Corporate giant Charles Entertainment Cheese enters the television sector
Charles Entertainment Cheese — known to us common folk as Chuck E. Cheese — will expand his empire with “Chuck E. Cheese Arcade Heroes,” a new competition television series from the creators of “Top Chef.”
Charles Entertainment Cheese: Television Producer, Gift to Humanity
“Chuck E. Cheese Arcade Heroes” will involve adult players competing in larger-than-life arcade games. Pinball, air hockey, alley roller, and the claw — all typical arcade games one might find at a Chuck E. Cheese location — will be part of the proceedings.
CEC Entertainment, Inc. announced the project in a press release on Jan. 16, 2024. The company will create “Chuck E. Cheese Arcade Heroes” in collaboration with Magical Elves, the production company behind projects like “Top Chef,” “Sugar Rush,” “Cold Justice,” “Brain Games,” and “Nailed It!”
The press release referred to “Chuck E. Cheese Arcade Heroes” as a “potential series,” implying the program is not yet a surefire bet. No network or streaming platform was mentioned, but previous Magical Elves shows have found homes on Bravo, Nat Geo, Netflix, and Oxygen.
“Ruling the Arcade”
The team at CEC Entertainment looks forward to evolving the Chuck E. Cheese imprint into a new medium.
“With a legacy spanning over four decades, Chuck E. Cheese has been an integral part of the family experience for both kids and adults across the world,” said Melissa McLeanas, VP of Chuck E. Cheese global licensing, media, and branded entertainment development. “We are thrilled to be working with Magical Elves, whose deep expertise in unscripted content make them the perfect partner to capture the wholesome competitive spirit tied to childhood memories and transform the Chuck E. Cheese experience for television.”
CEC Entertainment’s creative partners at the Magical Elves production company are equally confident about the new project.
“Chuck E. Cheese is THE place where a kid can be a kid — but as grown adults, we still have dreams of ruling the arcade, taking on the iconic games we love!” said Jo Sharon and Casey Kriley, co-CEOs of Magical Elves. “We’re excited to celebrate these legendary arcade games plus the best of today, all with a super-sized twist.”
TV Show? Check. Water Park? Check.
The news of Charles Entertainment Cheese dipping his toes into the television sector comes on the heels of last October’s announcement that he’d be licensing his likeness for a Chuck E. Cheese water park in Sacramento, Calif.
Mr. Cheese has never been one to rest on his laurels. Back in 2011, the culinary icon introduced a new pizza recipe. At the time, we stopped by an Orlando establishment operated by Mr. Cheese to check it out:
You can check out our Q&A with Chuck E. Cheese Entertainment, President and CEO, David McKillips here:
