Syfy's newest reality competition, the international hit, Total Blackout, starts tonight. Total Blackout is a half-hour game show where contestants perform challenges in complete darkness. Using all their senses but sight, contestants must complete tasks. Some may be physical challenges, where others are about identifying things with their other senses. People don't realize how scary the unknown can be in the dark, or for the audience, how funny.

The series is hosted by Jaleel White (Family Matters; Dancing with the Stars), and premieres tonight on Syfy.

Before reading the interview, you can watch a sample of the show below, that took place at the Syfy Digital Press Tour in Orlando in October.



Syfy Conference Call
Total Blackout
Jaleel White

April 19, 2012

SCIFI VISION: Did you expect the outcome of the people when they went through it, did you expect it to be so comical when you first started?

JALEEL WHITE: Yes, we knew it was going to be funny. It was trying to capture the comedy, though in edited form is a challenge. The same time we experienced - when we did it live and when we filmed the episode. So we knew it was going to be funny but you still got to make that translate to the viewer at home in the final post production stages.

SCIFI VISION: How is this show is different from other similar shows that are on television?

JALEEL WHITE: Yes, well, a lot of people are immediately going to say oh it's Fear Factor in the dark. And it's not that. In Total Blackout your imagination becomes your own worst enemy. And that's where the comedy comes from.

So it's putting people in a familiar environment in the dark, you know, your spatial awareness. You know where things are in the room. In this particular case you don't know anything about the room that you're in. You just have to complete these challenges and you have to basically use all four of your senses apart from sight.

And people just - they freak out. It's guinea pig TV at its best. You just kind of sit there. You keep watching different versions of the same reaction and watching who can overcome their fears quicker than others. And it's hysterical.

So one person might get freaked out by the fact they just touched a snake, but the next person is freaking out over a pineapple because they think it's something worse.

QUESTION: Can you tell us a little bit about what attracted you to this project in the first place? It's quite a departure from stuff you've done in the past.

JALEEL WHITE: Yes, well, that was largely one of the things that attracted me to the project is that it is a departure from what people expect from me. They asked me to be a host [and it] was definitely a new skill set that I had to pick up, being able to relate to contestants and all.

And the other thing that really was a huge component in me coming aboard the show is I think people will watch the show. Just naturally. You get tired as a celebrity or as a performer or whatever you want to call it, a public figure, of always trying to push something down peoples' throats that they don't want to watch.

But this is guinea pig TV, man. You turn this thing on at the end of your day and you just crack up because people are going to make you laugh in the most natural way.

QUESTION: What is your biggest fear?

JALEEL WHITE: Wendy Williams just goosed me real good. I don't like possums. So I was doing the show and she brought a possum on at the end of our interview. My mom used to make me take out the trash late at night if I had forgotten to do so during the day and you run into these suckers and they hiss at you. It's just a memory you will never forget when you're a kid.

QUESTION: I'm not sure if you ever decided on you're a capella group name or not from Psych, but it was great to see you there as well.

JALEEL WHITE: That's my show, man. I love that show. Dule and James, we have so much fun. That's the second episode I've done there. So I (unintelligible) scripts aside.

QUESTION: As far as Total Blackout's concerned, what are some of your favorite moments as a host? Is it watching them try to figure out exactly what the items are, or is it more seeing their faces when they're freaking out?

JALEEL WHITE: My favorite moments on the show really so far have been the couples episodes, that is just hysterical. Because the interaction between the couples is just like - yes. Those are my favorite moments hands down on the show.

And then to just be surprised by who will display unbelievable bravery while some muscle-y character is freaking out.

QUESTION: Were you expecting people to be more scared than laughing? Were you expecting it to be that intense?

JALEEL WHITE: I was expecting people always to pick up on the comedy of the show. And the challenge is then to try and make that comedy translate to the viewer. Because when you see the Total Blackout game played live or you see it filmed on stage, there's nothing but laughter everywhere.

And you got to make sure that you're at a job, your post-production attitude that translates. I think we've finally gotten it that point.

QUESTION: Did you think there was going to be such a big difference in what you can't see and what your mind sees when you touch something?

