NBC's summer reality shows boast new hosts

By Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - NBC is joining the unscripted summer fray with the return of "America's Got Talent," "Last Comic Standing" and "The Biggest Loser" -- all with new hosts -- and a new dating show called "Age of Love."

First out of the gate is the second season of "Talent," produced in part by Simon Cowell. The talent competition/variety show will be hosted by Jerry Springer, replacing Regis Philbin.

It will launch May 29, joining several other reality series, including ABC's "The Next Best Thing: Who Is the Greatest Celebrity Impersonator?" and Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance," which will debut days after the 2006-07 television season ends.

"Talent" will bow with a two-hour premiere at 9 p.m., moving into its regular Tuesday 8-9 p.m. period the following week, June 5.

"Comic," which goes global in its fifth installment, will premiere June 13, also with a two-hour opener at 9 p.m. The talent competition searching for the funniest comedian in the English-speaking world will begin airing in its regular Wednesday 9 p.m. slot the following week, June 20. Bill Bellamy is hosting, stepping in for "Yes, Dear" star Anthony Clark.

"Age of Love," an eight-episode series described as a reality dating show with a twist, will premiere June 18 in the Monday 10 p.m. period. Mark Consuelos will host.

"Loser" will return for a fourth cycle in late summer with new host Alison Sweeney, who replaces Caroline Rhea. A premiere date has not been determined.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter