Spike TV to Debut New Original Series 'Half Pint Brawlers' and 'Scrappers'

NEW YORK, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Spike TV explores the outrageous world of little person wrestling and Brooklyn scrap-metal workers in two new, half-hour unscripted original series, it was announced today by Sharon Levy, Spike TV's senior vice president of original series.  Spike TV's new originals will run together as a block premiering in June.

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"The driving forces behind these new shows are the tremendous personalities of these very distinctive characters," said Levy. "We believe their authenticity and honesty will resonate with our young male audience."

"Half Pint Brawlers" is a six-episode series chronicling the often-absurd yet astonishing wild adventures of one of the most extraordinary performance groups in the country. These self-proclaimed hardcore little person wrestlers, led by their gregarious owner, Puppet "The Psycho Dwarf," entertain crowds in venues all across the U.S. with their unique brand of wrestling prowess.  Along the way, Puppet deals with issues surrounding little person wrestling events while, at the same time, keeping his rambunctious wrestlers in line.

A combination of "Jackass" and "Little People, Big World," the new Spike TV series is currently shooting in locations throughout the country.  The series will be seen through the eyes of these extreme little people, "The Brawlers," as they travel the underground wrestling circuit filling bars, clubs and arenas ranging from 500-5,000 fans.  The show will not only focus on their actions in the ring, but their wild lifestyles outside the ring, filled with chaotic parties and over-zealous groupies.

"Half Pint Brawlers" is produced by The Idea Factory and Lumberjack Crew with executive producers Darryl Silver, Stephen David, Duke Straub, Royal Malloy, Jeff Guerriero and Trip Taylor ("Jackass," "Wildboyz").  The show was created by Straub and Guerriero.  

"Scrappers" is a ten-episode comedic reality show set in one tough office: the streets of Brooklyn, NY.  In each episode, this crew of real-life competitors and friends will hunt for the best scrap in town.  They'll find treasure in tons of twisted metal, paper, or rubber, recycling everything from old cars to building materials. What others might think is trash, they turn to cash.  

"Scrappers" begins shooting in Brooklyn in early March.

From tough-guy boss Frankie Noots who runs his business from his dilapidated van, to Sal The Barber who's training to become a mixed martial arts fighter when he's not chasing scrap, viewers will get to know these larger-than-life men behind the metal as they pursue the big score and get ever closer to becoming the "Scrap Kings of Brooklyn."

"Scrappers" will be Executive Produced by George Verschoor through his Hoosick Falls Productions - Michael J. Weiss and Andy Weiss will also EP.   "Scrappers" was created by producer Frank Fidilio and the Weisses.  Will Spjut is co-executive producer.

Spike TV is available in 98.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://www.spike.com/press.

SOURCE Spike TV