Nellie Andreeva

EXCLUSIVE: Here is a competition show whose contestants will probably have the highest IQ in all of reality television. Discovery and top unscripted series producer Craig Piligian are introducing a new reality genre: an engineering competition show. Discovery Channel has ordered eight episodes from the untitled series. It will be set at WET (Water Entertainment Technologies), the renowned Los Angeles-based water/fire feature design and engineering firm that is behind some 200+ installations, including such technological landmarks as Fountains of Bellagio at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas and The Dubai Fountain, the world’s biggest fountain. The show, which will be produced by Piligian’s Pilgrim Studios, will have design engineers competing against each other in extreme challenges that push the boundaries of technology, creativity, ingenuity and craftsmanship. “Scientific exploration and experimentation is at the core of Discovery Channel’s DNA,” said Nancy Daniels, EVP, Discovery Channel Production and Development. “With its competition format, this new series will shine a spotlight on the exciting world of science and engineering in a completely new way.”

The new series expands Piligian’s relationship with Discovery Channel, where he is behind such long-running hits as Dirty Jobs and American Chopper. “Pilgrim is always searching for the most compelling stories and characters, and for ways to expose exceptional skill sets, innovation and competition,” Piligian said. “This show could only be set at WET, which has moved the needle on the confluence of art and technology.” Added WET CEO Mark Fuller, who is executive producing the show with Piligian, “We’re thrilled to be working with Pilgrim and Discovery to bring to viewers this unique show that reflects the wonder and inspiration of engineering.” WET’s installations also include the fountains at Columbus Circle in New York and The Grove in Los Angeles as well as The Mirage Volcano in Las Vegas.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.