JALEEL WHITE: Huge, huge. I can't say it enough but I will say it again, your imagination becomes your own worst enemy in Total Blackout. And so people always ask me how would I fare in the game. I think I would definitely be affected by the game. But I also know how television works. So that would give me an unfair advantage.

But people who don't know how television works, they have no visual understanding of the spatial awareness of the room that they'll be entering, you know, it's just - it's a freak-fest, man.

QUESTION: And after doing scripted comedy most of your life, what do you like about the comedy in a show like this one?

JALEEL WHITE: What I do like about it is I got to think on my feet. I got to think a little more like a standup comedian. But at the same time be respectful of what the contestants are actually going through. So I don't want them at all to become the brunt of any cheap jokes.

But at the same time if they do something funny that we all can't help but remember forever then I got to comment on it appropriately.

QUESTION: How do you maintain your composure with spiders and snakes around?

JALEEL WHITE: It's funny because that was part of my screen test to become the host. They made me hold a tarantula and talk directly to a teleprompter. The damn thing was just so freaking big I just imagined in my mind it was a gerbil.

QUESTION: Of all the people that you've had on so far and all the reactions that you've had, which one surprised you?

JALEEL WHITE: Well there's a black couple from L.A., they don't surprise me, but boy did they overwhelm me. I just loved them. They are hysterical, hysterical, hysterical. You know, really, it's different versions of the same reaction. And also surprise bravery shown by certain people that you wouldn't think.

You might get some muscle-y guy that's freaking out and then you get an older woman or whatnot that is just breezing through certain challenges. And it's like, damn, that chick is brave.

QUESTION: Of all the challenges that you've seen, which one would be the one that you would least want to do?

JALEEL WHITE: The one that I would least one to do is Find the Cheese Wheels. Because you're in a Plexiglas maze and you're looking for these cheese wheels and there are mice in the maze, too. They are also looking for the same wheels.

QUESTION: Have any contestants freaked out to the point of needing medical attention, like oxygen or an ambulance or...

JALEEL WHITE: That's a really good question there. None of the contestants have freaked out to the point of needing medical attention. But there is a psychiatrist on set and thank God for editing. Because some of the contestants have stalled for long amounts of time and we needed to be patient for them to eventually complete the challenges.

QUESTION: Like a mental breakdown or something?

JALEEL WHITE: Just, once they were finally told to enter the room, it took us 20 minutes to get them in the room.

QUESTION: Now that you're part of the Syfy family, and obviously you are known for your acting skills, are there any Syfy original series that you'd like to guest star on?

JALEEL WHITE: Gosh, I can't really say right now. Every time I say I'd like to be a guest on any particular show it gets overblown. So I'm a fan of Syfy in general. If any of the shows would have me, I'd love to do it.

QUESTION: Do you have a favorite?

JALEEL WHITE: I like Eureka, you know, [but it's] not coming back.

QUESTION: I wanted to ask you about Dancing with the Stars and how it feels to be this far in the competition and how you're feeling about making it to the finale.

JALEEL WHITE: You know what? I'm nervous. I definitely will tell you that after being in the dance (school) it's like that was the most surreal moment as I've ever had in my entire career. I mean, I honestly felt like Russell Crowe in Gladiator, just (unintelligible). And then you step in that spotlight and that's what I love about Kym Johnson is that we were both born to perform.

We were both born to perform and that's impressive. But it's nice to be tied to a gamer because when that music started and that dance (school), it was like we were the only two people there.

QUESTION: Are you surprised you made it this far? When you started off the season did you think you - because you're doing so well, you've gone so far.

JALEEL WHITE: Well, it's kind of tough. I don't know how comfortable it feels because the scores aren't reflecting the comfort level that I'm feeling with my dances. So, I'm feeling really comfortable with dances and pretty much happy with four out of the five dances that I've presented and the scores aren't reflecting that.

So, I'm happy to still be here. I didn't feel like my samba was bottom two, but it was bottom two. And, we had to get in that dance spot and do our thing.

