Game Show Network Launches Russian Roulette

11 April 2002

Mark L. Walberg To Host Columbia TriStar Domestic Television Version of Hit International Show

Los Angeles (Newstream)-- Game Show Network, the 24-hour cable network devoted exclusively to game shows and interactive game play, has ordered 65 episodes of Russian Roulette, the ultimate game of chance, produced by Columbia TriStar Domestic Television (CTDT). The all-new game show tests contestants' smarts, and then offers an abrupt, if not exhilarating exit to those who don't make the grade. Hosted by Mark L. Walberg (Fox's Temptation Island), Russian Roulette will premiere on Monday, June 3 at 11:00 p.m. ET/ 8:00 P.M. PT. The show will air regularly Monday - Sunday at this time.

"With successful versions of the franchise already running in countries like Russia and Spain, Russian Roulette has quickly become one of the most popular game shows around the world, and we are excited to bring our own version to the United States," said Rich Cronin president and CEO of Game Show Network. "Russian Roulette is a thrilling and fun game show that we are confident will create great buzz around the water cooler every morning."

Added Bob Boden, senior VP Programming for Game Show Network, "The combination of host Mark L. Walberg, a one hundred thousand dollar prize and the concept of literally 'dropping out of the game' through a hole in the stage floor should surely create intense excitement for the viewers at home, and we hope Russian Roulette will become America's newest hit game show."

"Following our success with this fast-paced skill game in the international market, we felt the concept had great potential for popularity among American audiences as well," said Zack VanAmburg, Senior Vice President, Development for Columbia TriStar Domestic Television.

Host Mark L. Walberg, who is currently the host of Temptation Island for FOX, is also recognized by television audiences for his work as host of The Mark Walberg Show, and The Big Date. Walberg began his career as a "gofer" working for Dick Clark Productions and got his big break as announcer & sidekick on Shop Til You Drop. Walberg also has a production company, GlugginMarx, along with partner (and television personality himself) Mark DeCarlo. Russian Roulette is created and executive produced by Gunnar Wetterberg.

Russian Roulette is the ultimate game of chance, where every question could cause a contestant to literally 'drop out' of the game. In this knowledge test, four strangers challenge each other to answer a series of multiple-choice questions. If a contestant answers incorrectly, he must pull the lever potentially triggering one or more the 'drop zones.' When only one contestant is left standing, that person keeps all of the money won and proceeds to the final round. If successful, the contestant can win an additional one hundred thousand dollars. With Russian Roulette, only the smartest and luckiest will survive...watch your step!

Game Show Network, currently seen in more than 44 million homes, is the premier programming service exclusively dedicated to the exciting world of games, game playing and game shows. Game Show Network is jointly owned and operated by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. Game Show Network offers a wide array of programming including game show favorites from its diverse library, and new interactive game shows where viewers can become contestants in their own homes. Game Show Network can be found on the World Wide Web at .