Pavan
01-11-2006, 03:56 PM
TV Land:
TV Land Celebrates the Influence of African-Americans on American Culture With That's What I'm Talking About
Three-Part Special Hosted by Wayne Brady Features Harry Belafonte, Diahann Carroll, Paul Mooney, Spike Lee, Reverend Al Sharpton, Wanda Sykes, DL Hughley, Greg Anthony, Nia Long, Joey Fatone, John Ridley and several others
PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 11 -- TV Land takes a candid look at the role of blacks in American culture and society with the premiere of That's What I'm Talking About, the network's three-part original special premiering on Wednesday, February 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Hosted and moderated by comedian and actor Wayne Brady, and executive produced by Tonya Lewis Lee, Nikki Silver and Orly Wiseman (Miracles Boys), each 60-minute installment features a lively discussion where Hollywood notables, athletes, politicians, journalists, musicians, writers and comics such as Harry Belafonte, Diahann Carroll, Paul Mooney, Spike Lee, Al Sharpton, Wanda Sykes, John Ridley, Greg Anthony, Toure, DL Hughley, Nia Long and more debate the various aspects of perceptions about African-Americans both on and off screen.
"TV Land is extremely honored to work with the amazing team of Tonya Lewis Lee, Nikki Silver and Orly Wiseman to make this ground-breaking special," states Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "The result of this collaboration is an energetic, meaningful and honest conversation, rarely if ever seen on television and one that is important to our audience."
That's What I'm Talking About airs in three consecutive installments each Wednesday night through February 15 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Throughout each hour, host Wayne Brady engages the panelists -- who span the generational lines -- in an unfiltered conversation about the influence and impact of black culture and entertainment on American culture, from segregation, to the most influential TV shows to the popularity of athletes to interracial dating and more. The result is a captivating, lively hour in which strong opinions are expressed and anecdotes and jokes are exchanged. The series will also feature clips and images from dozens of iconic characters, television shows, movies and other forms of entertainment as panelists try to prove their case in this fast-paced, rapid fire exchange.
The three-part special includes:
"Greats, Dates and Debates"
Wednesday, February 1; 10-11 p.m. ET/PT
In the first installment of That's What I'm Talking About, legendary actors Diahann Carroll and Harry Belafonte, comedian Paul Mooney and writer Toure discuss influential black films, television shows and other pop culture topics with host Wayne Brady. The generations clash in this honest, funny and unfiltered discussion.
"Movers, Shakers and Playmakers"
Wednesday, February 8; 10-11 p.m. ET/PT
Filmmakers Spike Lee and John Ridley, comedian Wanda Sykes, civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton and former NBA player Greg Anthony face off in a lively and heated debate on the most influential blacks of sports, politics and comedy. Personal experiences, politics and backgrounds fuel the arguments. The result is a passionate look at these great individuals and an insight into the guests themselves.
"Riches, Pitches and Britches"
Wednesday, February 15; 10-11 p.m. ET/PT
Comedian D.L. Hughley, actress Nia Long, music producer Bud'da, musician Joey Fatone and reporter Lola Ogunnaike debate the greats of black music and the fashion, diva and urban myths associated with black culture. The group clashes on what will stand the test of time and the influence blacks have had on American culture as a whole. Discussions include the NBA dress code, bling and the longevity of rap music.
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TV Land Treats Viewers to the Beloved Film Barefoot in the Park on Saturday, February 4
Academy Award-winners Jane Fonda and Robert Redford Star as Newlyweds in Movie Based on Neil Simon's Hit Play
PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 11 -- In celebration of the Broadway revival of the Neil Simon play Barefoot in the Park, TV Land is giving viewers a special treat and taking them to the movies on Saturday, February 4 at 8 p.m. with a presentation of the 1967 film Barefoot in the Park. The revival of this classic opens on Broadway on February 16 and stars Amanda Peet, Patrick Wilson, Jill Clayburgh and Tony Roberts.
"Six months ago, TV Land stepped out of the box by airing Movies of the Week Week, and our viewers loved it, so we wanted to take this to another level and showcase a film we know they will enjoy," states Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "It is the perfect movie for our audience of Boomers, many who saw it in theaters almost 40 years ago."
Based on the hit Broadway play by Neil Simon, Barefoot in Park stars screen legends Jane Fonda and Robert Redford as newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter. The couple is slowly but surely adjusting to life in a tiny apartment in New York City's Greenwich Village. Corie is a free spirit who simply wants to maintain her romantic bliss with her husband Paul, whose personality is definitely more straight-arrow. Together, they learn how to live and love in an apartment that's laughably small and located on the fifth floor of a walk-up. The Bratters must also contend with their eccentric neighbor Victor Velasco (Charles Boyer) and Corie's plot to play Cupid for her mother (Mildred Natwick) and Mr. Velasco.
