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2 • Terre Haute Tribune-Star • August 6 - 12, 2023 After decades of competitive reality shows committed to finding the most talented singers, danc- ers, performers and the like, CBS launches an unscripted series ded- icated to the fans — well, to the "superfans," to be exact. Honoring the most loyal of six celebrities' fan bases, the network's new competi- tion series tests a group of contes- tants' knowledge in exchange for a chance to meet their idols up close and personal. Originally scheduled to arrive in June, "Superfan" pre- mieres Wednesday, Aug. 9, on CBS, the CBS app and Paramount+. Created by executive producers Keltie Knight ("Footloose," 2011) and Jodi Roth ("Inappropriate Jeff," 2014), "Superfan" makes use of a classic game show model — think BBC's "Mastermind," if you've seen it — testing players on a smattering of facts about the musician they all share a love for. Each week, beginning with LL Cool J ("NCIS: Los Angeles"), one music star is welcomed to perform and look on as their biggest fans settle the No.1- fan question once and for all. The series has a six-episode fresh- man season, and it is hosted by Ca- nadian TV personality Knight and Canadian-American former NFL wide receiver Nate Burleson ("The NFL Today"). It features one new musical celebrity per episode, and fol- lowing LL Cool J's inaugural episode, the weekly guests of honor include: Canadian country music legend Sha- nia Twain ("That Don't Impress Me Much," 1997); Cuban-American pop sensation Gloria Estefan ("Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," 1987); Ala- bama-born country foursome Little Big Town ("Pontoon," 2012); rapper and Miami native Pitbull ("I Know You Want Me," 2009); and Tennes- seean singer/songwriter Kelsea Balleri- ni ("Miss Me More," 2017). As the artist's fans compete across several rounds to figure out who will come out as the one and only "superfan," they each get the oppor- tunity to interact with their favorite artist, thus making their music fandom dreams come true just by taking part. By the end of each epi- sode, the artist in the spotlight will crown their No. 1 fan and present to them a unique set of prizes. While discussing his excitement about co-hosting the new show, Burleson stated that "Superfan" "perfectly captures the energy of concert vibes and competition," adding that "as a host, I get to meet music icons and watch everyday fans compete for a dream prize." As far as the at-home audience's interaction with the fun goes, Burleson notes, "You will dance, laugh and even cry by the end of each episode, but more importantly, you'll walk away a superfan yourself." And Burleson isn't the only per- son delighted to be taking the game show genre to new heights; creators Knight and Roth also expressed their own love for the series in the CBS news release. "We felt like it was time that fan bases across all genres of music get the love and recognition they deserve," the pair said. "'Superfan' gives celebrated musical artists a chance to honor their fans by engaging with them one-on- one and surprising them with once- in-a-lifetime prize packages. It's a feel- good show that everyone will enjoy." coverstory BY DANA SIMPSON Pitbull as seen in "Superfan" Fandom made 'Super': CBS premieres new competition series honoring music fans Faster. Quieter. More spacious. Our next-generation radiology services exceed industry standards, utilizing the newest technology & highest quality imaging. MyHorizonHealth.org/Radiology The ultimate in patient comfort Color Page