Enormous success of Spike TV’s ‘Lip Sync Battle’ was a ‘very calculated’ process

Spike TV is throwing its support and pretty much of the network’s future behind Jimmy Fallon’s smash hit ‘Lip Sync Battle,” in an attempt to re-brand itself as ‘The Ones to Watch.”

 

Spike has changed its logo and graphics package in March and added a new slogan – “The Ones to Watch” – concurrent with the April premiere of “Lip Sync Battle,” which now airs at 10 p.m. on Thursdays.

 

“Part of what I wanted to do with ‘Lip Sync Battle’ is increase co-viewing, but also add diversity to the network,” network president Kevin Kay told The Wrap. “You really need to have more than just fighting and yelling.’’

 

“It was very calculated,” Kay said. “All this great talent – it felt like the perfect show to help launch that rebrand.”

 

Still, when Fallon hatched the idea for a full series, along with producing partners John Krasinski and Stephen Merchant, none of NBCUniversal’s networks were keen on the project, despite Fallon’s long history with NBC.

 

But when the idea came to Spike, Kay bought the pitch in the room — even before the concept’s popularity had been tested. 

 

“Lip Sync Battle” was an extended version of a sketch that’s been around since Fallon’s “Late Night” days. The routine took off when a clip went viral of actress Emma Stone schooling Fallon with rapid Blues Traveler lyrics and a DJ Khaled/Ludacris rap.

 

Kay told The Wrap that he never assumes a show will be a sure thing, but after “Lip Sync Battle” added LL Cool J and Chrissy Teigen as hosts and started attracting a caliber of stars, he isn’t surprised the series has become such a big hit.

 

The show is earning huge ratings for the network. The three episodes that have run since “Lip Sync Battle” premiered on April 2 have averaged 2 million viewers in the coveted 18 to 49 demographic.

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