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TV Land Boldly Goes Where No Network Has Gone Before ...
Network to Debut Living in TV Land: William Shatner on Wednesday, March 22 Immediately Following The 4th Annual TV Land Awards
PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 11 -- Boldly going where no network has gone before, TV Land will begin airing new installments of Living in TV Land on Wednesday, March 22 with Living in TV Land: William Shatner. This 60- minute sneak peek at the series offers an intimate look at Emmy Award-winner and pop culture icon William Shatner as he walks viewers through television's first musical-reality hybrid show combining musical performances with segments exploring the reality of his every day life.
Living in TV Land began as a special in August 2004 with Living in TV Land: Dick Van Patten, a tongue-in-cheek look at a day in the life of the Eight is Enough star. This season, the series takes a look at the daily ins and outs of Barry Williams (The Brady Bunch); Adam West (Batman); Davey Jones (The Monkees); Sherman Hemsley (The Jeffersons) and Fred Willard (Fernwood 2Nite, "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy."). The series will begin airing as half-hour installments in its regularly scheduled timeslot of 10 p.m. ET/PT beginning Wednesday, March 29.
Living in TV Land is executive produced by Windmill Entertainment's Craig J. Nevius, George Moll, Bob Illes and Gary Shimokawa (Two Boys From Troy Productions).
"We are thrilled to be able to bring our viewers this intimate look at William Shatner," states Sal Maniaci, Senior Vice President, Development and Original Production, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "This show not only provides a candidly honest look at the actor and icon who has personified television heroes for the last forty years, but we also get to see the side of him that is so passionate about music."
Backed by rock & roll piano man and singer Ben Folds, William Shatner takes the stage in front of a live audience to perform comedic biographical songs from his recent album entitled Has Been. The spoken-word songs provide musical bridges which take viewers into the reality of his everyday life. Cameras follow Shatner through his various life events including the Emmy Awards where he won for best supporting actor, Las Vegas for a Star Trek convention, the set of Boston Legal, a Hollywood horse show for a riding competition and even to a maternity ward where he becomes a grandfather. In addition to appearances by Candice Bergen, Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart and Kate Mulgrew, Living in TV Land: William Shatner boasts performances with rocker Joe Jackson and country superstar Brad Paisley.
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TV Land Acquistions
BENSON (JUNE, 2006)
In this spin-off of Soap starring Robert Guillaume, Benson -- the butler -- is sent to help the governor run his household and the executive mansion. Governor Gatling (James Noble ) is a sweet, well-meaning man, but very naïve. Surrounding him are Katie, (Missy Gold) his precocious daughter; Gretchen, (Inga Swenson) the formidable German housekeeper; Marcy, (Caroline McWilliams) his secretary, Taylor (Lewis J. Stadlen) his political aide and Pete, (Ethan Phillips) the bumbling press assistant. Benson helps raise Katie and often assisted the meek governor in deciding what to do, both politically and personally and quarrels with Gretchen on a daily basis.
227 (JULY, 2006)
227 - centers around the residents of apartment building No. 227 in Washington, DC. The ladies of 227 enjoy nothing more than sitting on the stoop of their building sharing life's problems with each other and gossiping about the other tenants in the building, especially Sandra (Jackée Harry) the building’s sassy vixen. Mary (Marla Gibbs ) is kept busy by her husband, Lester (Hal Williams) and adolescent daughter Brenda (Regina King), who is struggling with growing up with her boyfriend, Calvin (Curtis Baldwin). Calvin's opinionated grandmother, Pearl (Helen Martin) also resides in the building and often joins in the talks between the two friends whether she is asked to or not.
THE JEFFERSONS (SEPTEMBER, 2006)
The Jeffersons is a spin-off from All in the Family, in which George (Sherman
Hemsley), Louise (Isabel Sanford) and Lionel Jefferson (Damon Evans) have
moved to a "de-luxe" apartment in the sky-yyy" in Manhattan. George is wealthy and snobbish and owns the successful Jefferson Cleaners. He and Louise, his long-suffering wife, have been married for twenty five years. The series revolves around George, a bigoted, loud-mouthed bully who barks at his wife and maid and struts like a peacock. It features the comic adventures of the couple and their neighbors, the Willises, television’s first interracial couple.
Universal Library Dipping Acquistions:
A-TEAM (January, 2006)
The “A-Team” consisted of four Vietnam veterans who in 1972 were sent to prison by a military court for a crime they did not commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum-security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Still wanted by the U.S. Government, they survive as soldiers of fortune, helping those who have nowhere else to go or no one else to turn to. People could always turn to: Col. John "Hannibal" Smith (George Peppard ), Captain H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock (Dwight Schultz ), Lt. Templeton "Faceman" Peck (Dirk Benedict ) or Sgt. Bosco "B.A." Baracus (Mr. T) otherwise known as …”THE ATEAM.”
