TBS Gets in Gear with GM for New Microseries MY MANNY

For Release: January 26, 2009

TBS Gets in Gear with GM for New Microseries MY MANNY

Microseries to Premiere in Tyler Perry's HOUSE OF PAYNE Commercial Pods Jan. 28 and Encore at TBS.com

TBS is highlighting the features of GM's all-new 2009 Chevy Traverse Crossover in an upcoming new microseries MY MANNY. Premiering Jan. 28 and airing every Wednesday evening for five consecutive weeks, the microseries will roll out as two 2-minute episodes each week within specialized commercial breaks from Tyler Perry's HOUSE OF PAYNE. The episodes will encore at tbs.com.

"HOUSE OF PAYNE is currently one of television's top-rated series for African-American viewers, second only to American Idol," said Linda Yaccarino, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Turner Entertainment Ad Sales/ Marketing and Acquisitions. "That presents a huge opportunity to partner with a smart brand like GM who is interested in reaching this audience through trusted branded environments and powerful marketing and promotions that allow them to leverage their important message."

MY MANNY is a comedic TBS microseries starring Elise Neal (Hustle & Flow), Alana Ubach (Jekyll) and Sharif Atkins (ER) and introducing Tarren Mason. The microseries is directed by Glen Owen and Angela Barnes Gomes and produced by State Line Films.

MY MANNY tells the story of Jennifer Peterson (Neal), an attractive, widow in her early 30s who is struggling to balance a full-time catering career and the needs of her 8-year-old son Jamel (Mason). When Jennifer's nanny calls out sick, her agency surprises her by sending a very handsome "manny" as a replacement. Although Jennifer says she'll allow Mike the Manny (Atkins) to help them out for just one day, Mike immediately becomes a role model for Jamel and Jennifer finds herself becoming increasingly unnerved over her own feelings for him. Jennifer's neighbor and friend Melanie (Ubach) certainly doesn't help the situation when she fuels the fire by encouraging Jennifer to act on her feelings for Mike. As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Mike the Manny is not the only element critical to Jennifer's success and happiness as a caterer and mom. Her Chevy Traverse is, too.

TBS will drive awareness for HOUSE OF PAYNE and MY MANNY through custom on-air tune-ins featured each week and leading up to the premiere each Wednesday evening, presented exclusively by the Chevy Traverse. TBS will also feature in-show graphics and creative billboards airing within the featured episodes. GM creative will run adjacent to each new episode of MY MANNY, leveraging the brand's message each week.

Online, tbs.com will feature a custom MY MANNY section, sponsored exclusively by the Chevy Traverse. Features include cast bios, photography, show description, custom quiz and additional background to complement the on-air experience. In addition, all MY MANNY episodes will be available on tbs.com, with exclusive Chevy Traverse pre-roll video.

Set in Atlanta, HOUSE OF PAYNE features LaVan Davis as fireman Curtis "Pops" Payne, a man who believes his house should be his castle, he the king and his wife, Ella (Cassi Davis), the queen. Unfortunately, their castle has become more of a Grand Central Station thanks to one son and his family moving in and another son spending much of his time hanging out.

About TBS

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 and Meet the Browns; original late-night series like 10 Items or Less; hot contemporary comedies like The Office, My Name is Earl, Sex and the City, Everybody Loves Raymond, Family Guy, King of Queens, Seinfeld and Friends; specials like Funniest Commercials of the Year; special events, such as TBS Presents A "Very Funny" Festival: The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas and Just For Laughs: A "Very Funny" Festival in Chicago; 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.