Draw Something is being adapted into a primetime gameshow by US television network CBS, after the broadcaster emerged as the victor of a bidding war for the TV rights to the Zynga-owned brand.

Variety reports that the pilot will pit teams of celebrities and everyday users against one another in a test of drawing prowess, with viewers afforded the opportunity to play along at home, too.

The pilot will be a joint production between Sony Pictures Television, Embassy Row, and Ryan Seacrest Productions – although Seacrest himself is unlikely to take an on-screen role in the show.

The other small screen

Back in March 2012, a source "familiar with the matter" told TechCrunch that OMGPOP was exploring the possibility of a TV show based on its tremendously popular Pictionary-alike.

Later that same month, Zynga acquired the New York developer for $180 million – a headline garnering deal, though the shine was taken off slightly in the weeks that followed as the estimated number of Draw Something daily active users dropped from a peak of 15 million down to 10 million.

Any Draw Something TV spin-off would certainly be expected to re-energise its active user base. If a series is ordered based on the pilot, it's likely to hit the air in 2013. 

[source: Variety via GamesIndustry.biz]