KNIGHT RIDER (JANUARY, 2006)
The adventures of Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff)and his incredible super-car K.I.T.T., Knight Industries 2000 are the focus of the series. Selected by a dying billionaire, Wilton Knight, Michael now works for the Foundation for Law and Government with the job of rooting out evil that is above the law, with only his trusty car!
MIAMI VICE (JANUARY, 2006)
This gritty, fast-paced detective drama revolves around the exploits of one of
television's most popular duos, Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson)and Ricardo Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas). Set against Miami's glamorous Gold Coast, as well as its seedy, underground counterpart, Miami Vice was known as much for its stylish music and trend-setting fashions as it was for the exciting adventures of its characters.
SIMON & SIMON (JANUARY, 2006)
Simon & Simon is a show based on A.J. (Jameson Parker) and Rick Simon (Gerald McRaney), two brothers who just happen to be private investigators. They live and work in San Diego where once a week, for eight seasons, the series revealed the loyalty and love they had for one another. "They're more than brothers, they're best of friends.
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Nick@Nite
Nick at Nite Debuts Second Season of Hi-Jinks on Tuesday, February 28
It's No Joke!
PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 11 -- Nick at Nite's second season of the hit hidden-camera series, Hi-Jinks, will premiere on Tuesday, February 28 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. The series' next thirteen episodes -- in which adults play good-natured pranks on kids -- is being produced by Stone & Company Entertainment, with Leila Sbitani returning as host. Each week features a celebrity prank segment in which famous faces use their talents to play tricks on bewildered tikes. This season, actors Jane Seymour and Alan Thicke are among the celebrities who have conspired with parents to prank kids.
"We are thrilled that Hi-Jinks was such a huge hit with our audience," states Sal Maniaci, Senior Vice President, Development and Original Production, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "We knew that both parents and kids would really connect with the show and the average of over 2.2 million total viewers tuning into the whole series proves it."
Each 30-minute episode features several pranks taking place everywhere from homes, malls and even schools across the country. Academy Award Winner Susan Sarandon, NBA All-Star Chris Webber, actress/model Vivica Fox and The View's Meredith Vieira were among the celebrities who conspired with parents to prank kids in season one.
The new episodes of Hi-Jinks are executive produced by Scott A. Stone (The Mole, Oblivious, The Joe Schmo Show, The Man Show, Fame) and Brad Kuhlman (Master Blasters, One Bad Trip, FM Nation). The series was created by Nick at Nite's Joe Boyd. Kim Rosenblum, Senior Vice President, TV Land and Nick at Nite, and Joe Boyd also executive produce. Ralph Sanchez is the Executive In Charge for the network.
Nick at Nite Originals was created in 2003 to develop original programming that meets what the network refers to as the "Four F's" criteria: programming that is Family-Friendly, Funny and Familiar. Nick at Nite Originals produced Fatherhood (June 2004), a show based on Bill Cosby's best-selling book of the same name. In May 2005, the network aired Nick at Nite's Search for the Funniest Mom in America with a second season to return in Spring 2006.
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Nick at Nite Goes Mad for Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser and Adds Mad About You to Network's Line-Up
Hit Sitcom Joins Network Beginning Monday April 10
PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 11 -- Nick at Nite gives a warm and gracious welcome to young newlyweds Paul and Jamie Buchman when the acclaimed comedy series Mad About You joins the network's sitcom line-up in April. The series -- which stars Emmy and Academy Award-winner Helen Hunt and Emmy-nominated Paul Reiser -- chronicles the comical trials and tribulations of a young couple madly in love in New York City doing their best to maintain their marriage despite the pressures of day to day life. The show kicks off with a four-day marathon beginning Monday, April 10 through Thursday, April 13 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. ET/PT.
"Mad About You is one of the funniest and most honest comedies about married life that has ever been on television," states Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt are such an amazingly talented team, and this series brings viewers a refreshing take on marriage. We are thrilled to add this series to Nick at Nite."
Created by Paul Reiser and Danny Jacobson, Mad About You aired on NBC from 1992 to 1999 and focuses on Paul and Jamie, two recently married, neurotic New Yorkers still trying to figure out how to make married life work. Both are charming and completely in love with each other, but the duo is still trying to learn to deal with Paul's extremely analytical ways and Jamie's penchant for being a free spirit. They experience the often mundane ins and outs of marriage, from buying a sofa, dealing with meddling parents and friends and juggling with their respective professional careers. Jaime's sister Lisa Stemple (Anne Ramsay) constantly intrudes on them as do their friends Mark (Richard Kind), his wife Fran (Leila Kenzle) and Paul's cousin Ira (John Pankow). The couple also must contend with noisy neighbors, a crazy dogwalker and others.
