ABC has announced the return of the “spring” edition of their Wipeout series. It’s coming back on Thursday, March 17th, taking over for the “winter” version of the show. So far this season, Wipeout’s been averaging a 2.7 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 8.28 million viewers.

Here’s the press release from ABC…

ABC ANNOUNCES AN ALL-NEW “WIPEOUT” SPRING EDITION SET TO PREMIERE THURSDAY, MARCH 17

“Spring Wipeout: The Birds, the Bees and the Bed Bugs” – Continuing on the successful run of “Winter Wipeout,” ABC launches an all new season of “Spring Wipeout,” premiering THURSDAY, MARCH 17 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET). Frost is melting off the Big Balls, which means it’s time to spring forward for a new season of “Wipeout,” and the world’s most extraordinary obstacle course is in full bloom with an entirely brand new course. Energetic players will deliver astonishing spills, sensational tumbles and magnificent falls as they face all-new obstacles such as The Bed Bugs, gain major speed on the Springavator before they jump onto the Big Balls, try their luck on the Trampoline Spring Fling, all before being served up breakfast in the Wipeout Kitchen. Only three mighty contestants will move on to the Spring Wipeout Zone, battling head to head for a chance to win $50,000. “Wipeout” is hosted by John Anderson (ESPN’s “SportsCenter”), John Henson (E! Entertainment’s “Talk Soup”) and co-hosted by Jill Wagner.

Note: This program will repeat Saturday, March 19 from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET.

Each week, 24 enthusiastic new contestants of all ages, shapes and sizes go head to head through four rounds of demanding but hilarious obstacle courses to win the title of “Wipeout Champion” and the $50,000 grand prize. In the end, only one contestant will be victorious, while everyone else will Wipeout!

“Wipeout” executive producers are Matt Kunitz (“Fear Factor”) and Scott Larsen. Shye Sutherland, Kevin Wehrenberg, Trice Barto and J. Rupert Thompson are co-executive producers. The series is produced by Endemol USA. David Goldberg is the chairman of Endemol North America.

About Endemol USA
Endemol USA is a leading producer of television programming specializing in reality and non-scripted genres for network and cable television. The company produces the break-out hits “Deal or No Deal,” “Wipeout,” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and “Big Brother.” Endemol USA is a division of the Endemol Group, a prominent international content developer, producer and distributor of television and online programming. The company, headquartered in the Netherlands, has subsidiaries and joint ventures in 25 countries, including the major European markets, the U.S., South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Australia. Endemol is owned by a consortium consisting of Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, Mediaset Group and Cyrte Group. For more information, please visit http://www.endemolusa.tv. Endemol is a privately held company.

“Wipeout” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5/1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG, L parental guideline.

For more information on “Wipeout,” visit ABC.com

What do you think? Do you watch this show? Do you prefer the spring or winter edition?

Image courtesy ABC.