Photo Flash: Sneak Peek - Contestants Visit a Snake Pit on Upcoming FEAR FACTOR on NBC

On the January 2nd episode of NBC's FEAR FACTOR entitled, 'Snake Bite', it's a special couples themed night as team members are launched from catapults off the roof of a towering building, towards a cargo net, where they must release as many flags as they can in a race against the clock. Then, the teams struggle to control their nerves as one team member is placed in a plexiglass tub and covered with hundreds of angry snakes, while their teammate races to transfer out as many snakes as possible using only their mouth. Lastly, the two remaining teams must complete a harrowing jet ski to helicopter flag transfer in order to win the $50,000 cash prize. 

FEAR FACTOR returned to NBC with all new episodes featuring bigger and more outrageous new stunts that will thrill viewers while testing the stamina and nerves of the contestants.

Hosted by Joe Rogan, each riveting episode of "Fear Factor" will include four teams of two competing against each another. Recruited from across the country, the teams will consist of spouses, family members, co-workers and friends, to name a few. Contestants must decide if they have the determination to face their most primal fears, as they are presented with a series of challenges that include the notorious big physical stunts that will test the limits of the contestants' physical endurance and the ever-popular gross stunts that will test their mental resolve.

If contestants complete their task, they advance. If fear stops them from completing a stunt or they fail the mission, they are immediately eliminated. The tandem (or team) who wins the final challenge takes home a $50,000 prize.

The show was nominated for a People's Choice Award in 2005 for "Favorite Reality Show Competition" and was also nominated in 2004 and 2005 as "Best TV Show" as part of Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards. In 2003, the show won the Teen Choice Award for "Grossest Reality TV Moment" and was again nominated in 2005.

FEAR FACTOR is a production of Endemol USA. The executive producers are Matt Kunitz and David Hurwitz.