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Nick@Nite Acquistions
MAD ABOUT YOU (APRIL, 2006)
Jaime (Helen Hunt) and Paul Buchman (Paul Reiser) are young urban couple with five months of marriage behind them still trying to make some ground rules of living together in an apartment in Manhattan. That is definitely not easy because Jamie & Paul are equally neurotic - but in totally different ways. Paul is a documentary filmmaker who is charming and creative, but also extremely careful and analytic. Jaime is a free spirit and is an public
relations. Jaime's sister Lisa Stemple (Anne Ramsay) often comes to visit them, just like their friends Mark Devanow (Richard Kind), his wife Fran (Leila Kenzle) and Paul's cousin Ira Buchman (John Pankow)
A DIFFERENT WORLD (JULY, 2006)
In this spin-off from the popular sitcom The Cosby Show, Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) enters her sophomore year at Hillman College -- alma mater of her parents and grandfather -- where she moves into Gilbert Hall and shares a dorm room with 26-year-old Jaleesa Vinson (Dawnn Lewis) and talkative new roommate Maggie Lauten (Marisa Tomei). Also included in the first season cast were obnoxious and extremely wealthy dormmate Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy) and wannabe ladies' man Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison). Ron Johnson (Darryl M. Bell) and Walter Oakes (Sinbad) become regulars in the second season after appearing occasionally during the first season. When Denise leaves Hillman, the show begins to focus on Whitley and Dwayne, who
begin an on-again, off-again relationship before they marry at the end of the fifth season.
HOME IMPROVEMENT (SEPTEMBER, 2006)
Home Improvement centers on "Tim" 'The Toolman' Taylor (Tim Allen), an accident-prone host of a Detroit, Michigan television program about tools, who raises his dysfunctional family. Jill (Patricia Richardson) is Tim's wife who wants to be a psychiatrist and Dr. Wilson Wilson, Jr. (Earl Hindman) is the Taylors' strange neighbor who enjoys learning about other cultures and never
shows his entire face. Albert "Al" Borland (Richard Karn) is Tim's flannel-wearing co-host. The show also includes Bradley "Brad" Michael Taylor (Zachery Ty Bryan), the Taylors' eldest son who is hoping for a soccer scholarship, Randall "Randy" William Taylor (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) is the Taylors' middle child who is off at an environmental research study in Costa
Rica and Mark Taylor (Taran Noah Smith) is the youngest son who is frequently tortured by his older brothers.
DESIGNING WOMEN (OCTOBER, 2006)
This comedy focuses on Julia Sugarbaker (Dixie Carter), Mary Jo Shively (Annie Potts), Charlene Frazier-Stillfield (Jean Smart) and Suzanne Sugarbaker (Delta Burke), who are all associates at their design firm, Sugarbaker and Associates. Julia is the owner of Sugarbaker and Associates and is very outspoken and strong-willed. Mary Jo is a divorced single-parent
who is just as strong-willed as Julia, but isn't as self-confident. Charlene is the naive and trusting farm girl from Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Suzanne Sugarbaker is the self-centered ex-beauty queen who has a number of wealthy ex-husbands.
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Nick@Nite Originals
Hi-JINKS 2 (FEBRUARY, 2006)
Hi-Jinks is Nick at Nite's hit hidden camera show where parents play good-natured pranks on unsuspecting kids. Hosted by Leila Sbitani, each 30-minute show features several pranks that take place in homes, in malls and in schools across the country. And, each episode features a celebrity prank segment. In its first season, Academy Award Winner Susan Sarandon, NBA All-Star Chris Webber and The View's Meredith Viera were among the celebrities who've conspired with parents to prank kids.
SEARCH FOR THE FUNNIEST MOM IN AMERICA CONTEST 2 (APRIL, 2006)
This year’s competition is a six-part series. Throughout the first five 30-minute episodes, semifinalists selected from direct tape submissions and comedy club try-outs will be given the chance to live together and compete for a spot in the series finale – an hour long stand up comedy competition. While the challenges will be comedic, the competition will be real as each episode will include eliminations, surprise visits from celebrity guests and more than a few laughs. Over the course of the series, viewers will get to know each of the moms and their stories. Only the best and funniest will advance to compete in the final episode for $50,000 and the chance to develop a show for Nick at Nite. Celebrity judges for the finale will be announced in the coming weeks.
Complete recap and analysis will be available later today (Wed. Jan. 11) on our news blog: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog -- keep checking back!
