Fox is shaking up the world of reality television with its latest competition show that challenges celebrities to prove who’s the “dumbest” among them.
In an exclusive preview shared by Us Weekly, Nation’s Dumbest is set to premiere on July 15 and features a star-studded lineup. The eclectic group includes TV personality Hilaria Baldwin, actress Carmen Electra, actor Anthony Michael Hall, actor Jon Heder, musician Chase Hudson, and rapper Ice-T.
Adding to the diverse mix are singer-songwriter Elle King, former NFL quarterback Matt Leinart, TV personality and physician Dr. Drew Pinsky, along with Jackass alum Steve-O, singer JoJo Siwa, and former presidential hopeful Andrew Yang.
The show, hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, features the celebrity contestants tackling questions on various topics, such as spelling challenges and animal facts. As they struggle to provide correct answers, they come to realize that the title of “nation’s dumbest” might not be so elusive after all.
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“If I am the nation’s dumbest, I really will have to reevaluate my life,” Ice-T jokes in the sneak peek.
“Summer school is in session with the debut of Nation’s Dumbest, a new celebrity competition series that flips the traditional format on its head — because this is the only show where winning is the last thing anyone wants,” teased the official synopsis. “Taking attendance as host is acclaimed comedian Jack Whitehall, who presides over the chaos as contestants relive the highs and humiliations of school life — from pop quizzes and report cards to recess and parent teacher conferences — all while trying to stay out of last place.”
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Nation’s Dumbest is described as “a proven format across multiple international territories, channels celebrities’ inner school spirit as they head back to summer school, facing a mix of brain-teasing tasks, fast-paced physical challenges, and long-buried classroom knowledge.”
The description concluded: “Each week, the ‘smartest’ celebrity graduates, narrowing the field until a high-stakes final exam determines who will be left standing with the distinction no one wants — the title of The Nation’s Dumbest.”
Nation’s Dumbest is in good company at Fox, which has previously branched out with celebrity competition show Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. The show, which recently wrapped up its fourth season, premiered in 2023 and put contestants through harsh, military-style training based on actual Special Forces selection processes. They face intense physical and mental challenges designed to push their limits.
Nation’s Dumbest debuts on Fox Wednesday, July 15, at 9 p.m. ET.