The CW is moving forward with a reality show featuring the Pussycat Dolls, giving an eight-episode order to a show tentatively titled "The Search for the Next Pussycat Doll."
The series, set to air during the 2006-07 season, will feature a group of diverse young women living together and putting their singing ability, dance moves and "sheer self-confidence" to the test as they compete for the chance to become the seventh member of the performing and recording group, whose debut album, "PCD," has sold nearly 5 million copies worldwide. The CW said that certain elements of the series will be broadcast live.
A nationwide search will get under way immediately to find a select group of hopefuls, who will compete under the guidance of Pussycat Dolls creator and founder Robin Antin. The winner of the series will join the Pussycat Dolls, which includes Ashley Roberts, Melody Thornton, Kimberly Wyatt, Nicole Scherzinger, Carmit Bachar and Jessica Sutta, who also will appear in the series.
The show is from Warner Horizon Television, 10x10 Entertainment, Pussycat Dolls Llc., Interscope A&M Records and Wonderland Sound and Vision. The executive producers are Ken Mok (CW's "America's Next Top Model"), Antin, Steven Antin (WB's "Young Americans"), Interscope's Jimmy Iovine and McG (CW's "Supernatural," Fox's "The O.C.").
CW president of entertainment Dawn Ostroff said the show will appeal to the network's target demo of adults 18-34.
"At its core, this show goes beyond just finding a new Pussycat Doll; it's about female empowerment, self-discovery and personal transformation," Ostroff said. "The CW's adult 18-34-year-old viewers recognize that fame and fortune are within their reach, and this series gives one lucky young woman her big break to join one of today's most popular musical groups."
McG added that the Pussycat Dolls and the message they send are appealing for a number of reasons.
"People call them a fabricated pop group, and they're not -- they're genuinely talented singers and dancers," he said. "The Dolls are sort of a finishing school for young ladies in a fun, celebratory way, and they're always looking for that. Inside every woman is a Pussycat Doll. It's about owning what you've got and believing in yourself -- it's a message of fun and celebrating life."
The Dolls got their start 10 years ago as a burlesque troupe featuring a revolving group of dancers, including such celebrities as Carmen Electra, Christina Aguilera and Christina Applegate. Their debut album, released in September by A&M Records, has spawned four hit singles, including "Don't Cha," "Stickwitu," "Beep" and, most recently, "Buttons." The group also has performed on such shows as Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" and ABC's "Dancing With the Stars."
Kimberly Nordyke writes for The Hollywood Reporter.
For more news from The Hollywood Reporter, click here.