Tuesday, January 31, 2006

The Final Four Women Are Selected For THE BACHELOR PARIS

Travis Visits The Final Four Women´s Hometowns, As Their Families Put Him On The Hot Seat In A Special Two-Hour Edition Of ABC´s THE BACHELOR: PARIS, Monday, February 6

Moana´s Father Threatens to End His Daughter´s Chances of Snagging The Bachelor with His Relentless Grilling of Travis

Susan´s Parents End Up Questioning Her Objectives, Totally Surprising Travis

The stakes get higher as Travis leaves romantic Paris and gets a sneak peek at what life would be like with the final four women - Moana, Sarah B., Sarah S. and Susan - when he returns to the United States and travels to the hometowns of the lucky Bachelorettes. The hometown dates offer him the opportunity to see each woman on her home turf, amid the people who love her the most, providing a chance for her to shine and for romantic sparks to fly. The test for real chemistry happens here at home, where it counts - not just in Paris - on THE BACHELOR: PARIS," Monday, February 6 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

In addition, viewers will be treated to favorite moments from the hometown dates from the 11-season history of THE BACHELOR and THE BACHELORETTE - from the laughter and love to the poignant and cringe-inducing.

When Travis meets up with Moana in San Clemente, California, to meet her parents, brothers and sisters, he is the target of a harsh grilling by her father, which may ruin her chances to move on with the Bachelor.

Back in Nashville, Travis and Sarah S. realize that, ironically, they live just blocks away from each other and find that their lives intertwine. Travis gets a glimpse of the real Sarah when her kindergarten class surprises the couple. And in an unusual move, Travis invites her family over for dinner at his home.

The intensity is ratcheted up a notch when the Bachelor travels to Winnipeg, Canada, to visit Sarah B. and meet her mom and brothers. Things get tense between the two when the insecure Bachelorette confronts Travis regarding his feelings about the other women. Will this become the breaking point in their relationship?

And finally, after spending a romantic afternoon together in a park in Durham, North Carolina, Travis and Susan go to her house to meet her parents and brother. When Susan´s own parents question her intentions, Travis is totally surprised.

In the end, Travis has a very difficult decision to make when he finds he has a true connection with each of the final four women and must narrow the field to the three Bachelorettes he will take on the romantic overnight dates next week.

The final four women are:

Moana, 26, Distribution Manager, who currently resides in Los Angeles, CA

Sarah B., 23, Student, who currently resides in Winnipeg, Canada

Sarah S., 26, Kindergarten Teacher, who currently resides in Nashville, TN

Susan, 25, Financial Associate, who currently resides in Overland Park, KS

Barry Manilow To Perform On DANCING WITH THE STARS

Pop Icon Barry Manilow Performs On ABC´s DANCING WITH THE STARS Results Show, Friday, February 3

He "writes the songs that make the whole world sing..." and we´re bringing him to you live from the DANCING WITH THE STARS stage. He´s none other than pop icon Barry Manilow. Don´t miss a beat on the DANCING WITH THE STARS results show, Friday, February 3 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

International superstar and singer/songwriter Barry Manilow performs three songs, including his hit "Copacabana," as professional dancers Louis van Amstel and Cheryl Burke dance the Samba. He´ll also serenade us with his rendition of the classic "Unchained Melody," from his latest album, "The Greatest Songs of the Fifties." To end the evening, he will accompany the eliminated couple, singing "They Dance" as they take the floor for their final dance.

In addition, two world Mambo champions, Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine and Joanna Zacharewicz, will be dancing to the "Ran Kan Kan."

Hosted by Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris, the DANCING WITH THE STARS results show airs Fridays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET and features performances by music´s hottest stars, as well as performances from the hottest dance troupes and professional dancers, ranging from salsa to jive to hip-hop.

Celebrities paired with professional dancers perform choreographed routines on DANCING WITH THE STARS Thursday nights and are judged by a panel of dance experts - renowned Ballroom Judge Len Goodman, and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

The viewing public also weighs in, by phoning in or voting online for their favorite performers immediately following the Thursday performance shows. The scores are combined and the couple garnering the lowest score is revealed by evening´s end during the Friday results show and eliminated from the competition. One couple is dismissed each Friday until a winner is crowned.

