The peacock network has announced the return of Fear Factor after being cancelled five years ago. NBC is promising that the stunts in the new episodes will make you squirm like never before. Joe Rogan returns as the host.

Hopefully for the network, Fear Factor will perform better than the show it’s replacing, The Sing-Off.

Here’s the press release from NBC:

NBC Adds Bigger and More Outrageous Stunts to New Version of ‘Fear Factor’

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – October 19, 2011 – NBC will debut its bigger and more outrageous version of the fan-favorite “Fear Factor” when the alternative series returns on Monday, December 12 (8-10 p.m. ET).

The announcement was made today by Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC.

“We have taken the groundbreaking ‘Fear Factor’ franchise that many fans remember fondly and have ramped it up to make it even more challenging and competitive than ever before,” said Telegdy. “Once again, the contestants will have to face their ultimate fears to prevail — and the tension and drama of that process will make for some riveting television.”

“Fear Factor” will step into its new day and time one week after the conclusion of “The Sing-Off” on December 5.

“Fear Factor” returns to NBC with all-new episodes featuring new stunts that will thrill viewers while testing the stamina and nerves of the contestants. Advancements in technology have allowed the producers to develop stunts that are more fantastic than ever before – such as the “Towering Inferno” and the “Helicopter TNT Crash.”

Hosted once again by Joe Rogan, each absorbing episode of “Fear Factor” will include four teams of two each 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.

What do you think? Will you be tuning in to see the return of Fear Factor? Did you watch the original?