Rob and Amber Ready to 'Revolutionize Reality TV'

By ANDY VINEBERG

Bucks County Courier Times - 5.4.07

TRENTON — Reality television made Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich household names.

Now, the couple who met on "Survivor," teamed up on the "Amazing Race" and had their 2005 wedding filmed for a two-hour CBS special, are planning the most spectacular reality TV series of all time.

At least according to Mariano.

"I can't tell you everything, but I can tell you certain things about it," he said Thursday night during the Courier Times-sponsored Reality Television Night at the Trenton Thunder. "It will definitely revolutionize reality TV as we know it."

Speaking exclusively to the Courier Times, Mariano said the new show, which he will host, will be "bigger than 'Survivor,' bigger than 'Amazing Race.'

"It's a competition reality show that will last over 100 days on all seven continents of the world," he added. "First prize is over $10 million."

Mariano said a nationwide "American Idol"-type search for contestants will begin in June, and the series will premiere next spring.

Judging by the reaction of fans at Thursday's Thunder game, Rob and Amber are as popular as ever, despite their early exit from this year's "Amazing Race: All-Stars." The reigning first couple of reality television posed for photos and signed autographs on the concourse level of Waterfront Stadium for 90 minutes during the game.

Bensalem residents Melissa Taylor and Lori DeFinis, both 17, competed against Rob and Amber in a heated game of musical chairs on the field after the top of the first inning.

"We're not going to take it easy on you," Amber promised before the competition.

Not surprisingly, Rob "won" the game, although Taylor accused him of cheating.

"Win at all costs, baby," Rob said when asked his strategy.