Bob and Harvey Weinstein are coming together to produce a brand new reality show for Lifetime. Instead of following would-be fashion designers, this time around the Weinstein Co. will give would-be inventors the opportunity to create products for supermarket chains. Supermarket Superstars is well underway, with a whopping ten-episode order set for the first season. However, will the show stand up against programs of a similar ilk like Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank?
Supermarket Superstars will have several things going for it. The first is Lifetime has revved up its game a little bit, pulling in extra viewers from originals like The Client List, which means if Supermarket Superstars is somewhat compelling, it should find a nice niche on the cable channel. Secondly, Supermarket Superstars features a few twists not present on other invention shows. As part of the competition, contestants will get to pitch their ideas to mentors. Afterward, the contestants will get the opportunity to finesse the concepts before presenting to supermarket buyers. The buyer will choose one winner each episode to invest in and each weekly winner will get the chance to compete for the grand prize. According to Deadline, the prize will be a national supermarket launch of the product, which does not sound like small potatoes.
However, what may set Supermarket Superstars apart most from its competition is its host. I wasn’t sure if the Weinstein’s could possibly do better than the dynamic duo of Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, but they sure are trying. Model and actress Stacy Keibler--aka George Clooney’s girlfriend--will be hosting the show when it airs later this TV season. I’m not sure there are enough interesting grocery inventions to keep this show going long-term, but I am still willing to give it a shot.
