Jordan Peele revives ‘Scare Tactics’ with a fresh twist

A new era for hidden camera pranks

Jordan Peele and his production company, Monkeypaw Productions, are set to breathe new life into the hidden camera prank show, Scare Tactics. The reboot has been greenlit by USA Network and is scheduled to premiere this fall. This comedy-horror series promises to transform unsuspecting individuals into the stars of their own horror movies, blending reality, horror, and comedy in a unique and immersive way.

A cinematic approach to pranks

The official description of the show highlights its innovative approach: “This heart-pounding show offers a cinematic approach to the hidden camera concept. Set up by their friends and family, these unwitting participants are put in hilariously twisted scenarios with fully immersive stories that blur the lines of reality, horror, and comedy. As they navigate one unreal decision after another, audiences will laugh, jump, and be left breathless for more.”

The creative minds behind the reboot

Win Rosenfeld, president of Monkeypaw Productions, expressed his excitement about the project: “We’re so grateful at Monkeypaw to help reimagine one of our all-time favorite hidden-camera shows. Working with showrunner Elan Gale, one of the most creative and mischievous minds in unscripted television, and Scott Hallock, the brilliant creator of the original Scare Tactics, has been an absolute blast. It’s cathartic and hilarious to watch people get a little scared, and the scenarios we cooked up for this season are really wild. We can’t wait to share a little light-hearted schadenfreude with audiences soon.”

A look back at the original ‘Scare Tactics’

The original Scare Tactics aired on Syfy (then the Sci-Fi Channel) for five seasons between 2003 and 2013. The show featured hosts like Shannen Doherty, Stephen Baldwin, and Tracy Morgan. Memorable pranks included making campers believe they were being attacked by Big Foot and staging a UFO abduction.

The perfect blend of horror, humor, and reality

Toby Gorman, president of Universal Television Alternative Studio, shared his enthusiasm: “What do you get when you combine Jordan Peele, hidden cameras, unsuspecting people, and horror-movie scenarios? You’re about to find out! Working with Monkeypaw Productions, NBCU, and USA Network to bring one of the most creatively scary and hilarious projects to life has been a phenomenal experience. We can’t wait for audiences to join in the fun of our first unscripted project with Jordan as it perfectly blends horror, humor, and reality.”

Production details and team

Scare Tactics is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio in association with Monkeypaw Productions and WMTI Productions, Inc. Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, and Jamal Watson serve as executive producers for Monkeypaw. Scott Hallock, the original creator, also returns as an executive producer for WMTI Productions, Inc., with Elan Gale taking on the role of executive producer and showrunner. The Scare Tactics format is owned by WMTI Productions, Inc.

A dream come true for fans and creators

Scott Hallock expressed his excitement about the reboot: “Reimagining Scare Tactics with Jordan, Monkeypaw, and UTAS has been a dream come true. Fans have been asking us to bring Scare Tactics back for years, and working with this team was an amazing opportunity. There’s no one better at horror and comedy than Jordan and Monkeypaw.”

Personal reflections for enthusiasts

For fans of cinema, TV series, and music, the return of Scare Tactics is a thrilling development. The show’s unique blend of horror and comedy, combined with the creative genius of Jordan Peele and his team, promises to deliver an unforgettable viewing experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the original series or new to the concept, this reboot is sure to captivate and entertain.

For those who want to dive deeper into the world of Scare Tactics, check out the trailer and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions. The show’s ability to blur the lines between reality and fiction, combined with its cinematic approach, makes it a must-watch for anyone who loves a good scare and a hearty laugh.

In the realm of unscripted television, Scare Tactics stands out as a unique and innovative project. The collaboration between Jordan Peele, Monkeypaw Productions, and the original creators ensures that this reboot will not only honor the legacy of the original series but also push the boundaries of what a hidden camera show can be. So, mark your calendars and prepare for a wild ride this fall.