Andy Richter is the ultimate triple threat: Sitcom star. Sidekick. And now, quite possibly, game-show host. CBS has hired Richter to host the pilot for a revamped version of Pyramid, which the network is considering to replace the soon-to-stop-turning As the World Turns in September. But do not panic, Team Coco: If the show is picked up, it will not affect Richter’s ability to do Conan O’Brien’s TBS show, too. After all, if Pat Sajak could juggle a game show and a talk show, why can’t Andy?
CBS originally developed a Pyramid remake last year with Who Wants to Be a Millionaire kazillionaire Michael Davies, but ended up going with Let’s Make a Deal with Wayne Brady instead. However, CBS still liked the idea and is now giving Sony Pictures Television and Davies the chance to try the concept again. The network has had success rebooting old game shows with comedians, whether it’s Drew Carey on The Price Is Right or the allegedly funny Brady. And Richter could also bring in the younger, hipper audience that previous Pyramid host Donny Osmond somehow just couldn’t attract.
However, Pyramid is still competing with other projects for the As the World Turns slot. Another potential project is a View-like talk show co-hosted by Sara Gilbert and Julie Chen, and we hear rumblings that Sharon Osbourne has been talked about to join them for a pilot.
UPDATE: Insiders now confirm that Osbourne is, in fact, set to tape the Chen-Gilbert talk pilot. Also part of the mix: Holly Robinson Peete. (That’s two 90s sitcom legends and two Celebrity Apprentice alums for those of you playing at home.)