Syfy Tries Again With Another Cosplay Competition Show

Syfy has announced a new cosplay competition reality program, Cosplay Melee, premiering the evening of March 21 at 10/9c.

Hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown (Community), the show pits four cosplayers against each other in a contest of skill as they have to create full-body costumes as well as fully-formed characters they have to bring to life through their performances. The winner of each episode’s contest will get $10,000 and bragging rights.

“Cosplay is passion, artistry, engineering and theater all rolled into one,” said Heather Olander, Senior Vice President, Alternative Development and Production at USA/Syfy. “At the intersection of the maker world and fandom, the incredible artists of Cosplay Melee will blow your minds with their transformational creations.”

“As a huge fan of the creativity cosplayers bring to their craft, nothing makes me happier than having a front row seat for the amazing creations set to hit the Cosplay Melee runway,” said host Brown. “These talented artists are going to shine!”

The panel of judges will include cosplayer LeeAnna Vamp and costume designer Christian Beckman (The Hunger Games, TRON: Legacy).

This is the second cosplay competition show developed by Syfy. The first, Heroes of Cosplay, featured cosplayers competing at various conventions around the world (including Planet Comicon here in Kansas City) and was criticized for misrepresenting cosplay and the cosplay community. Syfy and NBC Universal were also accused of using photographs of cosplayers without obtaining rights and permissions from the photographers.

Heroes of Cosplay lasted only twelve episodes. How long should we give Cosplay Melee? Place your bets…