Set to premiere later this year, CBS has given a series order for “Buddy Games,” an all-new reality competition series inspired by executive producer Josh Duhamel and his real-life experience where for the past 20 years the “All My Children” alum has spent one weekend each summer with his childhood friends as they compete in a variety of competition-style games. Duhamel, who also starred in and directed a 2019 film adaptation of the game, will serve as the show’s host.
Set at a stunning lakeside location for a nostalgic adult summer camp adventure, the CBS series finds best friends from different backgrounds who are offered the opportunity to live together, compete in wild challenges and prove their bonds run deep.
Broken up into six teams of four deep-rooted friends who previously met at various stages of their lives, these “Ride or dies” get the chance to play “buddy games” where they will relive their glory days and compete in an assortment of absurd physical and mental challenges in the outdoors while bunking together in the same lake house. Friendships will be rekindled and rivalries will be reignited when these friends are challenged to prove which bonds are strong enough to withstand the competition. The last buddy team standing will be crowned champion and take home a cash prize, the coveted Buddy Games trophy, and bragging rights.
“Being able to bring ‘Buddy Games’ to CBS is truly a dream come true for me,” said Duhamel. “This is something my buddies and I have wanted to share with the world for a long time as we knew there was a relatability to it with other people doing similar things to strengthen their friendships. For me, getting to executive produce and host ‘Buddy Games’ while observing these groups of friends let loose and become part of this big family has been an honor and will be a lot of fun for viewers to watch.”
Produced by Bunim/Murray Productions and CBS Studios, executive producers include Duhamel, Michael J. Luisi, Julie Pizzi, Rupert Dobson, Jacob Lane and Emer Harkin.
A follow-up to the original “Buddy Games” movie is currently in the works with Duhamel writing and producing. Paramount is set to distribute.
Check out a teaser trailer for the competition series below.