Tune in this Friday to find out who among the following contestants will be sent home:

TIA CARRERE - Television and movie star known for her stunning beauty, and partner/professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

GEORGE HAMILTON - Actor and international bon vivant, and partner/professional dancer Edyta Sliwinska, who makes her second appearance in the series.

STACY KEIBLER - WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) wrestler, and partner/professional dancer Tony Dovolani.

DREW LACHEY - Recording artist and former member of the pop group 98 Degrees, and partner/professional dancer Cheryl Burke.

JERRY RICE - Three-time Super Bowl champ and considered by many to be the greatest wide receiver to play in the NFL, and partner/professional dancer Anna Trebunskaya.

LISA RINNA - Actress, entrepreneur and host of SOAPnet´s "Soap Talk," and partner/professional dancer Louis van Amstel, who returns to the series from last season.

DANCING WITH THE STARS is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, STRICTLY COME DANCING.

DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER Season 3 To Premiere March 21

A&E Network has announced that DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER new season premiere will be March 21st at 9:00 pm EST

Following famed bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman, his wife and business partner Beth, their family and cohorts - has become a favorite ritual for millions of television viewers.

Mark Burnett Productions and AOL to Produce GOLD RUSH! - First-Ever Reality Treasure Hunt Exclusively on AOL.com

GOLD RUSH First-Ever Reality Treasure Hunt To Premiere on AOL.com
Mark Burnett Productions and AOL have signed a major production deal to develop a real-life reality treasure hunt airing exclusively on the AOL.com website. Called GOLD RUSH!, the show will track real-life challengers searching for hidden treasure across the United States.

The clues, expected to be extremely challenging, will be placed throughout the AOL network, including websites such as AOL.com, AIM.com Moviefone.com and MapQuest.com. The clues and the show will also be promoted on other media, including television, print and wireless.

"With SURVIVOR, THE APPRENTICE, THE CONTENDER AND ROCK STAR, I´ve been amazed by the volume of fans who constantly want to communicate online about each of these shows. They clearly want a lot more content than they can enjoy during one hour of television per week," said Mark Burnett. "The world is changing and the Internet is about to become the next broadcast network. With the volume of people able to watch content on their computers between 9am to 5pm, it could very well become the new primetime. The immediate future will take advantage of content that utilizes television, print and the Internet in concert. AOL and I are embracing this immediate future through GOLD RUSH." "This is a totally original concept that comes to us from the guy who created reality television," said Jon Miller, Chairman and CEO of America Online. "It defines engagement; it´s disruptive by nature and it will certainly be habit forming - all the best of the Internet in one fell swoop."

Monday, January 30, 2006

New Reality Series SPYING ON MYSELF To Premiere March 1st

Have you ever wondered what people really think of you? The A&E controversial new reality series, SPYING ON MYSELF, gives participants the chance to infiltrate their own lives. By blending the voyeuristic thrills of Taxi Cab Confessions, the psychological drama of THE REAL WORLD and a "I-can´t-believe-they-are-doing-this" attitude, SPYING ON MYSELF offers viewers a compelling new entertainment: watching people learn what other people really think of them.

SPYING ON MYSELF uses state of the art makeup and disguise techniques so each participant will be physically transformed to look like a completely different person. Then they´ll each undergo a rigorous training conducted by acting coaches and undercover operatives. Over the course of the training they´ll learn how to speak, walk and behave with a completely new identity. Finally the participants will be sent out on a mission to learn the unvarnished, eye-opening truth about themselves: what do their family and friends say about them when they´re not around?

SPYING ON MYSELF six episode series premieres March 1st at 10:00 pm ET/PT on A&E Network.

