mobbed

mobbedNikki shouldn't have any trouble remembering the magical moment when Justin, her longtime boyfriend, popped the question. She was standing in front of a giant cascading fountain, a marching band and more than 800 singing and dancing strangers — and the intimate moment was captured on Fox's reality series "Mobbed." "I'm the luckiest girl in the entire world," the tall blond cried. Her answer kicked off an instant wedding, complete with frilly dress thrown over her clothes, right on the spot. "Mobbed" is one of a number of hidden-camera.

surprise-themed series headed to TV in which the sole purpose is to make something unexpectedly lovely happen for a person, couple or family and share their wide-eyed reaction with primetime audiences. Its warm and fuzzy themes contrast with many hidden-camera shows of the past, such as the filmed ambushes in "Cheaters" and "Scare Tactics," and the cruel joke premise of "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé." Some industry watchers think shows such as "Mobbed," in the vein of "Undercover Boss," "Secret Millionaire" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," could signal a kinder, gentler sensibility on the way for reality TV. (Even "American Idol," where snarky Simon Cowell used to be a huge draw, has thrived with new kinder, gentler judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez in his place). "Mobbed," the brainchild of comedian .


Howie Mandel, did so well in the ratings earlier this year, with 10.8 million viewers, that Fox decided the next day to make it an eight-episode series. Each hour will star flash mobs that help deliver heartwarming messages in over-the-top, synchronized public fashion.The attraction allows visitors to audition, with some then selected to perform in front of a live audience. They receive critique from judges and their performance is voted on. the best from each day then gets a free pass to go to the front of the queue at a regional audition for the TV show.Since being named the latest Idol Scotty has been touring the country, promoting his new single.

mobbed