After a false start earlier this month, Nine has now confirmed a new Tuesday premiere date for quiz show Weakest Link with comedian and actress Magda Szubanski.
As well as Magda, there will be other modern twists in the revamp of the massively successful global quiz program known for its fast pace and quick wit.
The reboot of the popular 90’s quiz format had been originally scheduled to premiere on May 4, but the network was forced to delay the launch due to production delays.
The new series will now premiere Tuesday, May 25 at 9pm.
On taking the helm of Weakest Link, Magda said:
“They say never work with animals or children, but no one ever mentioned quiz show contestants! My patience will be pushed to its limits each week as I try my best to give eight players a chance at winning a remarkable $250,000.
Yet at every turn they do their best to let themselves down. Weakest Link will have you playing along, shouting at the television, and recognising me for the tolerant, forgiving host that I always knew I would be.”
“I’ve pretended to be nice my whole career – now I finally get to play myself. No, I will not be making the contestants look stupid. They’re perfectly capable of doing that themselves.
Weakest Link is right up my alley. I love to watch people squirm, and not in a sexy way. I look forward to hosting some of Australia’s best and brightest . . . just not on this show.”
In each episode, eight contestants enter the studio as total strangers and must work together to bank the maximum amount of prizemoney available in each round. Contestants take turns to answer general knowledge questions and build chains of correct answers.
Consecutive correct answers greatly increase the value of the chain, while incorrect answers break the chain and force the contestants to start over on the lowest rung, with the smallest amount money.
At the end of each round, contestants vote to eliminate the one they consider to be the weakest link in the chain. The one who receives the highest number of votes then leaves the game as the host delivers the killer phrase, “You are the Weakest Link. Goodbye.”
Nine’s Head of Content, Production and Development, Adrian Swift, said:
“Weakest Link is one of the world’s most popular and enduring quiz formats. It’s not just about what you know, but also knowing who’s your biggest threat and when to bank your winnings.
All of that combined with the much-loved Magda Szubanski being anything but loveable in the role of Australia’s strictest quizmaster. We are very proud to have the new Weakest Link here on Nine.”
The BBC Studios format will be produced by its local production arm. BBC Studio’s ANZ Director of Production Kylie Washington, said:
“We are delighted to reintroduce Australians to this fast, fun and addictive show which is a pop cultural phenomenon. In Magda Szubanski we have found the perfect host who will preside over the contestants with her acerbic wit as they do battle to avoid being voted Weakest Link.”
Weakest Link has been produced in 46 territories around the world. More than 1500 episodes have gone to air in the UK alone.
The program was recently revived in America, hosted by actress Jane Lynch (Glee) to huge success.
This new series is being produced for Nine by BBC Studios and marks a return to Australian screens for the popular quiz that was last shown in Australia in 2002.
NEW WEAKEST LINK HOSTED BY MAGDA SZUBANSKI premieres Tuesday May 25 at 9pm on NINE AND 9NOW
