Comedian Reno Collier To Travel Route 66 As Host Of NBC’s Great American Road Trip
Families from Katy, Texas; Lockport, Illinois; Long Island, New York; Montclair, California; Newton, Alabama; Westport, Connecticut, and Yonkers, New York Take on the Adventure
Universal City, CA – NBC announced today that comedian Reno Collier will host Great American Road Trip — the series, produced by BBC Worldwide Productions, where seven families from divergent backgrounds go on the journey of a lifetime (premiering Tuesday, July 7 (8-9 p.m. PT). Collier will guide viewers and the participating families on an eight-episode journey along America’s legendary Route 66. Traveling through cities and towns large and small, the seven families, whose hometowns range from Montclair, California to Yonkers, New York, will compete in a series of challenges that will ultimately lead one family to victory. These comical and clever challenges are set against iconic American backdrops such as the majestic Grand Canyon and the historic St. Louis arch.
Along the way, the families and viewers will also discover quirky American landmarks ranging from the world’s largest ketchup bottle to the muffler men and Cadillac Ranch. Although family fun is the centerpiece of the show, the competition is real and all but one family will be eliminated each week based on their performance in the challenges. Ultimately, the winning family will return home with a dream prize that perfectly complements their extraordinary and memorable summer vacation.
Viewers can access additional information about the families, their journey on Route 66 and the Great American Road Trip at www.nbc.com/the-great-american-road-trip.
“This show is a blast. I’m having the time of my life. We are checking out everything from the Grand Canyon and Wrigley Field to the world’s biggest bottle of ketchup. Seriously, what’s better than that — I love ketchup” said Collier.
Collier’s journey began at the Punchline Comedy Club in Atlanta, Georgia, where he tended bar to supplement his day job as a physical education teacher. In 2004 he joined Larry the Cable Guy on the hugely successful “2004 Tour of America.” He has performed with the legendary Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall. In January 2007, he re-joined Larry the Cable Guy for his wildly successful arena tour currently spanning the United States and Canada. His television credits include his own “Comedy Central Presents” “Late Friday,” “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher,” “The Martin Short Show,” “The List” and “Premium Blend.” In 2005 and 2006, he headlined the “Comics on Duty” tour for American troops stationed in Iraq. He is a regular fixture on the “Bob & Tom” syndicated radio show and Country Music Television (CMT), where he hosts various specials for the network. He has performed at the prestigious HBO Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado and the Montreal Comedy Festival. He can currently be heard during his weekly call-ins to the Blue Collar Comedy Channel on Sirius Satellite Radio.
Lisa Hennessy serves as executive producer of Great American Road Trip. The show is a new format developed by the BBC Worldwide teams in Los Angeles, New York and London.
The families participating include:
THE COOTE FAMILY FROM LOCKPORT, ILLINOIS:
Keith (Dad), Jennifer (Mom), Cassidy, 12 and Jake, 9
Keith and Jennifer began as high school sweethearts. Their relationship withstood Keith’s time overseas in the U.S. Marines Corps. Keith currently supports his family with his own carpentry work. Jennifer does it all – working during the day, going to school at night, coaching volleyball on the weekends. The couple’s mantra is “anything for the kids,” including high-energy Jake who, whether playing baseball, watching TV, or sitting in a classroom, makes his presence known. Cassidy, the athletic, academic princess gets what she wants, whenever she wants it.
THE FAVEREY FAMILY FROM LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK:
Lenny (Dad), Dee (Mom), Dylan, 15 and Ashley, 10
Lenny and Dee have been married for 24 years. Lenny, a Manhattan doorman, has held the same job for over two decades. A stickler for routine, he is very particular about having everything in its place. Dee, a special education teacher’s aide, runs a tight ship — and uses push-ups and sit-ups as her main form of “justice.” Their daughter, Ashley, is a committed student, but definitely has a taste for the finer things. Her brother, Dylan, is a laid back musician who is happy to let Ashley be the scholar. He is the peacekeeper, with his sense of humor as his first line of defense. This family has never been in an RV.
THE KATZENBERG FAMILY WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT:
Marc (Dad), Hyleri (Mom), Sami, 15 and Andrew, 14
Marc and Hyleri recently fell in love. Having just formed a “Brady Bunch” family unit, this show will give them a chance to really get to know each other. Hyleri’s daughter Sami, and Marc’s son Andrew, quickly bonded over accusing the other of being high maintenance. The truth is, they all have a little “diva” in them. However, Marc and Hyleri are also active philanthropists and instill this in their kids. Sami is a natural entertainer who makes her voice heard. Andrew is a ladies’ man who enjoys flirting. Each member of the family likes to be the center of attention and adores themselves — and each other.
THE MONTGOMERY FAMILY FROM MONTCLAIR, CALIFORNIA:
Darius (Dad), Alecia (Mom), Darius Ross, 15 and Tylier, 11
Darius and Alecia have been married for over 15 years. They are a religious, family-oriented couple. Darius is an ex-U.S. Marine who runs a tight unit. Alecia is a pre-school teacher who is extremely competitive and out to win at all times. The couple has two sons, Darius Jr., a strong student and natural athlete involved in programs at Montclair College and UCLA. Younger brother Tylier will be a match for Darius some day. He is also an athlete and in the gifted program at school. Tylier aspires to be a judge or attorney.
THE POLLARD FAMILY FROM NEWTON, ALABAMA:
Ron (Dad), Amie (Mom), Aaron, 17 and Anslie, 12
The Pollards are a close-knit Southern family. Ron and Amie met in high school. Through many years of hard work and sacrifice, they have built their dream home near the beach. Ron is a homebuilder who loves fishing and hunting. Amie, a gregarious radio host, wears the pants in the family. They have two kids, Aaron and Anslie. Aaron plays varsity football and baseball and is on the gymnastics team “to meet girls.” Anslie is the apple of her mother’s eye and has several beauty pageant crowns in her collection. As a family, the Pollards love to hunt, watch NASCAR and watch college football.
THE RICO FAMILY FROM KATY, TEXAS:
Ricardo (Dad), Erica (Mom), Danielle, 13, and Ricky, 8
Erica owns her own advertising business and is dictator of her family. Ricardo, a spiritual man and the peacekeeper of the family, is also in the advertising business. The kids, Danielle and Ricky, love to play soccer, baseball and say they never lose — because their mom won’t let them. Ricky is a prankster and he loves to do impersonations of people. He also loves to read. Danielle follows in her father’s more relaxed footsteps, but she’s got her mother’s genes and isn’t afraid to use them.
THE DiSALVATORE FAMILY FROM YONKERS, NEW YORK:
Silvio (Dad), Amy (Mom), Mason, 16 and Blake, 13
Silvio and Amy have been married for over 20 years. Silvio, a stay-at-home dad, rocks a distinct ’80s look. He is the driving force behind the loud East Coast Italian-American family. Amy, a medical insurance administrator, is a classic Italian mom who will do anything for her boys. Mason, the diplomat, is the only “normal” member of the outrageous family. With aspirations of becoming a lawyer, Mason gets his fair share of practice settling family disputes. Blake is a Silvio-in-training who has never been unplugged from his video games for more than three days.