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Administrator Forum Veteran
SO News/Reviews Director
Join Date: Feb 17, 2000
Location: Linden, NJ (Where Hal Linden got his last name from!)
Posts: 21,160
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Nick@Nite/TV Land Upfront 2006
TV LAND UNVEILS LATEST ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING SLATE FEATURING
NEW SERIES, RENEWALS AND SPECIALS
I Pity The Fool Starring Mr. T Among Shows Greenlit
Santa Monica, CA, May 2, 2006 - 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 super serve 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 10pm. (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.
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NICK AT NITE UNVEILS ROLL-OUT OF NEW HIT SITCOMS WHEN
HOME IMPROVEMENT, A DIFFERENT WORLD, NEWSRADIO AND DESIGNING WOMEN JOIN LINE-UP BEGINNING
JULY 2006 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2007
The Cosby Show Spin-Off A Different World Kicks off New Slate in July
Santa Monica, CA, May 2, 2006 -- Nick at Nite -- the #1 basic cable network among Adults 18-49 -- will add even more hit shows to its line-up of popular comedies like The Cosby Show, Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Roseanne with the addition of A Different World, Designing Women, Newsradio and Home Improvement, it was announced today at the MTV Networks Upfront Presentation at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden. The new series rollout will begin in July, 2006 and continue through September, 2007.
"Nick at Nite is the premier destination for sitcoms like Home Improvement that have a strong appeal to the Nick at Nite audience," states Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "These programs represent the perfect fit for our viewers and we are thrilled to add them to our already stellar line-up."
For 2006 year to date, Nick at Nite is pacing to record its highest-rated and most-watched year ever among its target A18-49 audience on a total programming day basis. Driven by the continued success of modern hit sitcoms The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, The Cosby Show and Roseanne, the network is currently the number-one basic cable network among Adults 18-34, Women 18-49, Women 18-34 and Women 25-54.
The shows premiering on the network beginning July include:
A Different World (July 19, 2006) - This ensemble comedy was a spin-off of the hugely popular The Cosby Show and aired on NBC from 1987 to 1993. Set at the fictitious, historically black Hillman College in the South, it centered around Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet), one of the four daughters on The Cosby Show. Denise is constantly trying to adjust to the changes of living away from home on her own as well as deal with her roommates Jaleesa (Dawnn Lewis), a young divorcee and Maggie (Marisa Tomei), a
free-spirited and naïve girl who also happens to be one of the only white students on campus. Other characters in the series include Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy), a rich Southern belle; Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison), a nerdy but fast-talking New Yorker, his best friend Ron Johnson (Darryl Bell) and Walter Oakes (Sinbad), who was the dorm director. There were various changes after the first season when Lisa Bonet left the series. Debbie Allen took over as producer and director after the first season, turning the show into one which explored more social and political issues. Controversial topics such as AIDS, racial discrimination, date rape and the 1992 Los Angeles uprisings were all addressed, and several new characters were added, such as: Kim Reese (Charnele Brown), a pre-med student; Mr. Gaines (Lou Myers), the cafeteria cook; Col. Taylor
(Glynn Turman), the campus ROTC commander; Freddie Brooks (Cree Summer), an environmental activist and Lena James (Jada Pinkett), a feisty freshman from Baltimore. The series also gave more prominence to the romantic relationship of Dwayne and Whitley, who became the show's main stars.
Newsradio (July, 2006) - This sitcom, which aired on NBC from 1995 to 1999 showcases the hilarious antics at WNYX, a whimsical #2 all news radio station in New York City. Dave Nelson (Dave Foley) has just been brought in from Wisconsin as the news director by the station's owner, Jimmy James (Stephen Root). A bit overwhelmed by his new job, Dave must also deal with his new co-workers who are rather eccentric and witty. The staff includes: on-air anchors Bill (Phil Hartman) and Catherine (Khandi Alexander) who are constantly sniping at each other, Matthew (Andy Dick), an inept reporter, Beth (Vicky Lewis), a crazy secretary and Joe (Joe Rogan), the maintenance man. Rounding off the staff is Lisa (Maura Tierney), a smart and ambitious writer who actually should have gotten Dave's job. The two end up beginning an on-again off-again romance that becomes the hot topic of conversation among their friends and colleagues. The untimely death of Phil Hartman led the show to cast Jon Lovitz in 1998 as Max Lewis, a new on-air personality.
Designing Women (October, 2006) - This critically-acclaimed series stars Dixie Carter, Delta Burke, Jeanne Smart and Annie Potts as four outspoken Southern women running Sugarbaker and Associates, an interior decorating business in Atlanta. The show, which aired on CBS from 1986 to 1993, focuses on their personal and professional lives, as they deal with their business, romances and friendship. Julia Sugarbaker (Carter) is the founder of the business and the classy and smart one of the bunch. Her sister Suzanne (Burke), is a former beauty queen who uses her flirtatious ways to charm both clients and men, Mary Jo (Potts), is a recently divorced mom with two kids and Charlene (Smart) is the trusting business manager who has never been married. Anthony (Meshach Taylor) is their outspoken deliveryman/handyman, who also happens to be an ex-con, but constantly gives his opinion on everything going on in the ladies' lives.
Home Improvement (September, 2007) - This comedy stars Tim Allen as Tim Taylor, host of a TV show in Detroit called Tool Time. Ironically, Tim's accident prone nature lands him in the emergency room more often than not. Right-hand-man Al Borland (Richard Karn) -- his flannel-wearing co-host -- is usually there to help him out, and Tim's neighbor Wilson (Earl Hindman) whose face is usually hidden behind a fence, is often doling out advice. Jill (Patricia Richardson) is Tim's wife, who is studying to be a psychiatrist and also dealing with Tim's crazy antics. The two are raising three sons - Mark, Randy and Brad (Taran Noah Smith, Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Zachery Ty Brian), who viewers get to see grow up throughout the series' run. Over the course of the series, which aired on ABC from 1991 to 1999, Pamela Anderson, Heidi Keppert and Debbe Dunning all play the Tool Time girls on Tim's show.
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