ABC PICKS UP "WIPEOUT" FOR A THIRD SEASON

"Wipeout," ABC's outrageously popular reality series, has been picked up for a third season. Twenty-four thrill-seekers will compete in the world's largest extreme obstacle course designed to provide the most spills, face plants and wipeouts ever seen on television.

Moving nights, from Tuesday last summer to Wednesday this year, against tougher competition from Fox's time-period veteran "So You Think You Can Dance," ABC's "Wipeout" is No. 1 during the 8 o'clock hour in Total Viewers and across each of the key Men demographics (M18-34/M18-49/M25-54). In Adults 18-49, "Wipeout" is a strong second to Fox's "Dance." Since its debut, "Wipeout" stands as Wednesday's No. 1 TV program in each of the Men demos (M18-34/M18-49/M25-54). It's the No. 5 TV series of Summer 2009 with Adults 18-49 and No. 1 with Men 18-49. On average to date, "Wipeout" is drawing ABC's largest summer audience in the Wednesday 8 o'clock hour in 13 years and highest Adults 18-49 rating during the summer frame in 10 years � since 1996 and 1999, respectively.

"Wipeout" is hosted by John Anderson (ESPN's "SportsCenter,"), John Henson ("Talk Soup") and co-hosted by Jill Wagner.

Executive producers are Matt Kunitz ("Fear Factor") and Scott Larsen. Shye Sutherland, Kevin Wehrenberg, Trice Barto and J. Rupert Thompson are co-executive producers. The series is produced by Endemol USA. David Goldberg is the chairman of Endemol North America.

"Wipeout" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5/1 channel surround sound.