Criss Angel Is Coming To Spike - Bigger, Badder, And Better Than Ever

NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Criss Angel sets out to confirm he's the greatest magician of all time in Spike's new original series (title to be announced shortly). Criss has been revolutionizing the art of magic for more than a decade, but in this series, Criss takes his illusions and demonstrations to the next level, with an entirely new look and feel. Each week, Angel will attempt bold and audacious demonstrations never attempted by any mystifier in history. For the first time ever in any magic programming, Criss will reveal the creative process beyond the magic as he lets the audience behind closed doors into the creative "think tank" where his team brainstorms, debates and prepares the most spectacular illusions in history. This unprecedented access will demonstrate the methods and secrets that go into designing, building and executing these incredible feats.

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Viewers will also get a glimpse into Angel's dangerous and mysterious life along with a host of new and intriguing characters and celebrity guests.

The episodes will be themed and focus on mind-blowing magic, the supernatural, death-defying escapes, and astonishing physical stunts that will challenge the very laws of nature. Spike has ordered 11 one-hour episodes of the series, which goes into production this spring in Las Vegas and locations across the country. The show is executive produced and directed by Criss Angel for APWI, Inc., David Baram and Erich Recker for LBI Entertainment and is slated to premiere this fall on Spike. The deal was brokered by Scott Lonker and Eric Wattenberg of CAA, who represent Angel.

"Spike is thrilled to be able to showcase the amazing talents of Criss Angel, a perfect fit for our evolving adult brand. Criss has grown immeasurably as an artist and we are excited to give our viewers never-before granted access into the inner workings of his secret world and his mind," said Sharon Levy, Executive Vice President, original series, Spike TV.

For over a decade, Criss Angel has dominated the world of magic as the biggest name on the planet. His visionary approach to the art escapes the confines of tradition and has given birth to a new breed of modern mysticism. Oprah Winfrey hailed, "Criss is the best, the best, THE BEST!"

From his role as star, creator, Executive Producer and Director of his hugely successful A&E television series "Criss Angel MINDFREAK," to his number one best-selling live magic show in the world - "Criss Angel BeLIEve" at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas - and star of and creator of countless television specials, books, music CD's and more, Angel has redefined the term "magician" for the 21st Century.

Criss is also the most watched magician in TV/Internet history combined. His "Walk on Water" clip has generated over 46 million YouTube views alone, and all of his clips collectively have generated over 200 million views. He was named Magician of the Century by his peers.

For additional information and future updates on the new series, fans can visit crissangel.spike.com.

Chris Rantamaki is Vice President of Original Programming for Spike and is executive in charge of production of the project.

About Spike:
Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike's press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

SOURCE Spike TV