In Development: Shuffle Up and Deal

A couple of weeks ago, I updated our game show casting calls list with info on a new show called Shuffle Up and Deal. At the time, I didn't know much about the show itself beyond what could be found at their website.

Since then I've been in touch with the show's creator, Dewey Oates, who is very enthusiastic about the game. This is a real effort to put the game of poker in front of a family audience, and the concept is much more enticing than NBC's recent effort with their oddly scheduled Face the Ace.

A recent press release explains the basic concept of the show:

"In each episode, amateur poker players choose their own cards from an over-sized electronic board, and the turn of each card either helps the contestant's hand or destroys their chances of winning. The main objective of the game is to finish with the largest amount of cash winnings amongst the five contestants. The one that advances to the bonus round plays for a progressive jackpot that seeds at $250,000 and goes up ten thousand dollars for every day it is not hit. The jackpot will eventually top out at one million dollars."

There will also be a play-at-home game tied in, allowing viewers to win $10,000 for simply selecting a card (which is reminiscent of the Deal or No Deal Lucky Case game).

I was really pleased to learn a couple of things about this show. First, announcer Randy West, who is currently featured on The Newlywed Game, has signed on as the announcer for Shuffle Up and Deal. Second, there are solid and detailed plans for promotion of the show, including a tour of U.S. malls and casinos.

Shuffle Up and Deal hasn't yet named a host, though we're hearing that this is imminent. Once that's squared away, they'll be in great shape to get picked up by a major network. At this point in time, they're confirmed for MyFamilyTV.

This is a show that seems to successfully combine poker with an actual game show format, unlike Face the Ace. While it will absolutely appeal to amateur poker players, the rest of us and our families will be able to join in and root for the contestants, while playing along from our couches. We'll keep you updated on its progress!

Logo courtesy Oates Media Group