'Snake Oil' Is 'Shark Tank' For Comedy-Lovers
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Is the product legit, or too good to be true? That's the name of the game in a new show called Snake Oil. The series, set to debut on FOX this fall, sees Saturday Night Live alum David Spade take on hosting duties as contestants aim to figure out if convincing pitches are real or fake. Think Shark Tank with scammers. Intrigued? Read on for more details.
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What is the new show Snake Oil?
Snake Oil is a new, non-scripted competition show executive produced by Will Arnett and hosted and produced by David Spade. The show will follow contestants as they attempt to differentiate between pitches for authentic versus sham products—with the help of celebrity advisors.
What is the show Snake Oil about?
Snake Oil is a game show that sees contestants receive product pitches from convincing sales people. Some of those folks will be showcasing real-deal products. Others will be hawking fakes.
The trailer for the show features a pitch for Bruce’s Better Petter, for instance, a device allegedly designed to show "chronically un-petted dogs" the love they deserve. The product sounds adorable (if sad)—but it's also not real. Bruce's Better Petter is "snake oil," a term used to describe goods that don't live up to their deceptive promise.
The contestants won't have to go it alone. Celebrity advisors will help them sort through visuals and grill the entrepreneurs with questions. Winners will take home a cash prize.
Who hosts Snake Oil?
David Spade, who received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of C.J. Barnes in Just Shoot Me! (1997-2003), is set to host and produce Snake Oil. Spade is also well known for his role as Russell Dunbar in the scripted series Rules of Engagement (2007-13) and for his successful run on Saturday Night Live.
The comedian isn't a stranger to reality TV, either: He hosted two episodes of Bachelor in Paradise in 2021.
Related: Go Ahead and Laugh at David Spade
Who are the celebrity guests on Snake Oil?
FOX has yet to release information on which celebrities will guest star on the new competition show, but Spade's famous friends include Adam Sandler, Dana Carvey and Courteney Cox, for what it's worth.
What is the prize on Snake Oil?
Winners will receive "life-changing money," according to a FOX press release. In a teaser released in August, a screen shows the maximum prize at $50,000, but it's unclear if that's the most a contestant can ever win on the show, or if it represents an episode-specific prize.
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What is the release date for Snake Oil?
Snake Oil is set to premiere Sept. 27 at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.
How to watch Snake Oil
Beginning Sept. 27, viewers in the U.S. can watch Snake Oil on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on FOX. It's possible the show will stream on Hulu the next day, too, but FOX has yet to confirm that arrangement.
Is there a trailer for Snake Oil?
FOX released a teaser trailer in August. The video opens with a sad, lonely beagle. "Every year, more than 4 million animals go chronically un-petted by their owners," a narrator says. "Give them the pets they deserve with Bruce’s Better Petter. It’s motion-activated with a full range of physical affection." Then the clip cuts to Spade revealing that the product is a sham. Mark Cuban would never!
