This is my pick for the greatest show idea of 2011! Thank You IFC!!! This summer, the fascinating and hair raising world of competitive facial hair growing is coming to IFC. Whisker Wars, a seven episode reality series produced and narrated by award-winning producer Thom Beers (Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, IRT: Deadliest Road, Storage Wars, Ax Men, Coal), premieres Friday, August 5 at 11:00pm ET/PT.
The series follows a devoted group of whisker warriors as they travel the country competing for top bearding honors in preparation for the World Championship Competition in Trondhjem, Norway. Historically, Germany has long dominated the field but now there is an upstart squad on the horizon - Beard Team USA. In an effort to solidify their standing, more than 80 local U.S. chapters are coming together to form the ultimate American bearding team. Self-appointed Captain of Beard Team USA, Phil Olsen will lead them in their attempt to stage an upset and bring home the World title. However, Phil's quest quickly shifts from building the team to holding it together as his motives come into question and tensions flare between his star players.
"The eccentricities and dedication of the bearding community is absolutely riveting and once you add the competition element, it becomes a true sporting event," said Executive Producer Thom Beers "Whisker Wars has it all - rivalry, tragedy, love, jealousy and passion. It's an epic story."
The beardsmen generally compete in five categories: Moustache, Partial Beard, Full Beard Groomed, Freestyle and the prestigious, Full Beard Natural. They are judged on overall appearance, style and personality. Whisker Wars introduces viewers to some of the country's top beardsmen in all categories including two-time World Champion in the Full Beard Natural category, Jack Passion. Jack has a clear goal: to become the first "Professional Beardsman" and nothing will get in his way. Not even his fellow beardsmen who are vying for his spot including last year's national champion Aarne Bielefeldt, the Gotham City Beard Alliance's Myk O'Connor, and president of the Austin Facial Hair Club, Bryan Nelson. Throughout the season, the beardsmen's love of country and sport is put to the test as they battle each other and eventually other nations for the crowning achievement of World Champion.
Whisker Wars is executive produced by Thom Beers, Philip D. Segal and Jeff Conroy with Jay Bennett and Diane Kay Bennett as series producers for Original Productions, a FremantleMedia Company. Debbie DeMontreux, Dan Pasternack and Jennifer Caserta serve as executive producers for IFC.
Labels: 2011, August, Beards, Hipsters, IFC, TV, Whisker Wars
