A Slip N' Slide “slip ‘n slide” by frotzed2 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

It’s a well-worn entertainment saying that the show must go on…unless everyone gets explosive diarrhea. It’s possible we may have taken some liberties on that saying but the truth remains and it’s a reminder that NBC learned this week when it had to shut down production of their upcoming Slip ‘N Slide competition show due to an outbreak of  “awful explosive diarrhea.”

The Wrap has the dirty details for “Ultimate Slip ‘N Slide,” a reality competition hosted by comics Ron Funches and Bobby Moynihan, in which contestants navigate a 65-foot-tall slippery yellow slide in some manner. The production, which was underway at a ranch in Simi Valley, California, was shut down after as many as 40 crew members fell ill due to a breakout of the intestinal disease giardia.

We’ll let the Mayo Clinic explain what that means:

Giardia infection is an intestinal infection marked by stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and bouts of watery diarrhea. Giardia infection is caused by a microscopic parasite that is found worldwide, especially in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe water.

According to someone who spoke with The Wrap, the outbreak of “awful explosive diarrhea” left people “collapsing” on set and “being forced to run into port-o-potties.” Not great!

While it might seem obvious that the disease came from water used on the set of a show that is very much about pools of water, People is reporting that testing showed the set to be giardia-free, but the surrounding area is where the contamination was found. It’s unclear when the show will start up again.

Ultimate Slip ‘N Slide is currently set to premiere on Sunday, Aug. 8 after the Olympic Summer Games’ closing ceremony. That’s a pretty important timeslot for NBC, who clearly have high hopes about the show. Hopefully, this literal shit show doesn’t turn into a metaphorical shit show as well.

[The Wrap]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.