TV

Rocker McGrath grabs mike on ‘Killer Karaoke’

In some ways, a onetime debauched rocker like Sugar Ray frontman Mark McGrath is the perfect host for truTV’s “Killer Karaoke.”

In the game show, which returns with new episodes Feb. 20 (10 p.m.), contestants attempt to sing karaoke while competing in outrageous challenges designed to distract them — anything from sticking a hand (or head) in a box with creepy critters, singing into a mike that sprays water or wearing a suit of exploding balloons.

Mark McGrath, host of “Killer Karaoke.”

“Performing karaoke, wild animals and things being dumped on people? Sounds like the ’90s to me,” jokes McGrath, who was cast by the same producer he worked with on another karaoke-themed show, “Don’t Forget the Lyrics.”

“So I’m like ‘I’m your guy to host.’ I’ve never laughed harder in my life.”

After premiering in November 2012, the show is back for another eight-episode run with a new look. In addition to swapping original host Steve-O for McGrath — who also co-hosted “Extra” from 2004-08 — producers have changed the format with the hope of taking “Killer Karaoke” from a wacky stunt that’s fun watch once to a franchise that will keep viewers invested in the game for all eight episodes.

Each show now starts with six contestants who are ranked on singing an opening number, with the highest-ranking players earning advantages throughout the show. Their scores during the competition’s battle rounds are based on audience votes as well as accuracy and pitch, leading up to a final head-to-head between the top two contestants for the chance to win up to $10,000.

“It increased the game play [and] there is such a reason for watching now,” McGrath says. “Now there is a competition to follow. The charisma of the contestants is a lot more evident now. And the stakes are higher. There’s a sense of urgency now that the contestants have that they didn’t necessarily have last year.”

In addition to having an immediate connection to what he calls the show’s “sensory overload,” McGrath empathized with the contestants, most of whom agree to appear on show because they want to have professional singing careers.

“I’ve been there before — never in the extreme situations that the contestants have gone to, and never would I — but as a performer I know what they’re going through,” he says.

McGrath is set to add another wacky credit to his own performance resume, having just been cast in the campy Syfy movie sequel “Sharknado 2: The Second One.”

He plays the brother-in-law that Fin (Ian Ziering) comes to visit in New York (the movie is being shot in the city). McGrath was supposed to start filming on Thursday, but it was delayed to next Tuesday because of the latest snowstorm.

But despite the quick turnaround (he was cast last Monday), McGrath isn’t worried about the limited prep time for the gig.

“It’s not the most method-acting heavy role, you know what I’m saying? These movies are made for fun, they’re done tongue-in-cheek,” he says.

“The pressure’s off for me in terms of acting abilities. Yes I’ve got to keep the character moving along but there’s a lot of ‘look outs!’ in my role. I think I’ll be OK.”