Spike TV is beginning production on a handful of new reality pilots, including projects from Ben Silverman and “Jersey Shore” producer SallyAnn Salsano.
Net, which caters to a male demo, announced six new pilots. Top entries include “The Sheriff,” which centers on Tony Schiena, one of the most acclaimed law enforcement officers in the country. He’ll visit sheriff’s departments that can use some help in fighting crime.
Silverman, the former NBC topper who now runs shingle Electus, is exec producer with Craig Armstrong, Tod Mesirow and Rick Ringbakk.
From Salsano is “Pawn Games,” which taps into the genre that has worked well at History (“Pawn Stars”). In “Games,” those who have been forced to sell their wares to a pawn shop try to get their possessions back by facing a series of questions and challenges.
Despite disappointing first quarter results, exec VP of original series Sharon Levy said the net is headed in the right direction by focusing on a reality-heavy lineup. Levy is buoyed by heathy returns for “Auction Hunters,” which launched last November, and “Repo Games.”
“We just want to keep our foot on the gas and offer shows people want to see,” Levy told Variety.
Other pilots announced include “Hungry Men at Work,” “World’s Worst Tenants,” “Auction in My House” and “The Hustler.”
On the scripted side, Spike recently gave a third-season order to college-themed “Blue Mountain State.”
