Heidi Gardner will judge new reality TV show filmed in KC. Here’s when you can see it
A new talent competition filmed earlier this year at The Midland Theatre with Kansas City’s Heidi Gardner will premiere on Thanksgiving Day, the Magnolia Network announced this week.
“Second Chance Stage” gives performers who put their ambitions on hold, some for decades, another shot at stardom. Home and lifestyle experts Chip and Joanna Gaines, Magnolia Network’s founders, are executive producers of the eight-episode series.
“Saturday Night Live” cast member Gardner, who grew up in Kansas City, will judge contestants alongside country star Martina McBride and actor Taye Diggs.
Sports broadcaster and former NFL player Emmanuel Acho will host. The show will air on Magnolia Network and stream on Max.
Singers, dancers, comedians and others will compete in front of the celebrity judges, talent scouts, agents, producers and a live audience. The winner will receive $100,000.
Cast and crew spent two days filming episodes, including the finale, at the Midland in late March.
The show is one of three family-friendly, unscripted programs the network announced premiere dates for this week. “Roller Jam,” premiering Oct. 10, is a roller-skating competition hosted by singer/actress Jordin Sparks.
“Human vs. Hamster,” which pits pet hamsters against humans in speed, strength and agility tests, begins Nov. 21 followed by “Second Chance Stage” on Nov. 28.
Two episodes of “Second Chance Stage” will drop each week until the finale premieres Dec. 19.
The beauty of the Midland was a big reason the show filmed in Kansas City.
The building opened in 1927 as one of the largest movie theaters in the Midwest. In recent years AEG Presents and The Cordish Company completed a multi-million dollar renovation of the historic building.
“Unlike other series that are set on sound stages, we are leaning into the Magnolia aesthetic, selecting beautifully restored theaters that embody second (chances) through their history and architecture,” the show’s producers said earlier this year.
Gardner, who co-hosted the annual Big Slick fundraiser for Children’s Mercy in late May, recently celebrated her July birthday in Kansas City with an assist from friends and Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders. Gardner is a longtime fan of the team and championed the idea of having tight end Travis Kelce host “SNL” last year — pre-Taylor Swift.
“KC always shows up,” Gardner wrote on Instagram where she posted a video of her birthday festivities.
She begins her eighth season on “Saturday Night Live” on Sept. 28.
