• by Fern Siegel , May 9, 2008

Spike TV is pushing its tough-guy persona with a new slate of original, non-scripted pilots. The lineup runs the gamut from real-life bounty hunters to Americans who do some of the most dangerous jobs in the world. All attempt to boost Spike's male-centric brand.

Sharon Levy, senior vice president for the network's original series, says the new development offerings underscore that "Spike is a true destination for original programming for guys."

Along with the new pilots, the network also announced two talent additions: Wrestling champ and former Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle will host "Caught in the Action," a hidden-camera show, while Cade Courtley, actor and former Navy SEAL officer, helms "Surviving Terror."

The new Spike series, which push the risk factor, include "River Men," a docu-show about those who tow football-field-sized barges through the Mississippi River. Each day, they face the threat of collision, explosions and smashing into bridges. In "USA vs. The World," Americans who handle rough jobs, such as alligator wrangling in Florida, face off with their global counterparts to determine which country does it best.

"Tank and Cobra" are a bounty-hunting duo whose company, Lightning Strike Force, has been in operation for a decade. "Cobra" is William Stubbs, middle-aged country boy, while "Tank," Gregory Camaron, is younger and hipper. "Human Predators" is a firsthand look at those who take lives, either professionally or criminally. Finally, "Idiot Hall of Fame" is a late-night series that does what the title suggests: it showcases idiotic actions.

Spike TV, a division of MTV Networks, is available in 96.1 million homes.