TV Land Celebrates the Influence of African-Americans on American Culture With That's What I'm Talking About
Three-Part Special Hosted by Wayne Brady Features Harry Belafonte, Diahann Carroll, Paul Mooney, Spike Lee, Reverend Al Sharpton, Wanda Sykes, DL Hughley, Greg Anthony, Nia Long, Joey Fatone, John Ridley and several others
PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 11 -- TV Land takes a candid look at the role of blacks in American culture and society with the premiere of That's What I'm Talking About, the network's three-part original special premiering on Wednesday, February 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Hosted and moderated by comedian and actor Wayne Brady, and executive produced by Tonya Lewis Lee, Nikki Silver and Orly Wiseman (Miracles Boys), each 60-minute installment features a lively discussion where Hollywood notables, athletes, politicians, journalists, musicians, writers and comics such as Harry Belafonte, Diahann Carroll, Paul Mooney, Spike Lee, Al Sharpton, Wanda Sykes, John Ridley, Greg Anthony, Toure, DL Hughley, Nia Long and more debate the various aspects of perceptions about African-Americans both on and off screen.
"TV Land is extremely honored to work with the amazing team of Tonya Lewis Lee, Nikki Silver and Orly Wiseman to make this ground-breaking special," states Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "The result of this collaboration is an energetic, meaningful and honest conversation, rarely if ever seen on television and one that is important to our audience."
That's What I'm Talking About airs in three consecutive installments each Wednesday night through February 15 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Throughout each hour, host Wayne Brady engages the panelists -- who span the generational lines -- in an unfiltered conversation about the influence and impact of black culture and entertainment on American culture, from segregation, to the most influential TV shows to the popularity of athletes to interracial dating and more. The result is a captivating, lively hour in which strong opinions are expressed and anecdotes and jokes are exchanged. The series will also feature clips and images from dozens of iconic characters, television shows, movies and other forms of entertainment as panelists try to prove their case in this fast-paced, rapid fire exchange.
The three-part special includes:
"Greats, Dates and Debates"
Wednesday, February 1; 10-11 p.m. ET/PT
In the first installment of That's What I'm Talking About, legendary actors Diahann Carroll and Harry Belafonte, comedian Paul Mooney and writer Toure discuss influential black films, television shows and other pop culture topics with host Wayne Brady. The generations clash in this honest, funny and unfiltered discussion.
"Movers, Shakers and Playmakers"
Wednesday, February 8; 10-11 p.m. ET/PT
Filmmakers Spike Lee and John Ridley, comedian Wanda Sykes, civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton and former NBA player Greg Anthony face off in a lively and heated debate on the most influential blacks of sports, politics and comedy. Personal experiences, politics and backgrounds fuel the arguments. The result is a passionate look at these great individuals and an insight into the guests themselves.
"Riches, Pitches and Britches"
Wednesday, February 15; 10-11 p.m. ET/PT
Comedian D.L. Hughley, actress Nia Long, music producer Bud'da, musician Joey Fatone and reporter Lola Ogunnaike debate the greats of black music and the fashion, diva and urban myths associated with black culture. The group clashes on what will stand the test of time and the influence blacks have had on American culture as a whole. Discussions include the NBA dress code, bling and the longevity of rap music.
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TV Land Treats Viewers to the Beloved Film Barefoot in the Park on Saturday, February 4
Academy Award-winners Jane Fonda and Robert Redford Star as Newlyweds in Movie Based on Neil Simon's Hit Play
PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 11 -- In celebration of the Broadway revival of the Neil Simon play Barefoot in the Park, TV Land is giving viewers a special treat and taking them to the movies on Saturday, February 4 at 8 p.m. with a presentation of the 1967 film Barefoot in the Park. The revival of this classic opens on Broadway on February 16 and stars Amanda Peet, Patrick Wilson, Jill Clayburgh and Tony Roberts.
"Six months ago, TV Land stepped out of the box by airing Movies of the Week Week, and our viewers loved it, so we wanted to take this to another level and showcase a film we know they will enjoy," states Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "It is the perfect movie for our audience of Boomers, many who saw it in theaters almost 40 years ago."
Based on the hit Broadway play by Neil Simon, Barefoot in Park stars screen legends Jane Fonda and Robert Redford as newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter. The couple is slowly but surely adjusting to life in a tiny apartment in New York City's Greenwich Village. Corie is a free spirit who simply wants to maintain her romantic bliss with her husband Paul, whose personality is definitely more straight-arrow. Together, they learn how to live and love in an apartment that's laughably small and located on the fifth floor of a walk-up. The Bratters must also contend with their eccentric neighbor Victor Velasco (Charles Boyer) and Corie's plot to play Cupid for her mother (Mildred Natwick) and Mr. Velasco.
