MTV eyes 'Beauty and the Geek'

MTV is in late-stage negotiations to pick up former CW reality show “Beauty and the Geek."

MTV wants a celebrity version of the show, where average geeks compete for semi-famous vixens. Although the deal is not complete, things are far enough along for producers to have started casting.

Tentatively titled “Beauty and the Geek Celebrity,” parties are discussing an order for six episodes with options for additional cycles. Sources said the celebrities will likely be at the star-wattage level of reality show contestants and Playboy Playmates. Fox 21, Katalyst Films and 3 Ball Prods. produce the show, with Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg and Nick Santora as executive producers.

If the show is greenlighted for a sixth season, MTV would be the third network to carry the title. “Geek” launched on WB Network in 2005, then moved to the CW for Season 2 after the network merged with UPN in 2006.