Fox Orders Howie Mandel's 'Mobbed' to Series

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UPDATED: Fox has ordered Howie Mandel’s Mobbed reality special to series with an eight-episode pickup.

The episodes will be hourlong, showing individuals prepping for the event all while receiving guidance from Mandel as well as the actual "flash mob" event with a hidden-camera element.  

The special, which aired after American Idol on Thursday night and drew 10.8 million viewers, followed a surprise marriage proposal with a group of performers. 

In the ad-favored adults 18-49 demographic, Mobbed drew a 3.8 rating, marking the highest retention of an unscripted program in the post-Idol slot in two years since Hell’s Kitchen. In its time period, Mobbed topped a new episode of CBS’ CSI by 36 percent in the demo (3.8 vs. 2.8).

“Mobbed exceeded our expectations in every way last night,” said Mike Darnell, president of alternative entertainment at Fox. “The show clearly connected with viewers, and we look forward to working with Howie and his team as they travel across the country to capture more of the shocking surprises, grand-scale performances and extraordinarily heartfelt moments featured in the first episode.” 

Hosted by Mandel, Mobbed is based on a format from the former Deal or No Deal host, Darryl Trell and Howard Kitrosser. Mobbed is produced by Alevy Productions and Angel City Factory.