Worst-Case Scenario is the name of a series of merchandise based on a 1999 book written by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht and published by Chronicle Books.[1] The series first entry, The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook, sold over 10 million copies worldwide and prompted a series of related books, games, calendars, and two television series.[2] Later works have been published via Quirk Books and have been credited with giving the company enough funding to expand.[3]

Concept

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A worst-case scenario is the most severe possible outcome that can be projected to occur in a given situation. Conceiving of worst-case scenarios is a common form of strategic planning to prepare for and minimize contingencies that could result in accidents, quality problems, or other issues. The books provide instructions for situations like landing a plane and surviving a shark attack.

Television series

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There have been two television series that have been loosely based on the book series, a 2002 TBS reality show and a 2010 survival skills television series on the Discovery Channel.[4][5] Both series ran for only one season.

TBS (2002)

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The show Worst Case Scenarios ran on TBS from July 10, 2002, through November 13, 2002, and had a total of 13 episodes.[6][7] It was narrated by Mike Rowe and featured demonstrations by stunt men and stunt women.[8] Each episode was hosted by new experts on how to survive worst-case scenarios. It also aired clips of real life situations, tips, volunteer challenges, and gadgets shown by Gear Girl (Danielle Burgio).

Discovery Channel (2010)

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Worst-Case Scenario ran on the Discovery Channel beginning on May 5, 2010, and had a total of 12 episodes.[9] It was hosted by Bear Grylls, who was shown using skills he learned in the 21 SAS, which included self-defense, evasive driving, parkour, urban survival, and wilderness survival.

Books

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  • The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht[10][11]
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Travel by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Parenting by Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht, and Sarah Jordan
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Weddings by Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht, and Sarah Jordan
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: College by Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht, and Jennifer Worick
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Dating and Sex by Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht, and Jennifer Worick[12]
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Golf by Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht, and James Grace
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Book of Survival Questions by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht[13]
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: LIFE by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Holidays by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Work by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Paranormal by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
  • The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
  • The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Man Skills by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht

Cards

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  • The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Cards
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Holiday Survival Cards: Stuck in Chimney
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Holiday Survival Cards: Unwanted Elves
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Holiday Cards: Reindeer Attack

Calendars

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  • The Worst-Case Scenario 2001 Survival Calendar: A Week-by-Week Guide to Surviving a Year's Worth of Peril by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht ISBN 0-8118-2960-X
  • The Worst-Case Scenario 2006 Survival Calendar: A Week-by-Week Guide to Surviving a Year's Worth of Peril by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
  • The Worst-Case Scenario: Golf 2006 Daily Survival Calendar: A Day-by-Day Guide to Surviving a Year's Worth of Peril on the Green by Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht, and James Grace
  • The Worst-Case Scenario 2007 Daily Survival Calendar: A Day-by-Day Guide to Surviving a Year's Worth of Peril by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
  • The Worst-Case Scenario 2007 Survival Calendar: A Week-by-Week Guide to Surviving a Year's Worth of Peril by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
  • The Worst-Case Scenario: Golf 2007 Daily Survival Calendar: A Day-by-Day Guide to Surviving a Year's Worth of Peril on the Green by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht

Other media

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  • Worst-Case Scenario: Sticky Situation Notes by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Journal by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
  • The Worst-Case Scenario Dating & Sex Address Book by Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht, and Jennifer Worick
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References

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  1. ^ McKissack, Fred (April 27, 2003). "NOW WHAT? 'WORST-CASE SCENARIO' AUTHORS HAVE ADVICE FOR MOST ANY SITUATION, FROM FLYING LEAPS TO ETERNAL MEETINGS.(DAYBREAK)". The Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI) (subscription required). Archived from the original on 2017-03-12. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  2. ^ Anonymous (February 9, 2011). "Be prepared for the worst!". Worst-Case Scenario. Philadelphia, PA: Quirk Books. Featured Post. Retrieved January 26, 2012. With over 10 million books sold worldwide, it's clear that the desire to be prepared is universal.
  3. ^ Van Allen, Peter (May 16, 2005). "Quirk books its wares in odd places". Philadelphia Business Journal. Retrieved 2017-03-10.
  4. ^ Piven, Joshua. "About". Joshua Piven. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
  5. ^ "DStv.(Entertainment)". The Star (South Africa) (subscription required). September 14, 2010. Archived from the original on 2017-03-12. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  6. ^ Grego, Melissa (March 20, 2002). "TBS will bow 'Worst Case'.(reality show 'Worst-Case Scenario')(Brief Article)". Variety (subscription required). Archived from the original on 2017-03-12. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  7. ^ Gallo, Phil (July 10, 2002). "Worst Case Scenario. (Television Review)". Variety (subscription required). Archived from the original on 2017-03-12. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  8. ^ McDonough, Kevin (July 10, 2002). "Tune in tonight: Estrange yourself from this 'Big Brother'; 'Worst Case Scenario' is bad adaptation of book". Charleston Daily Mail (subscription required). Archived from the original on 2017-03-12. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  9. ^ "Bear Grylls' Worst Case Scenario : Discovery Press Web". Press.discovery.com. 2010-01-14. Retrieved 2012-11-12.
  10. ^ Wineke, William R. (February 13, 2000). "MALFUNCTIONING PARACHUTE GOT YOU DOWN? AUTHORS ARE THERE TO HELP.(Showcase)(Review)". The Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI) (subscription required). Archived from the original on 2017-03-12. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  11. ^ "PREPARING FOR THE WORST". Boston Globe (subscription required). November 5, 2000. Archived from the original on 2017-03-12. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  12. ^ Hageman, William. "Dating: The survival handbook". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  13. ^ "Nonfiction Book Review: The Worst-Case Scenario Book of Survival Questions by Joshua Piven, Author, David Borgenicht, Author, Brenda Brown, Illustrator". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
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