GSN is considering adding a faith-based dating show as a way to continue appealing to the audience that was drawn to the network by "The American Bible Challenge."
The dating show, "It Takes a Church," follows church members as they try to find a romantic match for a single member of their congregation without his or her knowledge.
"The congregation, Pastor, friends, and family will all contribute, but in the end our single will decide which suitor she is putting her faith in. The parishioner who brought the chosen suitor will win money for both themself and their charity."
Amy Introcaso-Davis, executive vice president for programming and development at GSN, told reporters Tuesday that the show is like a modern version of how "the ladies of the church are always trying to fix up the few single" congregants, according to The New York Times.
She also said the show will target the network's new viewers who were brought in by "The American Bible Challenge," though GSN officials stated they don't plan to fill the station's schedule with faith-based programming. "It Takes a Church," which is being developed for GSN by Sean Kelly, is one of six original series being developed for the network, including another dating show and a program featuring competing dance studios.
"The American Bible Challenge," hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, is a Bible trivia show in which contestants compete for money for their favorite charity. In its first season last year, the show became the most-watched program in GSN's history. Kirk Franklin, a nine-time Grammy-winning recording artist, joined the show as a musical co-host for its second season, which began in March.
"I'm very excited to create the musical environment for The American Bible Challenge," Franklin said before the season began, according to GSN. "The show is a fresh and fun approach to celebrating the Word of God, and being able to provide an element of praise, worship and honor is both exciting and humbling."
The network also announced the release of "The American Bible Challenge Bible Study" in March. The curriculum for the 10-week study was written in conjunction with the American Bible Society and features video and commentary from best-selling author Max Lucado, novelist Karen Kingsbury and country music artist Clay Walker, among others.
