OWN ANNOUNCES PICKUPS OF POPULAR ORIGINAL SERIES "OUR AMERICA WITH LISA LING" AND "WELCOME TO SWEETIE PIE'S"

Announcement Comes as Both Series Post Double Digit Growth For Fifth Consecutive Week

Los Angeles, CA - OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is picking up 8 additional episodes of the thought-provoking docu-series "Our America with Lisa Ling" (a total of 16 episodes for the second season) and 10 additional episodes of the new family docu-series "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's" (a total of 18 episodes for the first season) it was announced today by Sheri Salata and Erik Logan, presidents, OWN.

"The audience is finding and responding to these programs, and the ratings continue to build, which is a great testament to both shows," said Logan.

"Lisa fully immerses herself in every topic she covers and challenges us to think differently. Along with her team, she's created story-telling perfection," said Salata. "We've all fallen in love with the Montgomery family. You never know what they'll do or say next. We couldn't be more pleased viewers are tuning in to enjoy all the fun."

For the season, "Our America with Lisa Ling" (Sundays, 10 p.m. ET/PT) continues to post double digit growth across the key demos, averaging a .36 W25-54, .41 HH and 405,000 total viewers (up +64% W25-54, +41% HH and +47% P2+ versus year ago Discovery Health numbers). The show has noticed significant growth from DVR playback, as the series averages a .64 W25-54 rating on a Live+7 basis.

New series "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's" (Saturdays, 9 p.m. ET/PT) has made ratings waves, averaging a .38 W25-54, .42 HH and 388,000 total viewers (up +73% W25-54, +17% HH and +13% P2+ versus year ago Discovery Health numbers). It notched a series high this past Saturday (November 12) with a .46 W25-54, ranked #2 in its time period in African American W25-54 and ranked #5 in primetime overall out of 95 ad-supported networks in African American W25-54.

Additional episodes of "Our America with Lisa Ling" season two will include subject matters ranging from pageant kids, the life of swingers, the plight of Native Americans, and the wrongfully accused. These episodes are currently in production and are scheduled to air next spring. Additional episodes of "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's" will begin production in December and also air in the spring.

About "Our America with Lisa Ling" Sundays, 10-11 p.m. ET/PT

"Our America with Lisa Ling" delves into some of the most challenging and thought-provoking topics in society today. With stories ranging from polygamy and amateur porn, to sex trafficking and veterans with PTSD, Lisa immerses herself into the lives of everyday Americans and captures their in-depth experiences first hand. These stories provide viewers a window into worlds largely unseen, and a deeper understanding of what's really going on in subcultures of "Our America" today. The series is produced by part2 pictures. Ling, David Shadrack Smith and Greg Henry are the executive producers. Amy Bucher is the series producer.

About "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's" Saturdays, 9-10 p.m. ET/PT

The series follows the loud, loving and musical Montgomery family as they work to expand their family-owned business, one soulful dish at a time. When Robbie Montgomery, a 1960s backup singer and former Ikette, suffered a collapsed lung and had to stop singing, she decided to pour her talents into opening a soul food restaurant. At her popular St. Louis eatery, Sweetie Pie's, both hilarity and drama are offered up, and now Miss Robbie is preparing to launch a third location with a little help from her son and partner Tim. Produced by Pilgrim Films & Television. Executive producers are Craig Piligian, Jenn Duncan, Tim Brietbach, Jeff Keane, and Steve Luebbert.

About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

A joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN debuted on January 1, 2011, in approximately 77 million homes on what was the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com. Follow on Twitter @OprahWinfreyNet