Candy Crush Saga isn't quite the global mobile sensation it was when it first launched back in 2012, but it's still pretty successful. Five years after the game first swept the world, CBS commissioned a live-action game show simply called Candy Crush, and the host that's been announced for the show couldn't be a better choice, as CBS has tapped the ever-so-sweet Saved by the Bell alum Mario Lopez as its Candy Crush host.
Candy Crush will feature host Mario Lopez as he guides two teams competing for supremacy. The hour-long program will be similar to the Candy Crush game you know, but with a few differences. Two teams of two will compete on giant interactive game boards in a contest of wits and agility as they look to defeat each other for prizes. While the concept sounds new and crazy, CBS was right to tap Lopez for the role of host, given his past experience.
Mario Lopez is a veteran when it comes to television hosting. He has performed previous frontman duties in The X-Factor and America's Best Dance Crew and appeared as a celebrity guest on some of the biggest game shows on television. Seriously, you have to wonder what the Extra host leaves out of his resume, because his list of appearances on shows has to be a mile long. Considering his long stint and prolonged fame following his role on Saved By The Bell, it's fair to say Mario Lopez is the Candy Crush of actors in Hollywood.
I mentioned earlier that Candy Crush Saga has waned in popularity since its launch, but it still has a very strong following. Estimations say around 18 billion game rounds are played monthly on the app, and both Candy Crush Saga and Candy Crush Soda Saga are among the top 10 grossing mobile games in the United States. When you look at those numbers, it's easy to see why CBS thinks Candy Crush can be a hit with audiences. Throw Mario Lopez on top of that and this thing could take off like Regis Philbin and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire!
Everything is looking good for Candy Crush on paper, but will fans respond to a game show that originated from a smartphone app? I'm definitely interested to find out and considering CBS pulled Mario Lopez in for it, they're invested in the experiment as well. According to THR, production has begun, with a start date set for Sunday, July 9. We'll keep you in the loop should any more information about this new show drop between now and the show's premiere in October. Until then, how about heading over to our midseason premiere guide and Summer premiere schedule to start marking off your calendar with great programming while you wait?
