Emmy-winning talk show host, naval officer and actor Montel Williams will host the Showtime political reality series "American Candidate."

The 13-year television veteran will take viewers through the ambitious effort from R.J. Cutler ("American High"), which premieres on Sunday, Aug. 1.

The series features a dozen contestants from around the country. Over the course of 10 weeks, the show will test the contestants to see if they have what it takes to run for President of the United States. There will be debates, political rallies and advertisements and they will receive the advice of veteran political strategists. They'll eventually choose running mates and the final contestants will debate live. The winner receives $200,000 and a chance to address the nation.

This will be Williams' first time hosting a regular reality series.

"Montel Williams is the award-winning host of his own wildly popular hit talk show, and he has had years of experience interviewing and producing captivating stories about issues facing all types of Americans," says Showtime Entertainment President Robert Greenblatt. "This along with his amazing life experience as a decorated naval officer, a successful author, and a man determined to bring an end to Multiple Sclerosis, makes him uniquely suited to host 'American Candidate.' We think Montel will bring insight, humanity and even some much-needed entertainment value to the campaign process."

Williams was diagnosed with MS in 1999 and he has responded by launching the Montel Williams MS Foundation to further the scientific study of the condition. He won his Emmy as outstanding talk show host in 1996.