Bravo Announces PROJECT RUNWAY and QUEER EYE Ringtones And Wallpaper

Bravo has entered into the mobile phone market with the launch of Bravo To Go, which will include two online mobile storefronts for the acclaimed original series PROJECT RUNWAY and QUEER EYE. Teaming up with iLoop Mobile, Inc., mobile phone users will be able to purchase wallpaper as well as ringtones featuring the shows´ theme songs when the storefronts launch on BravoTV.com today, Monday, January 30. The announcement was made today by Lauren Zalaznick, President, Bravo.

"Networks are branding their programming through mobile content and providing an audible and visual experience for the consumer," said Zalaznick. "We´re launching our mobile store with the most in demand Bravo brands, PROJECT RUNWAY and QUEER EYE."

A selection of PROJECT RUNWAY and QUEER EYE mobile phone ringtones can be purchased at http://www.BravoTV.com for $1.99 per Bravo To Go download. Take Heidi Klum on the go and choose between the PROJECT RUNWAY theme song and the supermodel´s famous words, "Are You In Or Out," or make their ringtones fabulous with the QUEER EYE theme song, "All Things Just Keep Getting Better," by Widelife with Simone Denny.

Mobile phone users can also give their cell phones a makeover with a selection of PROJECT RUNWAY and QUEER EYE wallpaper for $1.99. Whether it´s Heidi Klum´s smile or a Fab Five group shot, it´s guaranteed high-phone-fashion and style for the consumer.

The mobile storefronts will be live on BravoTV.com and powered by iLoop Mobile, Inc., a mobile application software company that allows content owners to create, connect, and control text-based SMS mobile marketing campaigns and web and WAP mobile storefronts.

"We are proud to be selected as the mobile provider for PROJECT RUNWAY and QUEER EYE," said Steve Koskie, iLoop Mobile CEO, "Bravo has been able to leverage our mobile technology platform to connect their brands to the consumer in a fun and interactive way."

THE AMAZING RACE 9 Cast Members Announced

CBS has just announced the cast members for THE AMAZING RACE 9.

The eleven teams of two are:

Lake and Michelle - Married Parents from Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Dani and Danielle - Childhood Friends from Staten Island, New York

BJ and Tyler - Best Friends who are World Travelers and call no place home

Ray and Yolanda - Who Are Dating. Ray is from Chicago, Illinois and Yolanda is from Gainesville, Florida

John and Scott - Best Friends. John is from Boston, Massachusetts and Scott is from Cape Cod, Massachusetts

David and Lori - Dating Couple from Manhattan, Kansas

Jeremy and Eric - Best Friends from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fran and Barry - Married for Over 40 Plus Years from Summit County, Colorado

Joni and Lisa - Sisters. Joni lives in Katy, Texas and Lisa is from Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Joseph and Monica - Dating Couple from Fayetteville, Arkansas

Wanda and Desiree - Mother and Daughter. Wanda lives in Smyrna, Georgia and Desiree resides in New York City

The AMAZING RACE 9 premieres Tuesday, February 28 at 9:00 PM ET/PT on CBS.

More information about THE AMAZING RACE 9 can be accessed by going to the official website at http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race9

Sunday, January 29, 2006

NBC´s LAST COMIC STANDING Will Be Offering Open Casting

NBC which announced a few weeks that it will be bringing back LAST COMIC STANDING later on this summer, has also announced an open casting call for the show.

Think you´ve got what it takes to tickle America´s funny bone? Attend an OPEN CALL!

FEBRUARY 21
Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood Improv
8162 Melrose
Los Angeles, CA 90046

FEBRUARY 27
Tempe, AZ
Tempe Improv
930 University Dr
Tempe AZ, 85281

MARCH 2
Austin, TX
Capital City Comedy Club
8120 Research Boulevard
Austin, TX 78758

More dates are scheduled to be announced soon by NBC.

Saturday, January 28, 2006

MTV´s LAGUNA BEACH and GAUNTLET 2 Now Available On iTunes

MTV Networks and Apple® have announced that two hit reality television programming from MTV is now available for purchase and download on the iTunes® Music Store. The new content features MTV´s LAGUNA BEACH and REAL WORLD/ROAD RULES CHALLENGE: GAUNTLET 2 which are the first reality-based titles available on iTunes.

