Television icon and entertainment pioneer Ellen DeGeneres, whose distinctive comic voice has resonated with audiences from her first stand-up comedy appearances through her work on television, in film and in the literary world, is the executive producer of a six-episode design competition series for HGTV—her first on cable television.

Scheduled to premiere in January 2015, Ellen’s Design Challenge will feature six competitors as they tackle ingenious challenges to sketch, design and build extraordinary furniture. Produced by Ellen’s production company, A Very Good Production, and A. Smith & Co. in association with Telepictures, the competition series requires that contestants showcase their creativity and versatility for a chance to win a $100,000 cash prize.

DeGeneres has made a home for herself in the daytime arena with her hit syndicated talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show now in its 12^th season has earned a total of 51 Daytime Emmy® Awards. Additionally, DeGeneres has won 14 People’s Choice Awards and 5 Teen Choice Awards. DeGeneres is a best-selling author, humanitarian, award-winning actress—soon to be seen in “Finding Dory,” the highly anticipated sequel to “Finding Nemo” set to be released in June 2016. DeGeneres received critical-acclaim as host of the 79^th and 86^th Annual Academy Awards and was named in Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women, Entertainment Weekly’s 50 Most Powerful Entertainers, and TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. DeGeneres is also a sought after spokesperson, featured in campaigns such as American Express and CoverGirl and most recently announced E.D., her first lifestyle and clothing brand.