or


[10/29/10 - 08:34 AM]
Spike TV Presents New Slate of Scripted Original Pilots
The crop includes six comedies, "many of which revolve around the crazy antics of dysfunctional co-workers and families" and a one-hour drama focusing on domestic terrorism.

[via press release from Spike TV]

SPIKE TV PRESENTS NEW SLATE OF SCRIPTED ORIGINAL PILOTS

New Projects Aimed At Expanding The Network's Audience To Reach Older Guys

New York, NY, October 29, 2010 - Spike TV presents a new slate of scripted original pilots aimed at expanding and broadening the network's male audience. The crop of new shows includes six comedies, many of which revolve around the crazy antics of dysfunctional co-workers and families and a one-hour drama focusing on domestic terrorism.

The projects announced today by Spike are from some of the most creative minds in Hollywood including Beth McCarthy Miller, Thom Beers, and Walt Becker.

Already reaching Men 18-34 with such original shows as "Deadliest Warrior," "Blue Mountain State," "The Ultimate Fighter" and "1000 Ways To Die," the network views these shows as a way to reach older guys with themes relevant to their lives.

"We have spent the last few years successfully bringing in Men 18-34 with a mix of action, outrageous comedy and fun infotainment." said Kevin Kay, president, Spike TV. "Now we're focused on bringing 25-49 year-olds with scripted fare that they can relate to - especially workplace and family humor."

Spike's new slate of scripted pilots includes: (please note all are working titles):

THUNDERBALLS

This half-hour comedic series follows three life-long friends who comprise a beer league bowling team called the "Thunderballs." The show chronicles their efforts to balance their battle for supremacy at the lanes with their crazy personal and family lives. The project is written by Jim and Steve Armogida ("Grounded for Life," "The Return of Jezebel James") and executive produced by Walt Becker ("Wild Hogs," "Van Wilder").

UNTITLED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS COMEDY

The producers of "Deadliest Catch" and "Ice Road Truckers" introduce a high-stakes workplace comedy focusing on the fun-loving yet dysfunctional men and women air traffic controllers at a major international airport. The project is being penned by Andrew Waller and Mike Gagerman ("Road to Nardo"). Thom Beers and Philip D. Segal will executive produce for Original Productions.

UNTITLED BETH McCARTHY MILLER PROJECT

From acclaimed "30 Rock" and "Saturday Night Live" director, Beth McCarthy Miller, comes a ripped-from-the-headlines comedy about a veteran sports writer and the crazy world of modern-day athletes he reports on. The project will be executive produced by Miller and Steven Brill ("Mr. Deeds," "Little Nicky," "The Mighty Ducks.")

POWERBALL

When a 30-something loser who still lives with his parents wins the multi-million dollar Powerball lottery, he decides to use his newfound wealth to buy the love and respect of his family and community. The half-hour single camera comedy comes from Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen and Steven Cragg (Mad TV) and will be produced by Principato-Young Entertainment with Peter Principato, Paul Young and Joel Zadak serving as executive producers.

AT EASE

Two misfit U.S. Army drill sergeants utilize unorthodox methods to turn an endless stream of recruits into the greatest fighting force on earth while staying one step ahead of an uptight new captain with a grudge. The show is written by Gabe Snyder and Mike Alber ("Jailbait," MTV's "Death Valley").

UNTITLED FAMILY BARBECUE COMEDY

Tired of the corporate rat race, a "Clark Griswold"-type cashes in his 401k and drags his family kicking and screaming to pursue his dream of competing on the professional barbecue circuit. The show is written by veteran scribe Russell Marcus ("Married with Children").

F.T.W.

A gritty one-hour drama focusing on an Atlanta police officer who is recruited by the Department of Homeland Security to return to his hometown and infiltrate a militia organization linked to domestic terrorism with which he has familial ties. The project is written by Craig Gore and Tim Walsh.

Spike TV's first scripted comedy, "Blue Mountain State," returned for a second season last week to stellar ratings. The premiere drew a 1.34 rating in Men 18-34, up 34% compared to the first season average and was ranked #2 in its timeslot.

"Blue Mountain State" is produced by Varsity Pictures' Brian Robbins ("Varsity Blues," "Smallville," "One Tree Hill") and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett and Lionsgate. Romanski, who also stars as Sammy, and Eric Falconer ("The Sarah Silverman Program," "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia") also serve as executive producers and writers.

Overseeing the scripted projects are Laurence Sullivan director, original programming, Spike TV and Dustin Davis, manager, original programming, Spike TV.

Spike TV is available in 98.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com.





