‘Showtime At The Apollo’: Fox Orders Weekly Series For Next Season; Steve Harvey Hosts
Fox is returning to the iconic Harlem theater. The network said today it has ordered Showtime At The Apollo as a weekly series to premiere during the 2017-2018 season. Steve Harvey, who led Fox’s Apollo specials that launched in December and launched his career at the storied hall, will return as host.
Twenty-year-old Santrel Irvin of Daytona Beach, Fla. performs as the first contestant during Showtime at the Apollo on Tour amateur night at the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center in Daytona Beach, Fla. Irvin edged Gospel rap singer Samuel O’Banner to win the $1,000 grand prize Sunday night, March 28, 2004. (AP Photo/Daytona Beach News-Journal, Craig Litten)
The series will feature elements from the Apollo’s legendary Amateur Night, the live talent competition now in its 82nd year that provides a platform for up-and-coming artists to perform in front of an audience famous as one of entertainment’s most boisterous and brutally honest. Those amateurs who don’t win them over must endure the wrath of the notorious crowd.
“We all had such a blast on the two specials that aired earlier this season that we thought it really deserved being a weekly event,” Harvey said. “But our mission is a little different this time around: Instead of just putting on a great show, we’re going to do that and find the next great comic and the next big music star. That’s what the Apollo is all about. My roots are on that stage, and I can’t wait to be there every week, looking for great talent. Who said you can’t go back home again?”
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 4: TV personality, comedian, radio show host and best-selling author Steve Harvey pictured at the AOL’s Build to discuss the upcoming season of “Steve Harvey” in New York City, September 4 ,2015 Credit:Pluvious/RTN/MediaPunch/IPX
When Fox announced its Showtime At The Apollo specials in October, it didn’t mention it as a potential series. But competition series are on the rise again, and now Fox – whose signature singing show American Idol wrapped last season – is back in the game.
The series will be executive produced by Jim Roush and Chris Wagner for the Roush-Wagner Company. Reginald Hudlin and James McKinlay also will executive produce and serve as showrunners. Don Weiner will executive produce and direct. Jonelle Procope will serve as an executive producer for the Apollo Theater, and Michael Antinoro will serve as an executive producer for IMG.