As we have previously reported, Antonio Esfandiari and Phil Laak starred in a reality show called Underground Poker. The pilot episode showed Antonio and Phil hunting for some juicy private games in New Orleans, but unfortunately this is going to be the only episode for a while, since Discovery Channel decided to pass on the show.
As Antonio explains, there is still hope for the series despite Discovery Channel passing on it. He talked with PokerListings and said the following:
"With any TV series the first show is never going to be great. If we had a full season I think we could deliver a great product. It has a lot of potential and I think Phil and I can do better. The production value was high. The producers have a lot of contacts in LA."
Esfandiari believes there is stil a pretty good chance that another network is going to pick up the series, and he’s not too concerned with the Discovery Channel’s decision.
"It’s life. Some things work. Some things don’t. What can I do? Dwell on the fact it didn’t work out? Who gives a shit. That one time it hits, it’s incredible. Having a show on Discovery would have been amazing. If someone gives you a 1% chance of having something incredible happen then you take it."
It might be a while before the show gets picked up by a network, but if you are eager for some underground poker, check out the upcoming reality TV show about the Chicago underground scene. The project is currently waiting for Kickstarter pledges to start filming, right now they only have a 10 minute trailer video. The show deals with the different characters and underground poker clubs in the area. Warning, strong language!