"The iTunes Music Store provides an innovative way for us to get our wide range of programming to our viewers,² said Jason Hirschhorn, chief digital officer, MTV Networks. ³MTV Networks¹ brands feature some of the most popular programs in television today, and iTunes allows us to connect our content to even more audiences. We´re committed to having our programming on multiple platforms as our audience´s media consumption behavior evolves."

"Video has proven to be a smash hit on iTunes with over eight million videos sold," said Eddy Cue, Apple´s vice president of iTunes.

MTV: LAGUNA BEACH - the first-ever reality drama exploring the lives of beautiful teenagers who lead glamorous lives. GAUNTLET 2 - the tropical island of Tobago is the setting for the latest showdown between REAL WORLD and ROAD RULES alumni.

Open Casting Call For ROCK STAR 2: THE SERIES

Wanna Be A Rock Star? Mark Burnett Productions is now accepting applications for ROCK STAR 2: THE SERIES

After last season´s highly successful premier of ROCK STAR: INXS, the series returns to CBS this summer bigger and better than ever. Application and information for ROCK STAR 2: THE SERIES (working title) are available at www.CBS.com or www.rockstar.msn.com.

Think you´re a Rock Star? Send an application along with a video, demo, and picture or attend an open call in one of the following cities (cities subject to change):

Austin, TX March 1st
Boston, MA March 3rd
Atlanta, GA March 6th
New York, NY March 8th
Chicago, IL March 11th
Toronto, ON March 13th
Minneapolis, MN March 16th
Seattle, WA March 18th
San Francisco, CA March 21st
Vancouver, BC March 23rd
Los Angeles, CA March 31st

You can ROCK out a cappella, with a track, play an instrument, or bring an accompanist.

Application deadline is March 25, 2006.

You must be at least 21 years of age.

Friday, January 27, 2006

Reality Animated TV Series DRAWN TOGETHER To Premiere on iTunes

UPDATE - Officals from COMEDY CENTRAL have confirmed that there was an error with part of their announcement. It was reported that there would be a Free Premiere episode of DRAWN TOGETHER on iTunes on January 30th. COMEDY CENTRAL is now indicating that this episode is not free - but will be available at a cost for $1.99

COMEDY CENTRAL(R) Launches on iTunes With DRAWN TOGETHER iTunes ´Episode Premiere´

Download of New DRAWN TOGETHER Episode to Debut on iTunes on Monday, January 30

iTunes Deal Launches With 56 Half-Hour Episodes of SOUTH PARK, COMEDY CENTRAL STAND-UP and DRAWN TOGETHER

Stand-up and get animated! COMEDY CENTRAL is launching on iTunes today, with 56 half-hour episodes featuring the network´s leading franchises - the Emmy Award-winning SOUTH PARK, DRAWN TOGETHER and COMEDY CENTRAL STAND-UP. To promote and celebrate the deal, a download of a new episode of COMEDY CENTRAL´s hit-animated reality series DRAWN TOGETHER will be available on Monday, January 30, three days in advance of the February 1, network debut - making this an "iTunes Episode Premiere."

"We are thrilled to premiere a new episode prior to its network airing and to launch COMEDY CENTRAL video content on iTunes," said Michele Ganeless, general manager and evp, COMEDY CENTRAL. "Partnering with Apple extends our brand to the burgeoning iTunes audience and further strengthens COMEDY CENTRAL´s commitment to providing our viewers access to programming - anytime, anywhere."

Beginning on January 26, iTunes Music Store, the world´s most popular video download store, joins forces with COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, to offer consumers an extensive library of downloadable comedic video content including adult animation and stand-up. Through the coming weeks and months, COMEDY CENTRAL will continue to add to the iTunes library, dipping into the network´s existing catalog. From previously released on DVD episodes of SOUTH PARK and DRAWN TOGETHER to new episodes of SOUTH PARK and DRAWN TOGETHER available for download, in advance of their DVD release.

