What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1500133
T2 WHATS UP! May 28 - June 3, 2023 TV FEATURE BY DANA SIMPSON TV Media U nlock some memo- ries and kick it into high gear with NBC's newest com- petition series, "Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge." Premiering Tuesday, May 30, the unscripted show is equal parts "nostalgia and cre- ativity" (per NBC) as each contestant overhauls one of their most beloved and memo- rable vehicles, ultimately transforming it from an aver- age automobile into their dream car. Hosted by "Top Gear's" Rutledge Wood and featuring a panel of car-loving celebrity guests, "Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge" is in- spired by childhood fun and a healthy dose of friendly com- petition. Hot Wheels, as a toy brand, was first unveiled at the Inter- national Toy Fair in 1968. Cre- ated and still owned by Mattel, the major toy producers be- hind other hits such as Barbie, Polly Pocket, American Girl and the Fisher-Price brand, Hot Wheels are a line of scale model cars designed as a "hot rod" style competitor to other toy car brands, such as Match- box (which was eventually bought out by Mattel in the late '90s under the Tyco Toys deal). As time progressed and the Hot Wheels brand gained more traction, the company released everything from stan- dard models to collector piec- es and small, functional race tracks. As an NBC series, the Hot Wheels brand picks up the pace once again, rounding the corner toward even greater success despite several failed film adaptation attempts since the early 2000s. The major network describes its new 10-episode competition as fol- lows: "Each episode will invite two passionate car fans and Hot Wheels lovers into the Chrome Zone, where they will face off in each transforming an ordinary vehicle into an ex- traordinary Hot Wheels show- stopper, inspired by personal stories and pop culture touch- stones. Working alongside a team of automotive magicians known as 'The Car Pool,' the two Superfans will manufac- ture their designs in high-tech, decked-out garages." NBCUniversal goes on to explain that there is also a chance to raise the stakes via "the Inspirationator 5000, a larger-than-life vending ma- chine that will rev up in each episode to present the Super- fans with a twist in the road." While Wood acts as host, he will surely not be the only fa- miliar face seen during the wild ride. Among the celebrity judges making an appearance on "Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge" are "Community" and "The Soup's" Joel McHale; comedian and star of the re- cently finished sitcom "Black- ish," Anthony Anderson; WWE Superstar Ettore Ewen, better known by the moniker Big E; and "Brooklyn Nine- Nine" star and "America's Got Talent" host Terry Crews. Perhaps unsurprisingly, two famous car lovers are also wel- comed to the show's premiere House Ad 5 x 5 continued on page T10 Rutledge Wood hosts "Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge" Leading the way Did you know those images are available for purchase? IT'S EASY! Just scan the QR code below to visit our website where you can search for the photo/s you want and order prints (many print options to choose from, including canvas). Check it out today! Did you see a photo in our newspaper or on our website that you would love a copy of? Scan QR code for photos!