After being the built-in standout participant (that’s, the solely superstar contestant) in Deal or No Deal Island‘s first season, Rob “Boston Rob” Mariano returned to the banker’s realm in Panama for Season 2. This time, although, as an alternative of competing on the island, he serves because the host of the sequence’ weekly aftershow editions that stream on Peacock, YouTube, and NBC.com.
Up to now, Boston Rob has chatted with the present’s host Joe Manganiello (after that week’s eliminee was unavailable) and two of the solid members who have been despatched house after the temple, Luke Olejniczak and Rock Carlson. So what it’s like for Rob to tackle a internet hosting function after being on the opposite facet of the questions for thus lengthy? What can we count on when he inevitably has to take action with fellow actuality TV alums? And does he need to take this internet hosting gig exterior of the DONDI circle subsequent? TV Insider caught up with Boston Rob to seek out out!
What’s it like so that you can sit on the opposite facet of all these interviews for the aftershow?
Rob Mariano: I believe lots of people have an interest on this little little bit of a transition for me. It’s completely different. On the similar time, I’m nonetheless on Peacock enjoying Traitors and actively concerned in competitors actuality. However one thing completely different, a enjoyable, distinctive alternative, and I believe the viewers is having fun with it for certain.
How do you discover that stability between giving contestants your trustworthy critiques and never simply roasting them proper there within the chair?
Yeah, properly, I believe as a result of I deliver a singular perspective of someone that’s truly been by way of the place they’ve been by way of, I can maintain their ft to the hearth a little bit bit extra and in addition ask the questions that myself — as somebody watching as an viewers member — truly needs to know and do it in a approach that’s not insulting or irritating. As a result of I name it like I see it. That’s what I’m recognized for, and that’s what they count on. On the similar time, I really feel like I present them the grace that I perceive it’s a recreation, it’s a high-pressure scenario. Typically you don’t make optimum choices as a result of there’s a variety of different issues occurring. And if anybody understands that, it’s me.
It looks like you’ve gotten a little bit of a put-on, personality-wise, whenever you’re doing these sorts of exhibits. Do you are feeling such as you’re doing that with this aftershow as properly?
I imply, I really feel like I don’t essentially play a personality. I’ve all the time been me, however once I’m in a contest actuality present, I’ll do what I’ve to do inside the context of the principles to offer myself a bonus to win. However I promise the man you see on TV is identical man. I’m that approach. I’m aggressive… I’m probably not attempting to homicide you or get you voted out or no matter else. So, I’m not essentially, once I’m interviewing them, attempting to be what you see on TV. However I’m additionally not going to interview them in a approach that’s completely different from that individual as a result of that individual is me, if that is smart.
Up to now we’ve solely seen you within the interviews with first-time gamers. How will or not it’s completely different if you end up interviewing the opposite TV stars on the present?
So clearly, I’ll be extra essential of their recreation as a result of they’ve expertise enjoying, they usually even have extra expertise in entrance of the digital camera and the backwards and forwards. However they need to know me properly sufficient to know that I’m not gonna allow them to get off the hook both as a result of I’ve a job to do. However it’s enjoyable. I’ve by no means met Dr. Will [Kirby] in actual life. I don’t know David [Genat]. And Parvati [Shallow] and I’ve an extended historical past, and I’d name her a buddy. However they’re all very succesful at enjoying these video games, they usually additionally perceive the ins and outs of an interview.
NBC
You have been the primary superstar contestant on Deal or No Deal Island. How do you are feeling about the truth that Season 2 is ramping it up a lot?
I believe it’s good. It’s actually good from a community viewpoint. That approach if you happen to lose who’s your quote unquote [famous] individual that you’ve different individuals. On the similar time, I’m fairly shocked that each one three of them are nonetheless within the recreation as a result of I believed for certain after I went, they’d be focused instantly. Fortunately for Parvati at this level, she hasn’t even been in jeopardy of going house as a result of she’s been in a position to preserve herself protected. And I believe in Deal or No Deal Island, that format, I believe that’s actually vital. In case you can put your self able that you’re protected at temple, you then actually scale back the variance and threat concerned. And likewise with Will coming in late, that was a unique scenario, so he’s up towards it for certain. So watching him scramble and navigate can also be entertaining.
With this and The Traitors, you’re persevering with to broaden your horizons after Deal or No Deal Island and Survivor. Are you excited about taking this aftershow expertise to a wider house and discover that additional?
You understand, I’d like to host one thing sometime. I actually really feel like I share the identical ardour that Joe does for competitors actuality. And I believe Joe’s an ideal host. I’m not asking to take over his job as a result of I believe he’s nice, however I believe perhaps sooner or later, creating one thing in that course may be one thing I like. On the similar time, I nonetheless like to compete, too.
Deal or No Deal Island, Tuesdays, 9/8c, NBC