For one week, iTunes users will have the opportunity to get a copy (* REVISED to indicate that there will be a charge of $1.99) of a new episode of COMEDY CENTRAL´s hit series DRAWN TOGETHER, the first original animated reality series. This episodic download will be available exclusively on iTunes on Monday, January 30, three days in advance of the episode´s February 1 network premiere. This is the second of eight new DRAWN TOGETHER episodes scheduled to air on COMEDY CENTRAL. The new season of DRAWN TOGETHER kicked-off on Wednesday, January 25 at 10:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

The "iTunes Episode Premiere" of DRAWN TOGETHER, features Captain Hero mourning the death of his never-before-seen sidekick, Captain Girl. Wooldoor vies for the open position and, in a bizarre twist, discovers that Captain Girl never really existed, thus securing the role for Wooldoor. Meanwhile, Toot is more miserable than ever and thinks having a baby will solve all her problems. The gang brings Toot a Nicaraguan baby to teach her how to be more responsible, but her inept parenting leads to the baby shop lifting, getting tattoos and, ultimately, having a baby itself.

For $1.99 per episode, consumers can download COMEDY CENTRAL shows from the iTunes Music Store and view them on their iPods or computers. iTunes users will have access to 56 half-hour episodes from the following COMEDY CENTRAL programming:

SOUTH PARK, the Emmy-Award winning show, soon to begin its tenth season and the network´s highest rated series

* Season One (13 episodes)
* Season Two (18 episodes)

DRAWN TOGETHER, the first original animated reality series where cartoon characters from various genres of animation are brought together to live under one roof

* Season One (seven episodes)
* Season Two A (seven episodes)
* Season Two B - the February 1 episode to debut on iTunes. In addition, a new episode will be available to download after it´s aired on the network.

COMEDY CENTRAL STAND-UP, the first stand-up video content to launch on iTunes featuring some of today´s hottest comedians

* The Amazing Johnathan
* Dave Attell
* Lewis Black (two episodes)
* Dane Cook
* Godfrey
* Mitch Hedberg
* Vic Henley
* Steve McGrew
* Vince Morris
* Patton Oswalt

Thursday, January 26, 2006

A Couples Casting Call has been announced by ABC.

Get A Relationship Tune-Up! We Are Seeking Couples!

Are you getting or sending mixed messages?

Frustrated? In search of the truth?

Has your sex life gone flat?

Is your partner not listening to you?

Do you need help?

You deserve the BEST -- don´t settle for LESS!

Let the Relationship Guru give you your own set of tools to move your relationship forward!

If you have been together for a year or more, married, unmarried, living together or not, every relationship needs a tune up. Who knows, this could save you years of therapy!

Please contact Casting at:
310-823-2822 x4262
OR
email abccouples@theconlincompany.com

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Casting Call Announced For THE WORLD SERIES OF POP CULTURE

VH1 and ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY Join Forces and Put America´s Pop Culture Knowledge to the Test With New Original Series THE WORLD SERIES OF POP CULTURE

Nationwide Search for Experts in Pop Culture Trivia From the Executive Producer of WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE Premieres Summer 2006

Interactive Show Components Include Online Game Play, Show Highlights, and a Chance to Qualify Online

Question Number 1: On their self-titled sitcom, Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney work as bottle-cappers at what Milwaukee brewery?

Question Number 2: On the series TWIN PEAKS, what is Agent Dale Cooper´s favorite dessert?

Think you know the answers? Read on and find out.

VH1 and ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY challenge America to answer those questions and so many more when they test the country´s pop culture savvy with the new original series THE WORLD SERIES OF POP CULTURE. From the executive producer of WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE, THE WORLD SERIES OF POP CULTURE is the ultimate pop culture competition designed for teams to display their astounding range of knowledge about everything music, television and film. Hosted by NY1 News anchor Pat Kiernan, THE WORLD SERIES OF POP CULTURE is scheduled to premiere on VH1 in the summer of 2006.

