ABC Lands ‘Repeat After Me’ Reality Show Based On ‘Ellen’ Hidden-Camera Bits

A popular segment from Ellen DeGeneres’ daytime talk show is headed to primetime. ABC is readying Repeat After Me, a half-hour comedy reality series inspired by one of The Ellen DeGeneres Show‘s most popular segments featuring celebrities pulling hidden camera pranks on unsuspecting people as directed by DeGeneres via earpiece.

Hosted by The Goldbergs star Wendi McLendon-Covey, Repeat After Me, from DeGeneres’ A Very Good Production and Warner Horizon, will debut February 17. It will air in the Tuesday 8:30 PM slot, paired with new midseason comedy Fresh Off The Boat, which will make its regular slot debut at 8 PM a week earlier, February 10. The network had left the Tuesday 8:30 PM berth open when announcing its midseason schedule, hinting that it may employ an alternative series in the half-hour as there are no other ABC scripted comedy replacements on shelf.

In Repeat After Me, McLendon-Covey will instruct her celebrity friends, via a remote earpiece, to interact with everyday people in high-energy, comedic hidden-camera situations. At the end of each half-hour episode, the best moment of the night will be announced in front of a live studio audience. ABC quietly piloted the project over the summer, with the pilot episode featuring Ellen Pompeo, Taye Diggs and Harry Connick Jr. (Watch a sneak peek above.)

This marks the third unscripted series order at ABC for Warner Horizon under alternative boss Mike Darnell, joining The Bachelor offshoot Bachelor in Paradise and upcoming game show 500 Questions produced by Mark Burnett.

Repeat After Me is executive produced by Ellen exec producers DeGeneres, Mary Connelly, Ed Glavin and Andy Lassner, the show’s co-executive producer Kevin A. Leman II as well as Jason Goldberg, James Breen and Jeff Kleeman. Here are two of the Ellen hidden camera pieces featuring Jennifer Aniston and segment regular Dennis Quaid: