Mobbed is an American hidden camera reality television show created by Howie Mandel, Darryl Trell and Howard Kitrosser which makes use of flash mobs as part of the spectacle for the delivery of an important personal message, using participants who would like to reveal something significant to a friend or loved one.
The show is hosted by Mandel and choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo.
The series first aired in the USA on Fox as a one-off special following American Idol on 31 March, 2011, but based on its success the network ordered further episodes, which aired until 10 January, 2013. There are 11 hour-long episodes in the series.
The series originally aired in South Africa on M-Net (simulcast in HD) from 19 April to 19 July, 2013. It later aired on DStv's Vuzu and M-Net Series Reality channels. See "Seasons" below for seasonal broadcast dates and times.
Mobbed premiered in South Africa on M-Net on Friday 19 April 2013, at 18h00. After Episode 5 (which aired on 17 May) the series went on hiatus, resuming with Episode 6 on 14 June. New episodes broadcast weekly.
The series later aired on Vuzu from 17 October to 8 November, 2013. New episodes broadcast from Mondays to Thursdays at 21h30.
Mobbed premiered on M-Net Series Reality on Wednesday 20 November 2013, at 22h30. New episodes broadcast daily, on weekdays.
Synopsis
Host Howie Mandel puts a hidden-camera spin on the "flash mob" concept. Mandel and hundreds of strangers help special guests plan extraordinary surprises for friends, family members, loved ones or co-workers.
These unknowing participants will be shocked and stunned by surprise performances that lead up to fantastic reveals that include a husband learning that his wife is pregnant, an applicant finding out that she got the job and a marriage proposal, among others.
Throughout the hour, the guests are shown prepping for the event - rehearsing their routines and refining their speeches - all while receiving guidance from host Mandel.
Then, on the day of the big event - with the hidden cameras rolling - the detailed plan comes to fruition and suddenly explodes into a song-and-dance spectacle they are sure never to forget.
What begins as a few dancers evolves into a grand-scale performance that wraps up with a life-changing announcement for the participants like nothing ever seen on TV.
Mobbed is produced by Alevy Productions and Angel City Factory. Howie Mandel, Chris Cowan, Jean-Michel Michenaud, Mike Marks, Darryl Trell, Howard Kitrosser, Kevin Healey and Michael Rotenberg serve as executive producers.
It is based on a format created by Mandel, Trell and Kitrosser.
Seasons
Note: transmissions on M-Net simulcast in HD
Season 1 (11 episodes)
Channel: M-Net | Premiere: 19 Apr 2013 | Finale: 19 Jul 2013 | Fri, 18h00
Channel: Vuzu | Premiere: 17 Oct 2013 | Finale: 8 Nov 2013 | Mon-Thu, 21h30
Channel: MS Reality | Premiere: 20 Nov 2013 | Finale: 4 Dec 2013 | Weekdays, 22h30