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TV Land Boldly Goes Where No Network Has Gone Before ...
Network to Debut Living in TV Land: William Shatner on Wednesday, March 22 Immediately Following The 4th Annual TV Land Awards
PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 11 -- Boldly going where no network has gone before, TV Land will begin airing new installments of Living in TV Land on Wednesday, March 22 with Living in TV Land: William Shatner. This 60- minute sneak peek at the series offers an intimate look at Emmy Award-winner and pop culture icon William Shatner as he walks viewers through television's first musical-reality hybrid show combining musical performances with segments exploring the reality of his every day life.
Living in TV Land began as a special in August 2004 with Living in TV Land: Dick Van Patten, a tongue-in-cheek look at a day in the life of the Eight is Enough star. This season, the series takes a look at the daily ins and outs of Barry Williams (The Brady Bunch); Adam West (Batman); Davey Jones (The Monkees); Sherman Hemsley (The Jeffersons) and Fred Willard (Fernwood 2Nite, "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy."). The series will begin airing as half-hour installments in its regularly scheduled timeslot of 10 p.m. ET/PT beginning Wednesday, March 29.
Living in TV Land is executive produced by Windmill Entertainment's Craig J. Nevius, George Moll, Bob Illes and Gary Shimokawa (Two Boys From Troy Productions).
"We are thrilled to be able to bring our viewers this intimate look at William Shatner," states Sal Maniaci, Senior Vice President, Development and Original Production, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "This show not only provides a candidly honest look at the actor and icon who has personified television heroes for the last forty years, but we also get to see the side of him that is so passionate about music."
Backed by rock & roll piano man and singer Ben Folds, William Shatner takes the stage in front of a live audience to perform comedic biographical songs from his recent album entitled Has Been. The spoken-word songs provide musical bridges which take viewers into the reality of his everyday life. Cameras follow Shatner through his various life events including the Emmy Awards where he won for best supporting actor, Las Vegas for a Star Trek convention, the set of Boston Legal, a Hollywood horse show for a riding competition and even to a maternity ward where he becomes a grandfather. In addition to appearances by Candice Bergen, Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart and Kate Mulgrew, Living in TV Land: William Shatner boasts performances with rocker Joe Jackson and country superstar Brad Paisley.
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TV Land Acquistions
BENSON (JUNE, 2006)
In this spin-off of Soap starring Robert Guillaume, Benson -- the butler -- is sent to help the governor run his household and the executive mansion. Governor Gatling (James Noble ) is a sweet, well-meaning man, but very naïve. Surrounding him are Katie, (Missy Gold) his precocious daughter; Gretchen, (Inga Swenson) the formidable German housekeeper; Marcy, (Caroline McWilliams) his secretary, Taylor (Lewis J. Stadlen) his political aide and Pete, (Ethan Phillips) the bumbling press assistant. Benson helps raise Katie and often assisted the meek governor in deciding what to do, both politically and personally and quarrels with Gretchen on a daily basis.
227 (JULY, 2006)
227 - centers around the residents of apartment building No. 227 in Washington, DC. The ladies of 227 enjoy nothing more than sitting on the stoop of their building sharing life's problems with each other and gossiping about the other tenants in the building, especially Sandra (Jackée Harry) the building’s sassy vixen. Mary (Marla Gibbs ) is kept busy by her husband, Lester (Hal Williams) and adolescent daughter Brenda (Regina King), who is struggling with growing up with her boyfriend, Calvin (Curtis Baldwin). Calvin's opinionated grandmother, Pearl (Helen Martin) also resides in the building and often joins in the talks between the two friends whether she is asked to or not.
THE JEFFERSONS (SEPTEMBER, 2006)
The Jeffersons is a spin-off from All in the Family, in which George (Sherman
Hemsley), Louise (Isabel Sanford) and Lionel Jefferson (Damon Evans) have
moved to a "de-luxe" apartment in the sky-yyy" in Manhattan. George is wealthy and snobbish and owns the successful Jefferson Cleaners. He and Louise, his long-suffering wife, have been married for twenty five years. The series revolves around George, a bigoted, loud-mouthed bully who barks at his wife and maid and struts like a peacock. It features the comic adventures of the couple and their neighbors, the Willises, television’s first interracial couple.
Universal Library Dipping Acquistions:
A-TEAM (January, 2006)
The “A-Team” consisted of four Vietnam veterans who in 1972 were sent to prison by a military court for a crime they did not commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum-security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Still wanted by the U.S. Government, they survive as soldiers of fortune, helping those who have nowhere else to go or no one else to turn to. People could always turn to: Col. John "Hannibal" Smith (George Peppard ), Captain H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock (Dwight Schultz ), Lt. Templeton "Faceman" Peck (Dirk Benedict ) or Sgt. Bosco "B.A." Baracus (Mr. T) otherwise known as …”THE ATEAM.”
