The Scuttlebutt On GSN Part 7: "The Chase" & "Chain Reaction" Debuts Tonight, "Steampunk'd" Premieres in August

Today’s GSN update will review the summer premieres of The Chase and Chain Reaction, both which are set to debut today at 8:00pm and 9:00pm ET, along with the network’s newest competition series, Steampunk’d. The Chase, hosted by Brooke Burns, returns with Mark “The Beast” Labbett attempting to stop teams of three smart contestants from potentially winning hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash by knocking them out of the game in a series of trivia rounds. After you have tuned into The Chase, check out the debut of the second GSN revival of Chain Reaction with Mike Catherwood at the helm this time around. This version plays similarly to the first GSN version with the exceptions of two pairs of teams competing rather than two gender-opposed trios, the elimination of the Speed Chains and a new $5,000 end game. I will post a full review of the new Chain Reaction series later this week.

Later this summer, specifically August 19 at 10:00pm ET, Steampunk’d will hit the GSN airwaves as 10 “Makers” will try to create the most creative and innovative industrial Steampunk clothing designs for a chance to win $100,000. If you are like I am and have never heard of Steampunking prior to the premiere of this show, Steampunk is a science fiction fantasy subgenre that combines antiquated technology with aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. The competition series will be hosted by Jeannie Mai (The Real) and will feature judges Thomas Willeford (the leading authority on Steampunk), Matt King (creator, writer and director of the series The World of Steam), and Kate "Kato” Lambert (British model, entrepreneur and founder of Steampunk Couture). Here the contestants who will be competing in the first eight-episode season: 

Ave Rose (Culver City, CA) - Known for her mechanical art pieces, she has been described as the "Frankenstein of steampunk" for her ability to bring new life to dead insects like butterflies and bees. Combining fantasy and nature in her sculptures and wearable art, Ave says she wants to show that women can create amazing art too.

Charles Mason (Hillsboro, OR) - A pastry chef by day, Mason's steady hand and passion for detail also play into his steampunk designs. Utilizing materials of all kinds including scrap metals and leather, he enjoys repurposing masks, props and armor.

Edward Thayer (Jackson, MI) - A single father of six kids, as well as a builder and automotive customization specialist, he earned the nickname "Steampunk Eddie" while being commissioned to do work for a new steampunk-themed brewery. Especially fond of clocks and gears, he uses old clock parts, copper, and other people's junk to design his pieces. a self-described 'Gear Head'. He loves everything about working with gears and is well-versed in the history of where they come from and what they represent. He is also extremely fond of clocks and loves working them into his pieces

James Neatherly (Nashville) - An X-ray technician, father and husband, designing custom watches is his steampunk forte. He enjoys making everything by hand (no machines) and his leatherwork pieces are constructed using traditional tools such as mallets, bevelers, and Exacto blades.

Josh "JW" Kinsey (Portland, OR) - Drawing inspiration from the vintage industrial motif long before it was even referred to as steampunk, JW aspired to be a professional artist from an early age. His work has been displayed across the country in various restaurants, commercial buildings, galleries, and in New York City's new Freedom Tower.

Karianne Gottschalk (Detroit) - A former tattoo artist and costume designer, Karianne played competitive hockey for more than 20 years. This tough STEAMPUNK'D Maker specializes in fabricating weapons, bracers, guitars and intricate leather masks.

Morgan Olsen (Los Angeles) - Recognized for her rocker look and ensembles, Morgan has worked as a professional costume and fashion designer for 13 years. This outspoken designer is just as comfortable with a needle and thread as she is with drills and metal and is experienced in creating last-minute custom clothing pieces, props and large-scale art installations.

Niki Phillips (Tallahassee, FL) - A single mom and adult novelty shop purveyor, Niki is known for the dark and gothic tone of her Steampunk designs. Using mostly found materials from thrift shops and garage sales, Niki particularly enjoys constructing goggles, jewelry, and modified NERF guns.

Tayliss Forge (Irvine, CA) - Cosplay model and artisan crafter Tayliss Forge spends most of her time making Victorian and Steampunk costumes and accessories for her online business, Nonconformity Accessories. Through the application of an unusual water technique with tooling leather, this time sorceress creates corsets, bracers and purses that contour to the shapes of the body.

Tobias McCurry (Seattle) - A self-described "super geek" and theater trained performance artist, Tobias is well-known in the Steampunk community for his fire-breathing and stiltwalking. Drawn to rivet work and armor pieces, he often uses materials like copper, brass and metals in his costuming.

Check out a preview of Steampunk’d in the clip below and stay tuned for all three shows coming soon to GSN!

Sources: GSN Press Room, The Futon Critic