Hatfield-McCoy kin sought for reality TV show

The Hatfield clan poses in April 1897 at a logging camp in southern West Virginia. The most infamous feud in American folklore, the long-running battle between the Hatfields and McCoys, may be partly explained by a rare, disease inherited by the McCoy clan that can lead to hair-trigger rage and violent outbursts. / AP Photo

(AP) CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Television producers are looking for descendants of the once-feuding Hatfield and McCoy families to take part in a reality show that will be filmed in West Virginia.

Bill Richardson is a West Virginia University Extension agent who is involved with casting for the show. He told the Charleston Gazette that the show will set five to 10 members of each family against one another in a competition to create businesses around their history.

If selected, cast members must prove their lineage to a member of the Hatfield or McCoy clans through a family tree. The warring families were known for violent clashes during the Civil War era.

Richardson says the show's production company has produced shows and documentaries for A&E, the National Geographic Channel, the History Channel, Syfy and MTV.

The "Hatfields & McCoys" feud plays out on The History Channel
"Hatfields & McCoys" scores record ratings

[tmlogan2003]

My exhusband Mike Hatfield is of kin!

[nojoy01]

Hey, that sounds like fun. While we're at it let's round up some decendants of the survivors of the 7th Cavalry & pit them against decendants of the winners. We'll have them compete in Olympic Style athletic contests. With points awarded (both individually and team) for their placing in the contests. One event for 13 weeks of summer and there are enough events in an Olympic competition to make this last for years. Sort of like Survivor on steroids.

[AnnieDanny]

That's hilarious. I could qualify as a descendant of the McCoys, but this is definitely NOT my cup of tea. We moved OUT of Tennessee and as far as I know, stayed out of the feud as well. It's a good laugh, though.

[jgnv]

Unbelievable! There's always someone out there eager to make a quick buck by producing yet another ridiculous reality show. I enjoyed watching this mini series on the History Channel, but have no interest in seeing a commercialized modern day remake which will, no doubt, show all the family members involved in a negative way and be an embarrassment to their ancestors.