The Fear Factor Live show is not coming back to Universal Studios Florida.
The show, based on the long-canceled NBC reality TV series that starred some guy who went on to host a podcast or something, has not played since the Universal Orlando theme parks closed for the pandemic in early 2020. Even before that, the show played on a somewhat irregular seasonal basis, prompting constant rumors about its imminent demise. Its prime location next to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley also fueled speculation that Universal had other plans for the site.
Now, local sources report that a Universal Orlando spokesperson has confirmed that the show will not return and has closed permanently. Fear Factor Live's theater currently is being used Halloween Nightmare Fuel show during Halloween Horror Nights. In past years, the theater housed the Academy of Villains and Bill & Ted shows during HHN, which shut down Fear Factor Live show for two months each fall.
Previously, Universal Orlando confirmed that it would close the Shrek 4D show in January, creating another opening for future development at Universal Studios Florida. Universal Orlando also is working on its new Epic Universe theme park near the Orange County Convention Center, which is expected to open in 2025.
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I suspect that stage shows might be done at HHN in Orlando after this year.
When I was working at USF (20+ years ago) there were dozens of days when I would grab lunch and watch 'The Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show'. For me it embodied that touch of irreverence that is a UO signature.
I’m sure I’m not the first to type this and definitely not the first to think it, but with the London facade already in place this area would be a perfect location to build a Harry Potter Ministry of Magic expansion/attraction. They could even include a “time turner” element that transported visitors back to the era of Newt Scamander if they so chose…
I know that Fantastic Beasts is heavily rumored to be part of EU, so I’m not sure how much that proposition might conflict with their plans there, but this seems like a no-brainer to me.
I've recently stumbled upon replays of the original Fear Factor (with Joe Rogan) on an OTA digital network called TBD. I had forgotten how ridiculous the show was and how inappropriate it would be to air in today's climate (mostly due to the casting and portrayal of women and commentary from Rogan). While the theme park show mostly ditches the contestant interplay and snarky host, it's still a relic of the past, and has been on notice for nearly a decade now. The biggest knock against the Fear Factor show is that it's a pretty expensive show to stage. Even though the leads are all unpaid park guests, there are tons of employees needed to pull off this performance
Obviously the rumors have been swirling for this patch of land since Diagon Alley opened and that this would be the home to a Ministry of Magic expansion to the WWoHP. However, given that Epic Universe has been re-green lighted, any rumors involving Harry Potter have to be taken with a grain of salt, because those concepts could just as easily be intended for the new gate and not this vacant space in USF. The potential for this chunk of land is HUGE, but I highly doubt we will see anything happen until EU has opened.
Universal insiders at IU and Theme Park Stop are saying that the attraction will be a Potter VR flying broom attraction that was originally planned for Epic Universe. It's ready to go since it's planning/concept has already been completed. Target opening for 2023.
I'm frankly amazed it lasted as long as it did given the show long faded away. Much better to prep the space for a Potter attraction.
I also saw it on TV recently for the first time in years. I enjoyed the show as a kid, but I agree it hasn’t aged well. I did not see anything inappropriate, but I didn’t see anything entertaining either. Although I haven’t experienced it, I don’t think much is being lost. At least Shrek is still popular. Fear Factor is just dated.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned this but its sizeable next door neighbor, Men in Black Alien Attack is 21 years old. It is housed in a huge show building that uses up a lot of space, its IP isn't too hot right now, and its wait times have greatly diminished in the past 5 or so years. I know it can be considered a classic but so was Back to the Future, Kongfrontation, Jaws and so forth. With the Men in Black and Fear Factor spaces available well the possibilities get grander with that. I'm just sayin', it can happen.
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Definitely going to be interesting to see how this affects HHN if they tear down the theater. That's the last viable location for their stage shows unless they get creative and use the music plaza or even an indoor venue.