SAY WHAT?!: Changes Afoot for Season Two

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SAY WHAT?! Announces Changes for Season Two

The MBN late night game show SAY WHAT?! will return with new episodes next season, and season two will look different than the recently concluded season one, according to producers.

Among the most visible change, host Caroline Rhea has departed the series and will be replaced by a new host. Producer Jay Schwartz says he has a "short list" of potential replacements but declined to make the list public, instead saying that "producers are actively searching for a new host and are in contact with several potential replacements already."

Other changes include taking advantage of the series new late night time slot which will allow producers to be more risque with the gameplay. Season one featured five celebrity panelists: two permanent panelists (comedienne Julie Brown and writer/comedian Frank DeCaro) joined by three rotating panelists. For season two, the panel will be made up six celebrities - three permanent and three rotating members.

In perhaps the best news for contestants, the top prize money will also be increased from $25,000 in season one to $64,000 in season two. Also, in season two contestants will be allowed to continue playing the game until they lose or amass winnings of more than $250,000. In addition, prizes other than money - such as cars, trips, and gifts - will occasionally be mixed in with the prize money offerings. Finally, producers have plans for a "Tournament of Champions" in which the top money and prize winners return to face off until only one contestant is left standing at the end of the season.

Schwartz says that the new host and new celebrity panelist will be named before new episodes begin filming in August.

[jay]

New Host & Panelist for SAY WHAT?! Unveiled

With production on season two of MBN's late-night game show SAY WHAT?! scheduled to begin soon, producers have unveiled a new host and a sixth celebrity panelist.

Actor Steve Schirripa, best known for his role on HBO's THE SOPRANOS, will take over as host from Caroline Rhea.
Schirripa, in addition to his work on THE SOPRANOS, has also appeared on game shows MILLION DOLLAR PASSWORD and PYRAMID and served as host of the poker-themed game show FACE THE ACE on NBC.

Joining Schirripa as the sixth celebrity panelist is comedian Sarah Silverman. The entertainer, whose previous credits include THE SARAH SILVERMAN PROGRAM on Comedy Central, and NBC's SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, will join returning panelists Julie Brown and Frank DeCaro.

New episodes of SAY WHAT?! will return to MBN late-night this fall, with production expected to begin later this month.