QUESTION: What made you want to participate in Dancing with the Stars this season? What was it about the show that made you want to try it? Because it's such a hard show to be on.

JALEEL WHITE: My mom's a big fan of the show and she told me that if I did it I wouldn't regret it. And I'm still believing that. I'm still believing that.

QUESTION: You're someone who has made such a successful transition from a child star...to an adult actor who now is doing guest spots, you're hosting a show, you're on Dancing with the Stars -- you're doing so many different things. What do you attribute to being able to make that transition from child star to adult actor? Because a lot of people aren't able to do that so well.

JALEEL WHITE: Right. I got a great family. My mom and dad have always felt like teammates more than anything. They have always put me first. They weren't running out buying fur coats and Rolls-Royces.

And they really always taught me to respect work. So at the end of the day I don't think what people were realizing is that I'm working seven days a week right now and I'm actually happier for doing it. When I'm done with these interviews I got to go dance for six hours. And I've been at it since 8:00 this morning.

And we do that every day until Monday and hopefully you'll get the steps that you need to pull off your routine that you need to pull off.

QUESTION: If you could pick any of your co-stars or co-dancers to participate in Total Blackout, who would they be and why?

JALEEL WHITE: Oh my God, you said I can pick any of my co-stars or co-dancers and put them in Total Blackout. I'd have to put Kym in there. I'd have to. She makes me do everything she wants me to do in rehearsal every day. So it's only right that I would put her in a dark room and get some ratings off of her.

QUESTION: What would your fans that watched you grow up be surprised to know about you?

JALEEL WHITE: Surprised to know about me? That I'm really competitive. And I like to win and if you really look back at my childhood and what my life has been about, it's been about winning. It's been about, I won (unintelligible) when I was a kid. Now it doesn't even matter.

There's so many other metrics now that matter. But even right now with Dancing with the Stars or whether it's Total Blackout, I want the shows to do well. I like to be at the top of my game.

QUESTION: Is this your first game show you've hosted?

JALEEL WHITE: This is the first game show I've ever hosted so I am way outside my comfort zone, but I'm having fun with it.

QUESTION: What game shows are you a big fan of? Like old time, traditional times game shows...

JALEEL WHITE: Growing up as a kid I loved the game show called Press Your Luck. It was with the whammies. And then I also liked Family Feud, stuff like that. Modern stuff, Wipe Out I'm probably a huge fan of. And I think Total Blackout definitely has an element of that.

QUESTION: Were there any game show hosts that you particularly were fond of growing up or that you looked to for inspiration?

JALEEL WHITE: No, I wasn't a particular fan of any game show hosts. I mean, I thought Richard Dawson was really funny because he was kissing all those women.

QUESTION: Before they started filming the show did you actually get to go through the game experience of Total Blackout?

JALEEL WHITE: The cool thing is that we did the game live in Orlando, Florida. So when we did it live I really got the chance to see the game in the full with people who knew nothing about the game. That was early on in the process. So we still hadn't even filmed all of our episodes yet when we did that. That was very helpful. It helped me out in preparing for host.

QUESTION: How is the game laid out as far as rounds that get the players up to the final round where they win the $5000?

JALEEL WHITE: Right. There's either four players or four teams. And three rounds. And generally the challenges are all timed. And the person who completes the challenges in the shortest amount of time, they move on to the next.

QUESTION: You did a great job on The View yesterday. You really held your own. Did the mother hens give you an advice about hosting?

JALEEL WHITE: I don't know. They actually were talking about bringing me back in May for maybe some co-hosting so we'll see what happens. I really enjoyed going on The View. I loved all the different perspectives. I'm not scared by anybody's perspective. Elizabeth is really fun. Whoopi and Sherry generally treat me like a little brother.

QUESTION: Do you feel like going on Dancing with the Stars, did that give you a new understanding of fear that might have been helpful for Total Blackout?

JALEEL WHITE: Baby, you aren't saying nothing but the truth right there. The thing about DWTS is it puts fear in a whole other context. And I think I'm most qualified to talk about it because I'm the only one who's in the dance duels out of the remaining contestants.

