NBC starts up ‘Hot Wheels’ show from Endemol Shine NA & Workerbee

Hot Wheels

NBC in the US has ordered a car makeover competition series based on Mattel’s toy brand Hot Wheels, with Banijay duo Endemol Shine North America (ESNA) and Workerbee attached to produce, and Floor Is Lava’s Rutledge Wood hosting.

Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge is a 10-episode series that will see contestants turning a nostalgic car from their past into the life-sized ‘Hot Wheels’ of their dreams, inspired by personal stories and pop culture.

The season-finale winning creation will be launched as an official Hot Wheels die-cast car, with the winner chosen by a panel of experts, including Wood. Cash prizes are also on offer.

The format has been developed and produced by Endemol Shine North America in association with Workerbee under license from Mattel, which claims that 8 billion Hot Wheels toys have been sold to date.

Executive producers are showrunner Tim Warren, along with ESNA’s Andy Thomas, Sharon Levy, DJ Nurre and Michael Heyerman; Workerbee duo Rick Murray and Chris Hale; and Masttle’s Fred Soulie and Phil Breman.

Corie Henson, EVP of unscripted at NBCUniversal TV and streaming, said the show would offer “larger-than-life family viewing with edge and humour”.