  [october 2010]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
     


· 1000 WAYS TO DIE (SPIKE TV)
· 30 ROCK (NBC)
· AT EASE (SPIKE TV)
· BLUE MOUNTAIN STATE (SPIKE TV)
· DEADLIEST CATCH (DISCOVERY)
· DEADLIEST WARRIOR (SPIKE TV)
· DEATH VALLEY (MTV)
· FTW (SPIKE TV)
· GROUNDED FOR LIFE (WB)
· ICE ROAD TRUCKERS (HISTORY)
· IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA (FXX)
· ONE TREE HILL (CW)
· POWERBALL (SPIKE TV)
· RETURN OF JEZEBEL JAMES, THE (FOX)
· SARAH SILVERMAN PROGRAM, THE (COMEDY CENTRAL)
· SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (NBC)
· SMALLVILLE (CW)
· THUNDERBALLS (SPIKE TV)
· ULTIMATE FIGHTER, THE (ESPN)
· UNTITLED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS COMEDY (SPIKE TV)
· UNTITLED BETH MCCARTHY MILLER PROJECT (SPIKE TV)
· UNTITLED FAMILY BARBECUE COMEDY (SPIKE TV)





[02/22/25 - 08:09 AM]
"Portobello," from Marco Bellocchio, Debuts on Max in 2026
Max has announced its first Italian scripted original production.

[02/21/25 - 02:45 PM]
4 Nations Face-Off: Canada-USA Championship Game Delivers 9.3 Million Viewers; ESPN's Largest Hockey Audience Ever
The telecast peaked with 10.4 million viewers and was the most-viewed non-NFL event ever on ESPN+.

[02/21/25 - 11:22 AM]
New Vice Series "The Grudge" Premieres on March 26
Taking viewers inside sports' fiercest rivalries, where every game is more than a contest - it's a battle for pride, redemption, and legacy.

[02/21/25 - 10:15 AM]
"High Potential" Finishes Spectacular First Season Hitting Series Highs
In addition, "High Potential" achieved a remarkable benchmark for the finale episode, earning a series high on streaming and becoming ABC's best drama episode ever, based on seven-day views on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.

[02/21/25 - 10:00 AM]
FOX's "The Quiz with Balls" Hosted by Jay Pharoah Rolls Into Season Two with Renewal of Hit Game Show
The popular game show pits brains against balls, combining a high stakes quiz show and a large-scale physical competition with each episode featuring two families competing for $100,000 in an epic "battle of the balls."

[02/21/25 - 09:01 AM]
Video: "CHAOS: The Manson Murders" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Directed by Errol Morris, the film untangles a web of conspiracy involving the CIA, LSD, Jack Ruby, the Manson Family, and Vincent Bugliosi, casting doubt on the official story of the 1960s' most infamous killing spree.

[02/21/25 - 08:00 AM]
"The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim" Begins Streaming Exclusively on Max February 28
Set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy of films, "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim" tells the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan.

[02/21/25 - 12:01 AM]
Video: Netflix Unveils the Premiere Date and First Look of Dome Karukoski's "Little Siberia"
A pastor's faith turns upside down when a meteorite lands in his small Finnish town, its impact stirring up chaos and criminal intentions.

[02/20/25 - 04:01 PM]
Video: "When Life Gives You Tangerines" - Official Trailer - Netflix
In Jeju, a spirited girl and a steadfast boy's island story blossoms into a lifelong tale of setbacks and triumphs - proving love endures across time.

[02/20/25 - 04:01 PM]
Fremantle Announces "Neighbours" Will Be Resting from December 2025
"As this chapter closes, we appreciate and thank Amazon MGM Studios for all that they have done for 'Neighbours' - bringing this iconic and much-loved series to new audiences globally," said Jason Herbison.

[02/20/25 - 04:01 PM]
ESPN Statement on Decision to Opt Out of Major League Baseball Deal
"We are grateful for our longstanding relationship with Major League Baseball and proud of how ESPN's coverage super-serves fans," said the company.

[02/20/25 - 01:22 PM]
Lifetime Announces Two New Original Movies for This Spring
Look for "Taken at a Basketball Game," starring D.B. Woodside and Claire Qute, on March 15; followed by "Wife Stalker," starring Keshia Knight Pulliam, on March 29.

[02/20/25 - 01:01 PM]
Leighton Meester to Guest Star in "Nobody Wants This" Season 2
She'll be playing Kristen Bell's middle school nemesis who Joanne crosses paths with as an adult.

[02/20/25 - 12:30 PM]
Hulu Renews Hit Drama Series "Paradise," from Dan Fogelman and Starring Sterling K. Brown, for a Second Season
Following the season one finale on Hulu on March 4, "Paradise" will air a full first season run on ABC beginning Monday, April 7 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

[02/20/25 - 12:00 PM]
Feature Documentary on Popular Dutch Actor Rutger Hauer "Like Tears in Rain" Makes Exclusive US Debut Thursday, March 13, 2025 on Viaplay
Through private, never-before-seen footage and candid interviews with family, friends and colleagues, his goddaughter Sanna Fabery de Jonge uncovers his intimate world in the revealing, acclaimed documentary.