The celebrity-integrated game show formula seems to have worked for programs like Lip Sync Battle, Celebrity Name Game, and Hollywood Game Night. And now, we’ll see a new show that pits contestants against one another to do their best celebrity impressions, coming to USA Network, reports Variety.
Called First Impressions, the unscripted, half-hour comedy will feature celebrity impressionist extraordinaire Dana Carvey, who will mentor amateur impressionist contestants and help them perfect their best Trumps, Carsons, and Obamas. Viewers at home will vote on the winners every week.
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In addition to Carvey, other celebrity guests will appear on the show to mentor contestants, and participate in game play in some fashion – perhaps trying out (or showcasing) their own impressionist skills?
Carvey also serves as an executive producer of the show, which comes from Renegade 83 and Gaspin Media. Jeff Gaspin, David Garfinkle, and Jay Renfroe will executive produce alongside the actor.
In speaking of his love of impressions, Carvey humorously states that he has “always enjoyed watching an impressionist nail somebody – as in capture their voice. Now I get paid to watch.”
Jackie de Crinis, Executive Vice President of Original Programming at USA Network, says there’s “no better talent to mentor these contestants than the master of impressions, Dana Carvey….we can’t wait to have his world famous celebrity impersonations on our network.”
Carvey appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon last week where he played the game Wheel of Impressions, showing off his ability to impersonate everyone from President Obama to Keith Richards, and Paul McCartney. Check out the clip above. Perhaps his best known impersonations, however, are of George H.W. Bush and Ross Perot, which were frequently featured during his time on Saturday Night Live.
There’s no word yet on when First Impressions will air. Stay tuned.