And let me tell you something, I felt like Russell Crowe in Gladiator being ushered into that spotlight. So you don't know how your body's going to completely respond, but the thing I love about myself and Kym Johnson is that she's a gamer and I guess so am I. I can honestly say that.

When the music starts up I tend to bring out one of my better performances and not one of my worst. And I'm really proud to have discovered that about myself.

QUESTION: Were you a fan of the original hit show of Total Blackout? Did you watch the other version? And how does it differ? Did it go further or did different things creep the European audiences out compared to American audiences?

JALEEL WHITE: Well, we have some probably wittier remarks because we're American so we're a little snarkier than the rest of the world. Maybe the bridge might have something on us in that room but we hold our own. So we have a little more to say in our Total Blackout.

But the game really holds true to the other version. And we do a lot of the same challenges, to be quite honest. So I've seen some of the other versions. And it's amazing how the game translates from country to country effectively.

SCIFI VISION: [You had] the couples episode and you mentioned who you would have from Dancing with the Stars on. But is there ever going to be any other themed episodes, especially would you ever consider doing a celebrity episode?

JALEEL WHITE: You never know. We got to get past this season and we have to see how people take to the show. Everything is week to week when it comes to television these days. But trust me, the themed episodes, whether it was athletes or reality stars or what, I think people would absolutely go over the moon for that.

SCIFI VISION: You said at the press tour that for the pilot you had to do some things. Was there anything else you had to do besides holding the tarantula?

JALEEL WHITE: No. They just wanted me sitting with a tarantula. I don't know what that was about. If they did that for the legal department or what. So, for the most part I play Joe Rogan on this show and I'm proud of the way I've been able to adapt to being a host because it's a lot more than just trying to be funny.

You also want to be able to relate to the contestant in a way to make them feel comfortable. But at the same time, not giving anyone a definite advantage over that.

SCIFI VISION: You've talked about how there's a screening process. Can you talk about that? Do you put them through sort of a shortened version of the show or just make them hold spiders, too?

JALEEL WHITE: No, they definitely check out all the contestants. They psychologically profile them. And they check their fears and try to make sure that they would be able to withstand any other challenges that we give them. Thank God we have editing, though, because not all the games are fast.

Sometimes we have people that really do stall out. They take 20 minutes to even get started doing it. It's like once the doors open and they're told to enter the room suddenly they become like the person who wants to not get on the roller coaster after they get to the front of the line.

QUESTION: I was wondering if the braces might make an appearance on Total Blackout.

JALEEL WHITE: I'll probably end up wearing braces at some point. They're a very nice look if styled properly. But doubt they will make it on Total Blackout. It's just not the look of the show. And quite frankly, I'm very particular about what I wear.

QUESTION: I very, very rarely get to speak with anyone who's spent time with Michael Jackson. Especially now with you being on Dancing with the Stars, can you just share any thought or memory about Michael?

JALEEL WHITE: I met Michael after I won my very first NAACP image award. Nobody knew he was backstage watching the awards. It was an amazing honor. I think I met him at the same time Martin Lawrence did for the first time.

He was tall. He was a very wide-eyed man. Very childlike but very respectful. And he'll be missed forever.

QUESTION: How do you choose the objects that everyone gets to touch during the show?

JALEEL WHITE: You know, that's really up to the producers. It always cracks me up what they will choose. But obviously they like things with varied textures. So it could be anything from a pineapple to a human foot.

QUESTION: What are your plans next, after the season wraps for Dancing with the Stars and Total Blackout?

JALEEL WHITE: Just looking at a lot of different things that are starting to come my way. I am flattered by the amazing opportunities that are coming my way now. But I'm definitely going to stick with the trend of doing things that people wouldn't expect necessarily.

And hopefully somehow in doing that I get a chance to get back into comedy because I do love comedy and I want people to know I haven't lost my funny bone.

SCIFI VISION: Can you talk about how you found out about the show? Were you approached to do it?

JALEEL WHITE: Yes. I'm very candid actually. I'm pretty sure that I ended up on Syfy's radar because I starred in a movie that I didn't even want to star in called Mega Shark Versus Crocosaurus. But my manager was very adamant that people needed to see me in uniform.

