Real Funt guy is perfectly 'Candid'

LOS ANGELES -

Smile, you're getting more "Candid Camera."

TV Land announced this week that it's given a 10-episode order to a reboot of hidden-camera series "Candid Camera," thus re-introducing an often-imitated, never-duplicated television classic.

Peter Funt, the son of "Candid Camera" creator and original host Allen Funt, will co-host and executive-produce the new series.

TheWrap spoke with Funt, who explained what's changing with the new "Candid Camera" and what's staying the same.

TheWrap: There have been a number of shows that, to put it charitably, have borrowed from "Candid Camera."

Peter Funt: Yeah. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I think me and my family have been just flattered beyond our wildest expectations.

TheWrap: With the new "Candid Camera," will there be an effort to distinguish the new iteration from the newer shows, or will you go with what the show's been doing for decades?

Peter Funt: I think you've actually said the same thing two different ways. We're going to do essentially the formula that has worked for us for decades, updated as appropriate and modernized for today's TV scene, but essentially the same formula. And, competitively, that puts us right where we want to be. The imitative shows, derivative shows, the folks that have done a lot of hidden camera-type programs, have for whatever reason paid very little attention to our specific approach, and that's fine with me, because that's what we like to do, and I think viewers like it.