KNIGHT RIDER (JANUARY, 2006)
The adventures of Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff)and his incredible super-car K.I.T.T., Knight Industries 2000 are the focus of the series. Selected by a dying billionaire, Wilton Knight, Michael now works for the Foundation for Law and Government with the job of rooting out evil that is above the law, with only his trusty car!
MIAMI VICE (JANUARY, 2006)
This gritty, fast-paced detective drama revolves around the exploits of one of
television's most popular duos, Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson)and Ricardo Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas). Set against Miami's glamorous Gold Coast, as well as its seedy, underground counterpart, Miami Vice was known as much for its stylish music and trend-setting fashions as it was for the exciting adventures of its characters.
SIMON & SIMON (JANUARY, 2006)
Simon & Simon is a show based on A.J. (Jameson Parker) and Rick Simon (Gerald McRaney), two brothers who just happen to be private investigators. They live and work in San Diego where once a week, for eight seasons, the series revealed the loyalty and love they had for one another. "They're more than brothers, they're best of friends.
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Nick@Nite
Nick at Nite Debuts Second Season of Hi-Jinks on Tuesday, February 28
It's No Joke!
PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 11 -- Nick at Nite's second season of the hit hidden-camera series, Hi-Jinks, will premiere on Tuesday, February 28 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. The series' next thirteen episodes -- in which adults play good-natured pranks on kids -- is being produced by Stone & Company Entertainment, with Leila Sbitani returning as host. Each week features a celebrity prank segment in which famous faces use their talents to play tricks on bewildered tikes. This season, actors Jane Seymour and Alan Thicke are among the celebrities who have conspired with parents to prank kids.
"We are thrilled that Hi-Jinks was such a huge hit with our audience," states Sal Maniaci, Senior Vice President, Development and Original Production, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "We knew that both parents and kids would really connect with the show and the average of over 2.2 million total viewers tuning into the whole series proves it."
Each 30-minute episode features several pranks taking place everywhere from homes, malls and even schools across the country. Academy Award Winner Susan Sarandon, NBA All-Star Chris Webber, actress/model Vivica Fox and The View's Meredith Vieira were among the celebrities who conspired with parents to prank kids in season one.
The new episodes of Hi-Jinks are executive produced by Scott A. Stone (The Mole, Oblivious, The Joe Schmo Show, The Man Show, Fame) and Brad Kuhlman (Master Blasters, One Bad Trip, FM Nation). The series was created by Nick at Nite's Joe Boyd. Kim Rosenblum, Senior Vice President, TV Land and Nick at Nite, and Joe Boyd also executive produce. Ralph Sanchez is the Executive In Charge for the network.
Nick at Nite Originals was created in 2003 to develop original programming that meets what the network refers to as the "Four F's" criteria: programming that is Family-Friendly, Funny and Familiar. Nick at Nite Originals produced Fatherhood (June 2004), a show based on Bill Cosby's best-selling book of the same name. In May 2005, the network aired Nick at Nite's Search for the Funniest Mom in America with a second season to return in Spring 2006.
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Nick at Nite Goes Mad for Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser and Adds Mad About You to Network's Line-Up
Hit Sitcom Joins Network Beginning Monday April 10
PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 11 -- Nick at Nite gives a warm and gracious welcome to young newlyweds Paul and Jamie Buchman when the acclaimed comedy series Mad About You joins the network's sitcom line-up in April. The series -- which stars Emmy and Academy Award-winner Helen Hunt and Emmy-nominated Paul Reiser -- chronicles the comical trials and tribulations of a young couple madly in love in New York City doing their best to maintain their marriage despite the pressures of day to day life. The show kicks off with a four-day marathon beginning Monday, April 10 through Thursday, April 13 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. ET/PT.
"Mad About You is one of the funniest and most honest comedies about married life that has ever been on television," states Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt are such an amazingly talented team, and this series brings viewers a refreshing take on marriage. We are thrilled to add this series to Nick at Nite."
Created by Paul Reiser and Danny Jacobson, Mad About You aired on NBC from 1992 to 1999 and focuses on Paul and Jamie, two recently married, neurotic New Yorkers still trying to figure out how to make married life work. Both are charming and completely in love with each other, but the duo is still trying to learn to deal with Paul's extremely analytical ways and Jamie's penchant for being a free spirit. They experience the often mundane ins and outs of marriage, from buying a sofa, dealing with meddling parents and friends and juggling with their respective professional careers. Jaime's sister Lisa Stemple (Anne Ramsay) constantly intrudes on them as do their friends Mark (Richard Kind), his wife Fran (Leila Kenzle) and Paul's cousin Ira (John Pankow). The couple also must contend with noisy neighbors, a crazy dogwalker and others.