So I went out there for three weeks and busted my tail filming this movie. And I think it performed very well on Syfy. And I was asked to come in and screen test and be the host for their new show. And after that, it's history.

SCIFI VISION: So what's your ultimate dream role that you'd like to do in the future or maybe somebody specific that you'd love to work with that you haven't?

JALEEL WHITE: I'm always careful about putting too much out there. You got to understand the only reason why we're talking is because I've embraced so many things that are outside of my comfort zone. So I don't know at what point my career would be mine to govern entirely again.

It's never been that, actually, to be quite honest. Even my early characters from Family Matters, I just went on an audition and I got the role and I did the best I could. So whether it's Dancing with the Stars or whether it's Total Blackout, you just see a guy adapt in my environment as fast as I probably can.

I definitely would like to do more comedy in the future, though. I have so many comedy admirers that I would like to perhaps join the ranks of as a comedic actor myself. I hope that those opportunities can continue to present themselves, too. People don't forget that I got a funny bone.

QUESTION: So when you were a kid, what were your go-to activities at home when there was a city blackout?

JALEEL WHITE: If there was a blackout my go-to activities - wow, wow, wow. Damn, you just leave the house. I open the garage and get the hell out of there. Go get something to eat or go to the movie or come back and (unintelligible) lights are off.

QUESTION: Do you have any upcoming writing projects?

JALEEL WHITE: I've written a lot of stuff and I have things that are in development, but right now I'm just so swamped with Dancing and Total Blackout that I probably won't have a chance to really get back to these projects until the summer season or fall kicks in.

QUESTION: Since you mention your parents a lot, what was it like growing up in your home? Was it funny? And what did they do to bring out that funny in you?

JALEEL WHITE: One thing I think, it's something that you're born with. But then your environment brings it out. My mother has a very funny family. Everybody on her side of the family has jokes. And then after that it's just something you're born with.

Your skills sharpen as you're going to school. But my parents were - my mother was definitely the disciplinarian. And my father was - he had a very keen understanding of my development. And I'll always appreciate that from my dad.

I might be revealing too much, but my dad told me when I was going to lose my virginity. And I'm like "Dad!" He's like "I think it's coming for you tonight."

QUESTION: Who were your comedic icons?

JALEEL WHITE: Comedic icons, a person I really appreciate (unintelligible), I love his dirty (unintelligible). And Joe Hill is a funny guy, and Seth Rogan is damn funny. I mean, there are a lot of genuinely funny guys out there that are allowed to be as funny as they are.

I don't think people really understand part of being funny is part of being allowed to be who you are and not being told to be funny in certain ways if you know I'm not funny. So those three guys have a lot of influence over their work and they protect it.

In the past anything old school, Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Michael Caine from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. You know, these are people that just crack me up.

QUESTION: What was the funniest family holiday that you encountered so far?

JALEEL WHITE: Wow, I kind of had a funny one recently because I went to visit my parents for Christmas. While unloading the car with all the baby stuff I felt like I saw something dart past me in the living room. And my mom felt the same thing but we thought it was our imagination.

And then like literally 36 hours later we learned that there was a vermin in the office. And it had basically been in the house living with us for the last 36 hours. It turned out to be a giant (unintelligible) rabbit but we thought it was a possum or a raccoon so it freaked us all out. That was how I spent my Christmas Eve.

QUESTION: Going back to elementary school, can you recall a time on the playground that was extremely funny that's still with you today?

JALEEL WHITE: Oh man. Time on the playground that was particularly funny. Those were typical stories where, you know, you're playing kickball and somebody catches the red ball and the kid goes right down to his freaking knees because you hit him in the crotch. I used to play a lot of kick ball when I was a kid. It was always a funny story there.

QUESTION: Do you still play it today? And if not when was the last time you did and when will you, if you have not?

JALEEL WHITE: No, I haven't played kickball in a long time. I play basketball typically. But I'm getting a little older and I'm enjoying tennis more and just good old fashioned working out. And I also like to ski and snowboard.