LOS ANGELES - Cable television network MTV said on Friday it will air a new reality game show called "The Phone", which has pop star Justin Timberlake as one of its executive producers.

Episodes begin with two strategically hidden cell phones ringing at opposite ends of a city. Once answered, a mysterious guide gives contestants five seconds to decide if they want to play along to win a huge cash prize.

The contestants are then thrown into a "collaborative cliff-hanging race against time and odds" to complete their mission, all this while being followed by a helicopter. They keep in touch with their guide via cell phones.

MTV described the show as a wild and cinematic ride reminiscent of such films as "The Bourne Identity" and "The Game". Added FremantleMedia North America CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz: "'The Phone' is an exciting, innovative reality game that will make the viewer feel they're part of an espionage thriller that is gripping to the very end."

The show, which will be produced by reality specialist FremantleMedia North America, will begin airing in the United States later this year, though no specific launch date was disclosed.

- CNA/ap