NBC Keeps on Truckin' With Innovative Reality Package

Writers? Who needs writers? NBC is about to buy a two- or three-hour block of prime time programming featuring unscripted documentary style action shows from the producers of “Ice Road Truckers" and the "Deadliest Catch." The programs don't need staff writers, cost a fraction of standard television dramas, and can readily move to other platforms, such as internet podcasts and DVD.

It's believed to be the first deal of its kind. The programs are extremely popular on cable, with the finale of "Truckers," featuring rigs driven across a frozen lake, drawing 5 million viewers to the History Channel. “It's just about all I watch," said one of the producers of the action reality genre. In the past, networks have contracted for blocks of children's programming on Saturday mornings but haven't yet arrranged anything similar for prime time.