TV Guy: ’Don’t’ debuts: ’Plan’ departs; Bourdain remembered – Times Herald

— ABC adds a new title to its gameshow-heavy schedule. “Don’t” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) combines the manic statesmanship of “Wipe Out” with a little reverse psychology. Teams of family members earn prize money by resisting host Adam Scott’s suggestion.

After ingesting a hot pepper and walking on a treadmill under the blistering heat of stage lights, they earn thousands every time they turn down a cool, refreshing beverage. It pays every time they “Don’t Drink.”

Scott, a veteran of “Parks Recreation” and Starz’ “Party Down,” one of the most underrated comedies of the young century, offers low-key snark. But that’s not enough to contrast with the show’s high-energy frivolity.

In a promotion for the show, Scott suggests that the “ridiculous” nature of “Don’t” may be the perfect tonic for our challenging times. It struck me as the complete opposite, offering the prospect of being trapped with loud exhibitionists desperate to have “fun.” But that’s just me.