TV Land Unveils Latest Original Programming Slate Featuring New Series, Renewals and Specials

'I Pity The Fool' Starring Mr. T Among Shows Greenlit

NEW YORK, May 2 -- 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 superserve 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 10 p.m. (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.

TV Land Productions was created in 2003 to develop original programming that complements the network's successful acquired programming slate. TV Land Productions has also produced "The TV Land Awards Show: A Celebration of Classic TV" (March 2003, 2004 and 2005), the Emmy-nominated "The Dick Van Dyke Show, Revisited," the network's first original special for broadcast, which premiered on CBS in May 2004, the Emmy-nominated "Still Brady ... After All These Years" reunion special in September 2004 and "Chasing Farrah" (Spring 2005), the original reality series that followed iconic Hollywood actress and sex symbol Farrah Fawcett. Over the last year, the network premiered a variety of original series and specials in 2005 including: "TV Guide and TV Land Present: The 100 Most Unexpected TV Moments," "Living in TV Land," "TV Land Confidential" and "Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg." For more information about TV Land's original Wednesday night line-ups, visit http://www.tvland.com.

Now seen in over 85 million U.S. homes, TV Land's program mix features popular dramas, sitcoms, westerns, Retromercials and a TV-referential interstitial environment, all programmed with a specific audience in mind -- the first generation of Americans to grow up watching television and features all-time Classic hits like "All in the Family," "I Love Lucy," "The Andy Griffith Show," and "Bonanza."

MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, mtvU, VHI, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, MTV INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 12 digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

* Previously announced

** Formerly known as My First Break

SOURCE TV Land
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