Not to be confused with their other already announced upcoming "The Will" reality series created by "Bachelor" creator Mike Fleiss, Variety reports that ABC has picked up another reality series entitled "The Family" that pits extended family members against each other not for an inheritence, but instead for a chance at $1 million.
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According to Variety, "The Family" will take ten members of a "blue-collar extended clan" and place them in a West Palm Beach, Fla., mansion to compete for the prize. Apparently not satisfied with just ripping off ONE other reality show that's already in production, it's being reported that the program will also feature a "The Beverly Hillbillies"-like "fish out of water" element (average family suddenly has every whim catered to by a staff of butlers and maids) and a twist: even if they're voted out of the competition, family members can't leave the house.
George Hamilton is hosting the series -- which apparently is already close to finishing production. Reality veteran Arnold Shapiro ("Big Brother 2 and 3") is also on board as an executive producer.
"You're stuck with your family regardless of the outcome," said ex-"Iyanla" showrunner Mindy Moore, who created the show. "So you always deal with the consequence of your actions." The show's hook also lies in a group of "secret trustees" who actually guard the $1 million fortune. Viewers find out who those people are in episode one, but the family doesn't find out until the very end. Players who lose a competition will have to appear before the trustees and must name another family member to come with. One gets to stay -- and one is out of the game, per the secret board's decision.