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Nick@Nite Acquistions
MAD ABOUT YOU (APRIL, 2006)
Jaime (Helen Hunt) and Paul Buchman (Paul Reiser) are young urban couple with five months of marriage behind them still trying to make some ground rules of living together in an apartment in Manhattan. That is definitely not easy because Jamie & Paul are equally neurotic - but in totally different ways. Paul is a documentary filmmaker who is charming and creative, but also extremely careful and analytic. Jaime is a free spirit and is an public
relations. Jaime's sister Lisa Stemple (Anne Ramsay) often comes to visit them, just like their friends Mark Devanow (Richard Kind), his wife Fran (Leila Kenzle) and Paul's cousin Ira Buchman (John Pankow)
A DIFFERENT WORLD (JULY, 2006)
In this spin-off from the popular sitcom The Cosby Show, Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) enters her sophomore year at Hillman College -- alma mater of her parents and grandfather -- where she moves into Gilbert Hall and shares a dorm room with 26-year-old Jaleesa Vinson (Dawnn Lewis) and talkative new roommate Maggie Lauten (Marisa Tomei). Also included in the first season cast were obnoxious and extremely wealthy dormmate Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy) and wannabe ladies' man Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison). Ron Johnson (Darryl M. Bell) and Walter Oakes (Sinbad) become regulars in the second season after appearing occasionally during the first season. When Denise leaves Hillman, the show begins to focus on Whitley and Dwayne, who
begin an on-again, off-again relationship before they marry at the end of the fifth season.
HOME IMPROVEMENT (SEPTEMBER, 2006)
Home Improvement centers on "Tim" 'The Toolman' Taylor (Tim Allen), an accident-prone host of a Detroit, Michigan television program about tools, who raises his dysfunctional family. Jill (Patricia Richardson) is Tim's wife who wants to be a psychiatrist and Dr. Wilson Wilson, Jr. (Earl Hindman) is the Taylors' strange neighbor who enjoys learning about other cultures and never
shows his entire face. Albert "Al" Borland (Richard Karn) is Tim's flannel-wearing co-host. The show also includes Bradley "Brad" Michael Taylor (Zachery Ty Bryan), the Taylors' eldest son who is hoping for a soccer scholarship, Randall "Randy" William Taylor (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) is the Taylors' middle child who is off at an environmental research study in Costa
Rica and Mark Taylor (Taran Noah Smith) is the youngest son who is frequently tortured by his older brothers.
DESIGNING WOMEN (OCTOBER, 2006)
This comedy focuses on Julia Sugarbaker (Dixie Carter), Mary Jo Shively (Annie Potts), Charlene Frazier-Stillfield (Jean Smart) and Suzanne Sugarbaker (Delta Burke), who are all associates at their design firm, Sugarbaker and Associates. Julia is the owner of Sugarbaker and Associates and is very outspoken and strong-willed. Mary Jo is a divorced single-parent
who is just as strong-willed as Julia, but isn't as self-confident. Charlene is the naive and trusting farm girl from Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Suzanne Sugarbaker is the self-centered ex-beauty queen who has a number of wealthy ex-husbands.
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Nick@Nite Originals
Hi-JINKS 2 (FEBRUARY, 2006)
Hi-Jinks is Nick at Nite's hit hidden camera show where parents play good-natured pranks on unsuspecting kids. Hosted by Leila Sbitani, each 30-minute show features several pranks that take place in homes, in malls and in schools across the country. And, each episode features a celebrity prank segment. In its first season, Academy Award Winner Susan Sarandon, NBA All-Star Chris Webber and The View's Meredith Viera were among the celebrities who've conspired with parents to prank kids.
SEARCH FOR THE FUNNIEST MOM IN AMERICA CONTEST 2 (APRIL, 2006)
This year’s competition is a six-part series. Throughout the first five 30-minute episodes, semifinalists selected from direct tape submissions and comedy club try-outs will be given the chance to live together and compete for a spot in the series finale – an hour long stand up comedy competition. While the challenges will be comedic, the competition will be real as each episode will include eliminations, surprise visits from celebrity guests and more than a few laughs. Over the course of the series, viewers will get to know each of the moms and their stories. Only the best and funniest will advance to compete in the final episode for $50,000 and the chance to develop a show for Nick at Nite. Celebrity judges for the finale will be announced in the coming weeks.
Complete recap and analysis will be available later today (Wed. Jan. 11) on our news blog: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog -- keep checking back!