TV Land Unveils Latest Original Programming Slate Featuring New Series, Renewals and Specials
'I Pity The Fool' Starring Mr. T Among Shows Greenlit
NEW YORK, May 2 -- TV Land tonight unveiled a slate of new
originals, returning series and specials, the first of which begin airing
June 28th, it was announced at the MTV Networks Upfront Presentation held
at New York's The Theatre at Madison Square Garden. The latest development
slate underscores TV Land's commitment to superserve baby boomers, the
first generation of Americans who grew up watching television. The
presentation was punctuated by a live appearance by Mr. T, who was on-hand
to promote "I Pity the Fool," one of the new series debuting on the
network.
TV Land's newest programming reflects the network's positioning of how
the classics you love inspire the originals you won't want to miss. Over
the past three years, TV Land has shown an increased commitment to
delivering original content to complement its proven classic TV line-up and
has garnered several Emmy nods along the way.
"We're very excited to premiere new original programming with a boomer
demographic in mind," states Sal Maniaci, Senior Vice President,
Development and Original Production, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "Our mission
is to produce TV shows for the TV generation and this slate certainly
delivers."
For 2005, TV Land earned its most-watched year ever among its core demo
of Adults 25-54 and among total viewers on a total programming day basis.
Bolstered by new original programming and its proven roster of hit classic
TV programming, the network finished the year up +17% among A25-54 versus
YAGO and up +20% among total viewers in total programming day over last
year. Additionally, TV Land had its most-watched prime time ever in its
10-year history. The network is currently pacing to have its most-watched
year ever among total viewers.
The slate of TV Land Originals is as follows:
NEW SERIES
"I Pity The Fool" -- TV Land has picked up six episodes of this Dr.
Phil- meets-Tony-Robbins reality show in which Mr. T stars in the unlikely
role of social scientist traveling across the country to dispense his own
classic Mr. T style advice. Whether it's viewers struggling with problems
at home or fans seeking tips on gaining professional success, Mr. T becomes
immersed in the situation at-hand and becomes a catalyst for change. "I
Pity The Fool" is produced by Lionsgate in association with Left/Right
Films and Remag Guerilla. Stephen Belafonte, Ken Druckerman and Banks
Tarver are executive producers. Slated to premiere October 2006. (30
minutes)
"My First Time"** -- This six-part series looks at the roles that
changed celebrities lives. Bolstered by original interviews with each star
profiled, every 30-minute episode will feature some of the biggest talents
in Hollywood and trace their first "big break." Additionally, each show
will contain footage of that first scene that put them in the public eye.
In some cases, these will be performances that the stars themselves would
probably rather forget. Series is produced by Scott Sternberg Productions.
Premiering Wednesday, June 28 at 10 p.m. (30 minutes)
"Back to the Grind" -- Viewers join celebrated actors as they perform
the same job their characters did on their respective hit TV series. The
stars will be required to perform the same tasks they once did on-camera,
only this time without any help from writers. This six-part series is
executive produced by Michael Levitt and Eugene Pack. Premiere date TBD.
(30 minutes)
RETURNING SERIES
"TV Land Confidential" -- This series returns for a second season with
six more episodes delivering behind-the-scenes tales from viewers' favorite
comedies, dramas and commercials. Told by the people who were there
including the stars, producers and others in the know, viewers will again
laugh alongside these insiders as they share their stories. This series is
executive produced by David P. Levin of Brainstorm Inc. Slated to premiere
October 2006. (30 minutes)
"Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg" -- Back for a second season,
legendary comedian, producer and director David Steinberg hosts another six
episodes of this one-on-one comedy forum. Viewers get more than just laughs
when celebrated performers who got their starts in television open up about
their personal lives and careers in entertainment. Dark Light Pictures is
producing the series. Premiere date TBD. (30 minutes)
SPECIALS
"Boomer Knows Best" (working title) -- These four one-hour specials --
airing over the course of one week -- take an entertaining, fun and
thorough look at the boomer generation. From how they live, play, wire the
world and love, this series of specials tells the story of a generation
that has influenced the world like no other group and continues to stay on
the move blazing past traditional beliefs and stereotypes that get in their
way. World of Wonder is producing. Slated to premiere September 2006.
"Urban Myths and Legends"* -- This one-hour special sets the record
straight regarding some of the most talked about stories that TV viewers
swear they've seen or heard. Did Mikey from the Life cereal commercials
really die from eating Pop Rocks and drinking soda? Did Greg Brady exhibit
odd behavior in the episode "Law & Disorder" because Williams was under the
influence? Did Carly Simon write "You're So Vain" about ex-boyfriend Warren
Beatty or did she write it about her ex-husband James Taylor ... or someone
else all together? Urban Myths and Legends talks to the stars, producers
and other television trivia sleuths to explore these entertaining and
intriguing figments of our collective imaginations. Gay Rothenthal
Productions is producing. Slated to premiere December 2006.
"100 Most Memorable Catchphrases"* -- The third installment in the
successful annual "100 Most" franchise, this year's five-part special
counts down the most memorable things ever said on television. From "You're
Fired" to "Dyn-o-mite," television has inspired some of the most
unforgettable catchphrases. This special counts down these famous lines and
reminds us why we love to repeat them. Gay Rosenthal Productions is
producing the special. Slated to premiere December 2006.
"TV Land's Top Ten"* -- This series of specials celebrates television
for the passionate TV viewer. By culling the best moments from hit TV shows
and commentary from stars, experts and those in the know, each special
counts down a different Top Ten. The specials are being produced for TV
Land by TV Land Productions in conjunction with Robert Small Entertainment.
Premieres throughout Summer 2006.
TV Land and all related logos and titles are trademarks of Viacom
International, Inc.
TV Land Productions was created in 2003 to develop original programming
that complements the network's successful acquired programming slate. TV
Land Productions has also produced "The TV Land Awards Show: A Celebration
of Classic TV" (March 2003, 2004 and 2005), the Emmy-nominated "The Dick
Van Dyke Show, Revisited," the network's first original special for
broadcast, which premiered on CBS in May 2004, the Emmy-nominated "Still
Brady ... After All These Years" reunion special in September 2004 and
"Chasing Farrah" (Spring 2005), the original reality series that followed
iconic Hollywood actress and sex symbol Farrah Fawcett. Over the last year,
the network premiered a variety of original series and specials in 2005
including: "TV Guide and TV Land Present: The 100 Most Unexpected TV
Moments," "Living in TV Land," "TV Land Confidential" and "Sit Down Comedy
with David Steinberg." For more information about TV Land's original
Wednesday night line-ups, visit http://www.tvland.com.
Now seen in over 85 million U.S. homes, TV Land's program mix features
popular dramas, sitcoms, westerns, Retromercials and a TV-referential
interstitial environment, all programmed with a specific audience in mind
-- the first generation of Americans to grow up watching television and
features all-time Classic hits like "All in the Family," "I Love Lucy,"
"The Andy Griffith Show," and "Bonanza."
MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE: VIA,
VIA.B), owns and operates the following television programming services --
MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, mtvU, VHI, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY
CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, MTV INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL
SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 12 digital services, all of which are
trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also has licensing agreements,
joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming
services can be seen worldwide.
* Previously announced
** Formerly known as My First Break
SOURCE TV Land
Web Site: http://www.nick-at-nite.com http://www.tvland.com/
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