truTV Acquires Hit Reality Competition Series "Wipeout"
In one of the most significant programming acquisitions in the network's history, truTV has licensed the exclusive, off-network cable rights to WIPEOUT from Disney-ABC Domestic Television, beginning in fall 2011. WIPEOUT will join truTV's successful lineup, which currently includes such hit original series as Operation Repo, Hardcore Pawn, All Worked Up and Lizard Lick Towing.
"WIPEOUT is the kind of fun, action-packed series that will resonate strongly with our network's core audience of young adult viewers," said Marc Juris, executive vice president and general manager of truTV. "We're extremely excited to add the show to our lineup."
"We're thrilled that truTV has optioned the off-network cable rights to WIPEOUT," said David Goldberg, chairman of Endemol North America. "This opportunity is a testimony to the hard work of our creative team and Endemol's successful ongoing relationship with ABC."
truTV's acquisition of WIPEOUT comes as the network has been enjoying tremendous success with its lineup of original series. truTV now ranks as one of basic cable's Top 10 networks among men 18-49.
Created and produced by Endemol USA, the hit reality competition series WIPEOUT premiered on ABC in 2008. The show challenges contestants to complete what is billed as the world's largest obstacle course. They must face wildly outrageous barriers, from Big Balls to complex contraptions, for the chance at winning a cash prize. WIPEOUT, which is also shown in numerous international versions around the globe, ranks among the world's top-rated game shows. The series was recently voted by Entertainment Weekly's readers as "Reality TV's Guiltiest Pleasure."
WIPEOUT is executive-produced by Matt Kunitz (Fear Factor) and Scott Larsen. Shye Sutherland, Kevin Wehrenberg, Trice Barto and J. Rupert Thompson are co-executive producers. The series is produced by Endemol USA.
The series, which is currently in its fourth season on ABC, is hosted by John Anderson (SportsCenter), John Henson (Talk Soup) and co-hosted by Jill Wagner.
About Disney-ABC Domestic Television
Disney-ABC Domestic Television (DADT) is the North American in-home sales organization for The Walt Disney Company. DADT distributes motion picture and television content across a wide array of media platforms and businesses, including video/retail, video-on-demand/pay-per-view, electronic sell-through, subscription video-on-demand, pay television, basic cable, broadcast television, mobile, broadband and other digital technologies. An industry leader, DADT is responsible for sales and customer management of in-home entertainment content, distributing properties from Disney, Disney�Pixar, Marvel, DreamWorks Studios, ABC Studios, ABC Entertainment, ABC Family and Disney Channel. Disney-ABC Domestic Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Disney Enterprises, Inc.
About Endemol USA
Endemol USA is a leading producer of television programming specializing in unscripted and scripted genres for network and cable television. David Goldberg is chairman of Endemol North America. The company produces the hit shows Wipeout, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Jerseylicious and Big Brother. Endemol USA is a division of the Endemol Group, a leading international content developer, producer and distributor of television andonline programming. The company, headquartered in the Netherlands and the UK, has subsidiaries and joint ventures in 26 countries, including the major European markets, the U.S., South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Australia. Endemol is owned by a consortium consisting of Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, Mediaset Group and Cyrte Group. For more information, please visit http://www.endemolusa.tv. Endemol is a privately held company.
About truTV
truTV is television's destination for real-life stories told from an exciting and dramatic first-person perspective. Currently seen in 93 million U.S. households, the network is enjoying its best deliveries ever in key demographics. truTV features high-stakes, action-packed originals that give viewers access to places and situations they can't normally experience. truTV's primetime fan favorites include the original series Operation Repo, Hardcore Pawn, All Worked Up and truTV Presents: World's Dumbest� truTV is also a partner in airing the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. During the daytime, the channel features expert trial coverage under the name In Session.
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