advertisement

Wayne Brady presides over Fox's new 'Game of Talents'

Wayne Brady clearly is game for games.

Before beginning his daytime run as the host of "Let's Make a Deal" (which recently aired its 2000th CBS episode), the comedian-actor was part of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," though he opines "that's not really a game show." As five-time Emmy winner Brady continues those jobs, he's adding another: He also hosts the Fox contest "Game of Talents," premiering Wednesday, March 10. Players must guess what the talent of each featured performer is, with only the slightest of clues to go on. The payoff for guessing right can be big, with more than $200,000 available to be won.

"I'm a fan of talent," Brady explains, "of watching people do their thing ... whatever their thing is. As long as you put in the work and you've achieved a certain status, I am your biggest fan. When I see an amazing singer or dancer or trampoline artist or chef, that's when I go, 'Oh. I'd like to be a part of something that rewards people who have the talent and have done the work.' That's what I get excited about."

Even then, Brady notes that someone who looks capable of carrying a tune "may not be a good singer. But then, some little scrawny guy might come out and say, 'I'm going to sing a Luther Vandross song' - and the audience goes, 'No way.' And he opens his mouth, and the most beautiful sound you've ever heard comes out. That's what I think is amazing."

Via "Let's Make a Deal," Brady already has had ... well, a deal with "Game of Talents" production company Fremantle. He confirms that being in its employ for both shows makes managing his current schedule a bit easier: "I have a deal with them as a producer, so to have this be the first thing that we truly embark upon as partners is such an honor."

While it isn't the only network to do so - ABC and NBC also have gone heavy on games in its programming lately - Fox has been investing greatly in that genre. There, "Game of Talents" arrives on the heels of "The Masked Singer" (with which it shares Fox's Wednesdays), "The Masked Dancer," "Cherries Wild" and a reboot of "Name That Tune."

"I know there are people who are die-hard game-show fans and eat them up, but that's not necessarily my bag," Brady allows. "I started doing 'Let's Make a Deal' because it was an opportunity that presented itself. I didn't look at it as a game, but as a chance to reinvent what that certain type of game meant, and to be able to put my stamp on it."

• • •

"Game of Talents"

Premieres at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, on Fox

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.