VH1 AND FREEFORM ACQUIRE ALL FIVE SEASONS OF "THE MINDY PROJECT" FROM NBCUNIVERSAL'S UNIVERSAL TELEVISION

SERIES BEGINS AIRING IN OCTOBER

NEW YORK -- September 28, 2016 -- NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution today announced VH1 and Freeform have acquired the first five seasons of "The Mindy Project" from Universal Television. The show will begin airing on both networks in October and episodes will also be available on the VH1 and Freeform apps.

According to Barbara Zaneri, EVP, Viacom Program Acquisitions Group: "I'm happy to have closed this deal on behalf of VH1 which has recently enjoyed five consecutive quarters of growth. 'Mindy' fits right into the network's plan to bring premier programming to VH1's audience as it continues to broaden its brand."

"Freeform rebranded nine months ago and continues to grow as a place for young adult entertainment. Part of this growth is our increase in providing incredible quality content and 'The Mindy Project' is a perfect addition," said Tom Ascheim, President Freeform. "Mindy is a blend of energy and possibility, she is the voice of our audience. Her bold, strong, confident and funny take on everything from her career to dating and dressing belong on Freeform."

"We are pleased that VH1 and Freeform recognize the value of 'The Mindy Project' for their viewers," stated Frances Manfredi, President, NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution. "VH1 and Freeform are great partners and 'The Mindy Project' will be a great addition to their strong programming."

"The Mindy Project" from Universal Television is a single-camera comedy series created by and starring Emmy(r)-nominated writer/producer and New York Times best-selling author Mindy Kaling, which follows a skilled OB/GYN navigating the tricky waters of both her personal and professional life. The series stars Mindy Kaling, Chris Messina, Ed Weeks, Ike Barinholtz, Adam Pally, Beth Grant, Xosha Roquemore, Fortune Feimster and Zoe Jarman. From 3 Arts Entertainment in association with Universal Television, "The Mindy Project" is executive produced by Kaling, Howard Klein, Matt Warburton, Charlie Grandy and Michael Spiller.

Season five of "The Mindy Project" will return with all-new episodes on October 4 on Hulu. The series will celebrate its 100th episode this season.

About Freeform

Part of the Disney|ABC Television Group, Freeform is distributed in 94 million homes. The network connects to audiences and goes beyond entertainment with bold original programming and immersive social engagement. The network delivers a unique mix of quality original and acquired series, plus fan favorite movies and the holiday events "13 Nights of Halloween" and "25 Days of Christmas." The Freeform app is a service that allows viewers with participating TV subscription services access to 24/7 live viewing of the network, as well as continued on-demand access via a wide array of devices.

About VH1

VH1 is the dominant pop culture brand for adults 18-34, creating their pop culture today while celebrating the pop culture of their past. VH1 is available in 93 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including the VH1 App, VH1.com and @VH1, the hub for all things music and pop culture. Fans may also access current and retro VH1 programming via the VH1 App, the network's three-in-one video, new form content and co-viewing app, available for free on iOS and Android platforms. VH1 is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

About NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution

NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution is responsible for the sales and distribution of NBCUniversal product to all forms of television within the U.S. and Canada. This includes current television and film product as well as content from NBCUniversal's vast library (Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Television, Universal Cable Productions, NBC Late Night properties, etc.) distributed in basic cable, pay cable and subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) markets. The division is also responsible for the sales of NBCUniversal content to non-theatrical markets including airlines worldwide.

About Universal Television

Universal Television is one of the largest and most successful television production companies in the United States. The studio currently produces more than 20 primetime series as well as late night and reality programs for a variety of network, cable, and digital platforms. Acclaimed series produced by Universal Television include "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," "The Mindy Project," "Master of None," "Bates Motel," "The Path," "Chicago Fire," "Chicago P.D." and "Chicago Med," among numerous others, and all of NBC's successful late-night programs. Universal Television is a division of NBCUniversal, which develops, produces and markets the best entertainment, news and information to a global audience.