or


[05/09/06 - 12:00 AM]
USA Network Gets Real with Wwe Compatible Programming

[via press release from USA]

USA NETWORK GETS REAL WITH WWE COMPATIBLE PROGRAMMING

NEW YORK -- May 9, 2006 -- To capitalize on the rocketing ratings of WWE's MONDAY NIGHT RAW, USA Network has announced a reality development slate designed to generate programming compatible with its success. Joining the previously announced pilot EBAUM'S WORLD (inspired by the website of the same name) are the one-hour street-racing pilot TURF and THE CAPPER, a presentation set in the world of high-stakes legal betting. The announcement was made today by Bonnie Hammer, president, USA Network and SCI FI Channel, and Jeff Wachtel, USA's executive vice president, original programming.

"Since wrestling returned to the network, we've been committed to developing programming that will galvanize the franchise's loyal fan base," said Hammer. "We believe that these shows have the potential to drive that audience to a reality-based TV experience they won't find anywhere else."

"We've looked long and hard for the right projects to fulfill our mission of developing edgy, unique programming that will be a good fit with wrestling," added Wachtel. "Each of these project's sensibilities make them perfect candidates to tap into the young, hip audience of the WWE."

From The Firm's Rich Frank & Paul Frank, David Hurwitz ("Fear Factor," "The Man Show") and Paul Cockerille, TURF is a one-hour pilot that brings the world of street racing to television, as top underground street racers battle it out for the title of "Turf King or Queen." The pilot will give viewers behind-the-scenes access to racing teams from all aspects of the driving community as they compete, as well as explore their lives outside of the races to deliver an authentic, full access glimpse into this intense world and lifestyle.

Produced by Endemol and the brainchild of Tom Forman ("Extreme Makeover Home Edition"), THE CAPPER follows Brandon Lang, one of the nation's most well known sports handicappers. Lang's multi-millionaire clients (AKA "whales") pay him generously for his sports knowledge and betting instincts, which will really be put to the test in this pilot presentation as he travels the world seeking out legal sports and pop culture events on which he can wager money for his clients. A larger than life presence, Lang has proven he can pick the winner of an NFL game, but can he pick the winner of a camel race and keep the whales satisfied?

These projects join an active reality development slate already occupied by the previously announced EBAUM'S WORLD, which will bring the most wild and hilarious content to late night programming in a fast-paced, irreverent hour of outrageous clips, jokes and commentary. The show will feature clips from the website as well as new, exclusive content, and interviews with past and new eBaumsworld video subjects who will be asked to account for their outlandish behavior -- if they dare. EBAUM'S WORLD is being executive produced by Simon Andreae through his production company, The Incubator, in association with Fox Television Studios along with Emmy-nominated producer Charlie Siskel ("World News Tonight with Peter Jennings," "Evening News with Dan Rather," "The Today Show," "Fresh Baked").

USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 basic cable network across the board in 1Q06, USA Network is seen in 90 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.





  [may 2006]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
 


· CAPPER, THE (USA)
· EBAUM'S WORLD (USA)
· EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION (HGTV)
· FEAR FACTOR (MTV)
· MAN SHOW, THE (COMEDY CENTRAL)
· TURF (USA)
· WWE RAW (NETFLIX)





[08/15/25 - 09:33 AM]
Disney Branded Television Greenlights "Coven Academy" for Disney+ and Disney Channel
Set against the moody backdrop of New Orleans, "Coven Academy" follows a trio of teenage witches-in-training who are bound by destiny to guard their city against dangerous, ancient forces.

[08/15/25 - 09:30 AM]
"Dance Moms: A New Era" Premieres on Lifetime Monday, September 8th
The reboot of Lifetime's pop culture phenomenon "Dance Moms" introduces beloved dance coach, Glo Hampton, who wants to take her students and prestigious dance school Studio Bleu to the next level, competing nationally every week.

[08/15/25 - 07:01 AM]
Netflix Celebrates Mexican Cinema Day by Announcing the Production of More National Films
This Mexican Cinema Day, Netflix celebrates those who make it possible for our stories to reach the screen and announces a new selection of national films that will premiere soon, only on Netflix.

[08/14/25 - 04:19 PM]
"The Traitors" Comes to NBC with All-New Civilian-Led Version of the Emmy Award-Winning Peacock Series Hosted by Alan Cumming
Instead of the guest list of celebrities and socialites, this time Emmy-winning host Alan Cumming is opening the doors to his now infamous castle in the Scottish Highlands to everyday people.

[08/14/25 - 01:33 PM]
With 5 Million Cross-Platform U.S. Viewers in Its First Three Days, Sunday's Season Finale Episode of "The Gilded Age" Is the Fifth Consecutive Episode to Clinch a Series High
This season is well on track to become the most watched of the series.

[08/14/25 - 12:31 PM]
NBC Sports Announces Its Complete 2025-26 NBA Regular-Season Schedule, Featuring 100 Games Across NBC and Peacock
All NBA games presented by NBC Sports will stream live on Peacock.

[08/14/25 - 12:31 PM]
ESPN & ABC's Star-Studded 2025-26 NBA Regular Season Broadcast Schedule
Marking ESPN's 24th consecutive season broadcasting NBA games, the 2025-26 campaign promises to deliver the most star-studded schedule yet - underscoring ESPN's position as the premier national home of the NBA.

[08/14/25 - 12:31 PM]
Prime Sports Unveils Inaugural 2025-26 NBA on Prime Schedule
NBA on Prime tips off with a doubleheader on Friday, October 24.

[08/14/25 - 12:01 PM]
Next on Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN - September 2025
Upcoming premieres include "Andrew Santino: White Noise" on Hulu; and "Cleopatra's Final Secret," "Dolphins Up Close with Bertie Gregory," and Top Guns: The Next Generation" on Disney+.

[08/14/25 - 12:00 PM]
Prime Video Debuts New Stand-Up Comedy Special "Larry the Cable Guy: It's A Gift"
The one-hour special will premiere September 12 on Prime Video.

[08/14/25 - 11:06 AM]
Magnolia Network Announces New Series, "The Last Wright: Building the Final Home Design of America's Greatest Architect"
The four-part limited series follows mother-daughter team Debbie Dykstra and Sarah Dykstra as they take on the ambitious challenge of building a home based on the last set of plans created by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright before his death in 1959.

[08/14/25 - 11:04 AM]
Prime Video Orders "Joseph of Egypt" to Series Starring Adam Hashmi, Written, and Executive Produced by Craig Wright, From 5&2 Studios
In this iconic Old Testament story, betrayed by jealous brothers, Joseph (Adam Hashmi) defies all expectations and rises to incredible power in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. But when his past catches up with him, he is confronted with the ultimate test.

[08/14/25 - 11:03 AM]
Boyd Holbrook Joins Omar Sy in the Upcoming Action Thriller Series Set in the "Extraction" Universe
The series comes from showrunner Glen Mazzara and is also executive produced by The Russo Brothers and Sam Hargrave.

[08/14/25 - 11:00 AM]
Say Hello to the Supes of "Vought Rising" - A New Origin Story Set in the World of "The Boys" - In Production This Month
Prime Video unveils first looks at Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy; Mason Dye as Bombsight; Elizabeth Posey as Private Angel; and Will Hochman as Torpedo.

[08/14/25 - 10:37 AM]
Lifetime Greenlights Season 2 of "Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out"
Production begins top of September on the new season.