Following the successful run of the British reality series Supernanny on ABC, the network has decided to work on a male based spin-off that aids parents with misbehaving children.  Supermanny, a back-door pilot airing in the fall, will follow a similar format to the original Supernanny.  But instead of professional nanny Jo Frost leading the living room intervention, Chicago child therapist Mike Ruggles will step in to do the job.

"With a guy, he can connect with dads in a different kind of way," executive producer Nick Emmerson said.  "It's really powerful stuff."

The Supernanny spin-off is from Ricochet Television, which also produces the original series.  It has been in development since last year, with ABC hoping to build off the reality veteran series that has performed competitively in various spots on its slate.  This fall, the network intends to air an episode of Supermanny as a special in the new Supernanny time slot, 9pm Fridays.

Meanwhile, viewers can look forward to a different approach in extinguishing family disputes with the help of Ruggles, who is expected to put a different spin on the show.  Unlike Frost who is noted for showing parents ways of disciplining their children and maintaining order in their households, Ruggles encourages parents to learn how to play with their kids and get to know them.

"It feels different to have a guy come in to work with your kids," Emmerson said.  "A woman has a woman's touch, and people are more accepting and ready for her advice.  We had to find the right person who has real authority and a gentle touch as well."

Supernanny began airing in the United States in January 2005 on ABC as a contender to Nanny 911.  Although it had the exact same title and premise as the United Kingdom version, ABC's version was narrated by Jeff Bartsch.  Jo Frost, on the other hand, remains the Supernanny.

-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
(Image courtesy of ABC)