Cowboy reality series in the works

NEW YORK, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Spike TV has announced it is searching for the next big superstar in U.S. rodeo with "Toughest Cowboy," a new eight-episode series from producer Mark Burnett.

The new sports-competition reality series featuring 12 competitors is to premiere Jan. 29.

"We are thrilled to be in business with one of the true legends in the television industry," John Griffin, vice president of programming for Spike TV, said in a statement Monday. "The high-action sport of rodeo will be the perfect complement to our Thursday lineup following TNA wrestling."

"The athletes on 'Toughest Cowboy' are living icons who take unbelievable risks every time they enter the arena," added Burnett, president of Mark Burnett Productions. "We are excited to bring their stories to the Spike audience as they fight to secure their American dream in a competition that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats."

"These fearless cowboys must ride in three dangerous disciplines each night -- bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding -- an unprecedented test of endurance in modern rodeo competition," Spike TV said in a news release. "One competitor will be eliminated each week in a sudden elimination bull ride match, with the ultimate Toughest Cowboy Champion winning the deed to a spectacular ranch in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming."