Syfy Launches ‘Cosplay Melee’ Hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown

LeeAnna Vamp, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Christian Beckman (Photo by: Dale Berman/Syfy)

Syfy is giving a new cosplay show a chance with the announcement of Cosplay Melee, a cosplay competition series hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown.

Premiering March 21, four competitors will compete each week for the chance to win a $10,000 cash prize. The series features renowned cosplayer LeeAnna Vamp and A-list costume creator Christian Beckman among the panel of judges. Actress Yvette Nicole Brown of Community is sure to bring her charm to the show – as a well-known super fan she is an excellent choice to host.

This isn’t Syfy‘s first attempt at a cosplay series though. In 2013 they aired Heroes of Cosplay, a reality show following star cosplayers like Yaya Han, Holly Conrad and Riki “Riddle” Lecotey as they made new costumes, attended conventions and other events, and competed in masquerades. While the show was an interesting concept, it got very mixed reception from viewers. Cosplayers in particular were not impressed by the portrayal, as the reality format sometimes exaggerated them as over-dramatic, catty, and only concerned about winning competitions. Those attending conventions where Heroes of Cosplay was filming noted that the show caused some obstructions around the con, and as a cosplayer myself I can imagine having a film crew hover over you while you’re stressfully trying to make new costumes wasn’t always the most comfortable experience for the stars either.

Ironically, Cosplay Melee‘s format has the potential to be much more realistic. Rather than focusing on manufactured drama, the weekly competition series keeps its focus entirely on the cosplayer’s creativity, innovation and resourcefulness. Similar to Face Off, competitors will get to showcase their skills in sewing, fabrication, makeup and props-making, displaying their creations in a final performance where they bring their characters to life.