With the departure of Anderson Cooper, two questionable “celebrity” seasons, a revamped season over the summer, and a YouTube campaign to save the show; ABC’s The Mole may never be seen on television again. The reality show may have tried to outsmart even the viewers with its cryptic messages, clues to who the mole was, and dramatic editing. So maybe the show could work better on a cable network. Sure the show’s prize may have to be reduced, or they find blatant sponsors (like Travelocity is to The Amazing Race) to help fund missions, but this show is too smart to go out without a fight. Here are some ideas if The Mole made a move to cable networks. Clearly, not all of them are that plausible, but I guess something is better than nothing.
If The Mole was on: The History Channel
Sponsors: Encyclopedia Britannica
Final Product: The show would obviously be more historical, but could use ideas from espionage from the past. Imagine a Red Scare, figuring out who is the mole. The idea of McCarthyism spreading throughout the contestants is an interesting idea. There would be less “extreme” physical challenges in lieu of more espionage missions. They should entail any combination of the following: A library, laser beams, physical puzzles, brain teasers, fire, crawling, and/or camouflage.
If The Mole was on: The Travel Channel
Sponsors: An airline company, possibly Delta
Final Product: The show could probably take a lot of cultural knowledge and force the contestants to adapt to that country. Maybe go to different countries to learn about their infamous “moles.” Have challenges inspired by that. Possibly put disgusting food challenges.
If The Mole was on: ABC Family
Sponsors: Energizer
Final Product: Keep the show similar to the fifth season. Hey, since it’s ABC they probably could just get away with minimal adjustments and reduce the grand prize. Make one season for teens and see if that hits. If it connects, consider moving the show to Noggin or some other teen channel.
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