reality tv

Mark Burnett, Dick Wolf Plan Military Reality Series

Executive Producer Mark Burnett speaks onstage.
Mark Burnett. Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Reality overlord Mark Burnett and Law & Order king Dick Wolf are finally teaming up, but sadly, it’s not for Law & Order: Heroes vs. Villains. Instead, Vulture has learned that the two moguls snagged a series order from NBC for a reality show tentatively titled Stars Earn Stripes, with Fear Factor and American Gladiators alum David A. Hurwitz exec producing. Think of it as a less campy, and far more worthwhile take on Celebrity Apprentice: Nine celebs will compete in various military-themed challenges each week in an effort to raise cash for charities that serve our men and women in uniform. On each episode, the stars will assemble at a military training facility and be trained in preparation for combat-related tasks, such as a (staged) hostage rescue. They’ll then square off against each other in the competition, with one celeb booted each week. “When I see someone in a military uniform I make it a point to approach them, shake their hand and say five words … ‘thank you for your service,’” says Burnett. Stars Earn Stripes is a high energy, fun, action show, but at its heart it is all about those five words.” No word yet on a premiere date or host, though for the latter, we’ve got our finger crossed for Cyborg Bob Hope.

Mark Burnett, Dick Wolf Plan Military Reality Series