TBS Orders Eight More Episodes of Hit Late-Night Sketch Comedy FRANK TV, Starring Frank Caliendo

Series Showcases Comic Everyman's Hilarious Takes on Celebrities and Newsmakers

TBS has ordered eight new episodes of its popular late-night comedy series FRANK TV, starring master impressionist Frank Caliendo (MadTV, Fox NFL Sunday). The series, which launched to record audience deliveries in November and has averaged more than 2 million viewers, features Caliendo channeling such pop culture, entertainment, sports and political icons as John Madden, Dr. Phil, Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro and President George W. Bush. The series is slated to return later this year.

"Frank is one of the country's most popular performers for a reason: He's simply the best at what he does," said Michael Wright, senior vice president in charge of the Content Creation Group for TBS and sister networks TNT and TCM. "FRANK TV has resonated with audiences because his style of comedy is so accessible. Frank has a very appealing everyman sensibility. He laughs at the same things we all laugh at in the popular culture around us. And the show's sketches catch that comedic point of view perfectly. We were thrilled by the audience response to the show, and can't wait to come back with more, even funnier, episodes."

Named by Variety in 2007 as one of 10 comics to watch, Caliendo has cultivated fans through almost every means possible. His presence on YouTube and MySpace resulted in what one blogger called "The Caliendo Effect," marking the shift from traditional entertainment outlets to the Internet, where his videos have been watched by more than 10 million fans. Caliendo's spot-on impression of President Bush earned him an invitation to perform during the annual White House Correspondents Dinner, where he brought down the house. Sports fans know him for his weekly picks on Fox NFL Sunday, which he delivers as a wide variety of characters and personalities, including his famous John Madden impression. Late-night comedy fans remember him as a regular cast member on the popular MadTV sketch comedy series, as well as from his regular appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman. He also performs to sold-out crowds in theaters across the country.

TBS's FRANK TV features Caliendo riffing on many aspects of modern society. The show combines stand-up pieces shot before a live audience, segments shot on location and simulated television appearances. In addition to the well-known public figures he mimics, Frank has created some unique characters, such as Jay-vid Lenoman, a combination of Jay Leno and David Letterman.

When FRANK TV launched in November 2007, its premiere episode averaged more than 3.2 million viewers and scored the record for ad-supported cable's largest delivery of adults 18-49 (2,061,000) for a late-night original series launch. Overall, the show has averaged 2.1 million viewers and 1.4 million adults 18-49, delivering enormous growth for the time period.

FRANK TV is produced by TBS Productions and executive-produced and written by Caliendo, Matt Wickline (In Living Color) and John Bowman (Saturday Night Live), with Barry Katz (Last Comic Standing) also serving as executive producer.

TBS, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., is television's top-rated comedy network. It serves as home to such original comedy series as My Boys, The Bill Engvall Show, Tyler Perry's House of Payne, 10 Items or Less and Frank TV; hot contemporary comedies like The Office, Sex and the City, Everybody Loves Raymond, Family Guy, King of Queens, Seinfeld and Friends, with My Name Is Earl joining the line-up in 2008; specials, such as Funniest Commercials of the Year; live events like The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas; blockbuster movies; and hosted movie showcases.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.