ABC Orders Six Episodes Of Newly Remodeled "Superstars" Program

ABC has given a six-episode order for a "new celeb take on the sports-themed franchise 'Superstars,'" according to Michael Schneider of DAILY VARIETY. In the new show, set to run this summer, eight celebrities will be "paired with eight male and female pro athletes to compete in various events, including swimming, biking, running and kayaking." Teams "will be eliminated each week, until one athlete/celebrity pair is crowned the champs." Juma Entertainment and Blue Equity's Blue Entertainment Sports Television (BEST), which owns the "Superstars" franchise, "dusted off the title and shopped it around last fall." Juma Entertainment President Bob Horowitz: "ABC was the most aggressive, and they were big on getting the authenticity of the original 'Superstars' format. And the fact that they have the NBA Finals in June makes it a phenomenal springboard for promoting the series." Horowitz and BEST Managing Dir Mike Principe are exec producers (DAILY VARIETY, 1/7).