The house always wins. At least that’s what they say about Vegas and SciFi’s newest reality show “Estate of Panic.”

I’m surprised this one wasn’t out for a Halloween premiere, but then again what do I know about television? I’m a writer and don’t play anything – not even a doctor – on TV.

If you like a good thrill and are up for something a little scary (and somewhat funny when the contestants panic), check this one out. “Estate of Panic” premiered at 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, but you haven’t missed much and there’s still plenty of time to get caught up.

You can even watch the whole first episode online at www.scifi.com, but here’s a quick recap and explanation of the reality game.

Steve Valentine, who is the weird, kind of creepy guy from “Crossing Jordan,” invites guests into his mansion that I think must be made spookier just for the show. Seriously, it’s like the Munsters’ mansion gone bad and you’re waiting for Shaggy to scream for Scooby Doo and run for the Mystery Machine.

In each episode, large amounts of cash are hidden throughout the grounds of the estate and seven contestants much face three challenges of the house. In the first episode, the basement rapidly floods with water, the library begins to shrink, and a third room freezes with ice and snow.

After each round of challenges, two people are eliminated and their money is added to the pot. The last person standing has to conquer the vault room in order to establish their final prize.

The next new episode is scheduled to air at 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, so tune in while you do all those last-minute Thanksgiving chores before the family arrives.

I’ve also got some juicy gossip this week, but stop reading right now if you don’t want me to spoil some of the second season of “Celebrity Apprentice.”

That’s right, the show already has filmed round two and apparently all that Botox hasn’t done any good in keeping Joan Rivers’ mouth shut. According to The New York Post and Reality TV World’s Web site, Rivers slipped during an appearance on Howard Stern’s radio show by saying that her daughter, Melissa Rivers, makes it to one of the final boardroom sessions.

Rivers previously prematurely let the cat out of the bag when she announced that she competed on The Donald’s second celebrity season.

I think it’s time to make those lips a little bigger so they at least muffle the words coming out.