Move over Ashton, there’s a new prankster on the block.
NBC announced that Betty White will be the host and executive producer of a hidden camera prank show, according to a press release last week.
Tentatively named, “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers,” the mischief-making cast will consist of seven similarly aged individuals who will pull hijinks on unsuspecting youngsters.
Some students on campus said they think the show puts a fun twist on youthful prank shows, like Punk’d.
“I think it’s great,” said Julie Yakimenko, a 22-year-old senior international affairs major. “There’s so much discrimination towards the older population, so this turns the tables… it’s different especially because in reality shows there are always people in their twenties.”
“Off Their Rockers” was inspired by a European show with the same premise called Benidorm Bastards. NBC has ordered twelve episodes, according to a press release, but the airdates have yet to be announced.
Alana Fox, a 20-year-old junior economics major, said she was curious about how the seniors would trick their targets.
“I want to know how old people could prank young people,” Fox said.
White gained fame through TV shows such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Golden Girls, The Love Boat and Hot in Cleveland, which TV Land just picked up for a third season.
Some students said they feel the show’s success will come from White’s appeal.
“[I’d watch] anything with Betty White,” said Jay Gordon a 25-year-old senior economics major. “[White’s] appeal comes from the juxtaposition of her old, sweet demeanor and then saying the most raunchy, sarcastic comments.”
Fox said she thinks the veteran comedian’s personality will draw in viewers.
“She’s hilarious, she’s like 88 and she’s got spunk,” Fox said.
Popular appeal or not, other students, like Jeff Cook, a 21-year-old senior French major, said they probably wouldn’t watch the show.
“No, I don’t watch a lot of stuff like the reality shows,” Cook said.
Courtney Legge, a 20-year-old sophomore psychology major, said she thinks prank shows are overdone.
“I didn’t watch Punk’d, so I probably won’t watch [Betty White’s show],” Legge said. “I think it’s been done too much before.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Rose Heaphy at Josephine.heaphy@colorado.edu.
