AGT: NBC Announces Premiere Date For ‘Extreme’ Spin-Off With Simon Cowell

The new America’s Got Talent spinoff has a premiere date on NBC. America’s Got Talent: Extreme was previously announced as a show dedicated to the most dangerous, extreme kinds of acts that are often featured on AGT. The spinoff takes place outdoors, as supposedly, the acts appearing cannot be confined to a theater stage. Simon Cowell, creator and executive producer of the franchise, was announced as a judge, alongside new judges Nikki Bella and Travis Pastrana. Terry Crews, who has hosted AGT since season 14, as well as both seasons of America’s Got Talent: The Champions, will host AGT: Extreme.

Last fall, the new series made headlines when a contestant was severely injured during production, which took place in Georgia. Jonathan Goodwin, who appeared on season 15 of America’s Got Talent, was rehearsing his performance for an upcoming taping when the incident occurred. Jonathan got sandwiched in between two cars, while strapped in a straitjacket and suspended in the air. He was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition but survived. Production was suspended and just wrapped this month in California. However, NBC hadn’t given an update on whether or not Jonathan’s performances will air as part of the spinoff.

According to Deadline, America’s Got Talent: Extreme will premiere on Monday, February 21, over four nights. The article addressed both the schedule of the program and Jonathan Goodwin. “It hasn’t been decided yet whether the eight one-hour episodes (airing in four two-hour blocks) will address the accident, which happened during rehearsal, not filming.” Apparently, the spinoff only had two days left of filming when the incident occurred.

Originally, another new reality competition was set to premiere on February 21. American Song Contest, which is based on Eurovision, will now start airing on March 21. That show is dealing with its own production issues, mainly due to Covid concerns as the Omicron virus continues to spread. American Song Contest will air over eight weeks, with the coveted Grand Final expected to air on Monday, May 9.

AGT fans can definitely expect something different this year. The new AGT spinoff is the first to focus on a specific area of talent. It should be interesting to see if the level of danger exceeds that of most acts shown on the main series, especially considering Jonathan Goodwin’s injury while taking part in the spinoff. Speaking of which, fans who followed the incident closely will likely tune in to see whether or not Jonathan appears at all. Plus, the addition of two new judges will freshen up the America’s Got Talent franchise. With the previous spinoff, Champions, only lasting two seasons, it’s unknown if America’s Got Talent: Extreme will stick around longer.

Source: Deadline