TV Land Shows the World That 40 is Fabulous With Premiere of Newest Original Series, 'The Big 4-0' on April 16 at 10 PM (ET/PT)

Six-Episode Reality Series Documents Real People Celebrating Their 40th Birthdays in Extraordinary Ways

NEW YORK, March 25 -- TV Land redefines what it means to be 40 when it premieres "The Big 4-0" on April 16 at 10 p.m. (ET/PT). This new original series -- which debuts with back-to-back episodes -- takes a look at real people as they prepare for one of life's milestones -- cart-wheeling into this exciting new life-stage. From a former NFL player's desire to prove he can still compete with the best to a successful woman who seems to have it all but journeys to Italy to trace her roots to a wheelchair-bound man who aspires to parachute out of an airplane, viewers go behind-the-scenes as some of the most unexpected 40th birthday festivities are being planned, plotted ... and celebrated!

Produced for TV Land by J.D. Roth and Todd A. Nelson at 3 Ball Productions ("Beauty and the Geek" and "The Biggest Loser") and executive produced by Keith Cox (TV Land), "The Big 4-0" is a six-episode reality series that documents one real 39-year old per episode as he/she marks this monumental occasion in surprising ways. Whether it is a fun vacation getaway with friends to start a new chapter in their lives or an extravagant costume party to possibly find love again, they reflect on what they have accomplished thus far and what they aspire to do.

"'The Big 4-0' provides TV Land's audience with positive stories of real people celebrating this milestone and embracing this new stage of life in unexpected and sometimes amazing ways," states Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. "The experience of planning this event is something that is not only entertaining but also relatable and truly speaks to an underserved audience of people in their 40s and 50s."

Online, TVLand.com visitors can watch bonus and extended scenes from each episode, full episodes the day after they air and catch sneak peeks of upcoming episodes. Additionally, fans can view a library of photos -- including pictures from each celebrant's personal collection -- as well as photos taken as they prepared and celebrated their 40th birthday. Finally, fans can interact on the site's message boards to discuss their own big plans for milestone birthdays.

The episode roll-out as follows (all times ET/PT):

Wednesday, April 16, 10 p.m.

"Derrick" A former running back of the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions, Derrick had an exciting career in the NFL. To celebrate his 40th, Derrick arranges a football game with some of his former NFL friends against a group of top-of- the-line collegiate players from Georgia Tech. Derrick must get himself back into shape and convince former football pros like Brett Perriman, Antonio London and Harry Colon to play against the younger athletes. Find out if Derrick can make his football dreams come true and prove that the second half of life is bigger, better and faster than the first!

Wednesday, April 16, 10:30 p.m.

"Lisa" Los Angeles model-turned-mom Lisa wonders if she can still be sexy at 40. She plans a huge bash with a red carpet, runway fashion show and an extravagant setting to finally admit her true age to her friends. Meanwhile, her husband has a big surprise in store for her -- a reunion with her estranged mother whom Lisa misses dearly. How will she react to her husband's secret surprise? Watch as Lisa proves to herself and the world that 40 is more than just sexy -- it's the best time of your life!

Wednesday, April 23, 10 p.m.

"Brian"

Thrill-seeker Brian loves action and adventure, but 12 years ago, he had a serious accident while horseback riding which left him confined to a wheelchair. However, Brian's physical challenge hasn't stopped him from having an amazing life with his beautiful wife and their 5-year-old quadruplets! Approaching his 40th birthday, he decides to take up two challenges: riding a horse again for the first time since his accident and doing something he's always been told was impossible -- skydiving. Can Brian overcome the challenge of a lifetime or will he have a change of heart?

Wednesday, April 30, 10 p.m.

"Rita"

Growing up as part of the only Italian-American family in rural Utah, Rita and her 12 siblings never really felt like they belonged. Now that both of her parents have passed away, Italy holds a very special place in her heart. To celebrate her 40th birthday, Rita and her friends plan an exciting trip to Italy to rediscover her roots. She journeys to Caserta, the city where her father was born, to meet her relatives for the first time and literally walk in her father's footsteps. Find out if Rita discovers that Italy is, and always will be, the place where her heart and soul truly live.

Wednesday, May 7, 10 p.m.

"Tonya"

Nashville resident Tonya is about to turn 40 and is suddenly facing a divorce. After cancelling a trip to Jamaica, Tonya wonders if her best friends have anything in store for her Big 4-0. Little does she know, her friends will make her greatest wishes come true: from driving a sexy sports car to dancing the night away at her surprise birthday party. Just when she thinks that her 4-0 can't be any more perfect, her amazing day culminates with the biggest surprise of all -- a tropical island getaway. Watch as she learns the biggest gift is having best friends who'll never let her down!

Wednesday, May 14, 10 p.m.

"DeeAnn"

On the surface it appears that beautiful DeeAnn has the perfect life with great friends, a successful career and a loving daughter. But 7 years ago, DeeAnn's fiance died of a sudden heart attack. She's been mourning ever since, but decides it's finally time to move on. For her 40th, DeeAnn and her friends throw a huge 18th century-themed bash featuring period costumes fit for a masquerade ball, a horse-drawn carriage and fine wine. DeeAnn's friends send her to a matchmaker who sets her up with two eligible bachelors. Will this real-life Cinderella find her handsome Prince Charming in time for the ball?

About TV Land:

TV Land continues to build the ultimate entertainment brand on all platforms for consumers in their 40s and 50s. Armed with a slate of original programming, newly acquired classic and contemporary TV, hit movies and its redesigned website -- TVLand.com -- the network is uniquely positioned to superserve the first generation of Americans who grew up alongside television. The network's program mix features original programming, popular dramas, sitcoms and westerns in a fun-filled, pop culture environment featuring a roster of popular shows including "All in the Family," "M*A*S*H," "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Just Shoot Me," which joined TV Land in January, 2008. In the coming months, the network will roll out a slate of new original series' such as "She's Got The Look," "Family Foreman" and "The Big 4-0" as well as more episodes of the hit show "High School Reunion." TVLand.com, the network's Emmy Award-winning website, is devoted to all aspects of entertainment including TV, music and movies and features full-length episodes, a movie trailer database and over a dozen radio stations. TV Land is now seen in over 90 million U.S. homes.

About MTV Networks

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 140 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 300 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

SOURCE TV Land
http://www.nick-at-nite.com/