video is throwing its hat into the ring, generating a lot of buzz in the unscripted marketplace with a viral video starring singer Jewel.

Titled Undercover Karaoke with Jewel, it was posted on the comedy site on Wednesday and generated 2.5 million views in its first 3 days. It features Jewel disguised as a mousy-looking, mild-mannered businesswoman who has a Susan Boyle moment when she performs some of her signature songs to a dumbfounded audience at a local karaoke bar. I hear the Funny or Die team, including the video’s creator Eric Appel, are out there with a concept for a reality show based on the hit video, which would feature music stars from the past 4 decades going undercover to places where comedic situations will ensue, showcasing their talent. There has been a lot of interest in the idea and I hear it is being pitched to a number of networks this week. But I hear that the video has also spurred a slew of other pitches, with the networks getting a lot of calls in the past few days from producers shopping similar ideas. CBS has had success in the past year with reality projects about well-known people going undercover: its hit freshman series Undercover Boss and series of specials I Get That A Lot.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.