The search for the country´s best pop culture gurus begins in March with regional qualifying competitions in five cities:

* Los Angeles - March 4th & 5th
* Chicago - March 11th & 12th
* Dallas - March 18th & 19th
* Atlanta - March 25th & 26th
* New York - April 1st & 2nd

Thousands will audition but only 15 teams of three players each will be chosen to compete for THE WORLD SERIES OF POP CULTURE championship. The 16th and final team will be cast online at http://www.vh1.com/, where budding contestants can attempt to qualify by taking VH1´s very own "Pop Culture IQ Test." Three of the top scorers from the online test will join forces and become the final "wildcard" team in the tournament. Visit http://www.vh1.com/shows/casting_call/ for more details.

VSPOT, VH1´s broadband network will also be the source of supplemental exclusive show content, game highlights and much more including online game play.

All 16 teams will face off in New York City and compete in the biggest team trivia challenge ever. Here´s how the game is played: once the first category is revealed, the teams will have 30 seconds to deliberate before sending a teammate to the microphone to play for that entire category. The chosen players will each get one question per round, and each category will contain ten rounds of questions of increasing difficulty. Categories will run the gamut, being as broad as "Family TV" or as specific as "1980´s Teen Comedy Films."

Within a round, a player is eliminated if he or she answers the question incorrectly and his opponent answers his correctly. The first team to beat its opponents in three categories, and eliminate all their players, will win and move on to the next round. In the very end, one team will be crowned the champions of THE WORLD SERIES OF POP CULTURE and receive $100,000 in cash and prizes.

"This is truly a search for the best pop-culture heads in America," said Michael Hirschorn, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Production, VH1. "What´s really exciting about THE WORLD SERIES OF POP CULTURE is that it´s tailor made for the emerging multiplatform universe. Viewers can do more than just watch. They can participate, and possibly even win."

"ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY´s Pop Culture Quizzes have long been a favorite with our readers," said Fred Nelson, the magazine´s VP of Editorial Development. "We are delighted to partner with VH1 and Embassy Row to engage America´s passion for entertainment in a dynamic new format."

Viewers can log onto www.vh1.com/ to find out how to audition and learn more about THE WORLD SERIES OF POP CULTURE.

Answers to WORLD SERIES OF POP CULTURE Sample Questions:
Number 1 - Shotz Brewery
Number 2 - Cherry Pie

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

AMBUSH MAKEROVER To Premiere on Fox Reality

Fox Reality has announced that AMBUSH MAKEOVER will premiere on their network today.

AMBUSH MAKEOVER, is a half-hour strip featuring some of Hollywood´s and New York´s best and most celebrated stylists, make-up and hair artists in the country. Their client lists include several A-list celebrities, such as Britney Spears, Destiny´s Child, Michelle Pfeiffer and Julianne Moore.

From the producers of TRADING SPACES, AMBUSH MAKEOVER and its team of famous celebrity Style Agents give their fashion ´targets´ an ultimatum - either drop everything that very instant to embark on an exciting makeover or continue on about their day without ever knowing what could´ve been!

As the Style Agents initiate their makeovers, the back-stories and the reactions to the reveals of their expertise are as much fun as the makeovers themselves, captivating viewers with the makeover´s beginning to the dramatic ending.

AMBUSH MAKEROVER can be seen today (Tuesday January 24th) at 04:00 PM ET on Fox Reality.

UPN and THE WB TO Cease Operations - Merge And Form New Network With CBS

CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment today announced their intent to form a new 5th network, The CW, to be launched in the fall of 2006. The new broadcasting network will be a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corporation, with each company owning 50%. In an important strategic move that secures major market distribution for The CW, it was announced that Tribune Broadcasting and the CBS Corporation´s UPN affiliates have agreed separately to sign 10-year affiliation agreements with the new network.

The announcement for the new network was made today in New York by Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Corporation and Barry Meyer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Warner Bros. Entertainment. The Tribune Broadcasting affiliation agreements were announced by Dennis FitzSimons, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tribune Company.

At the same time, it was announced that CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment will cease operations of their respective networks -- UPN and The WB. The WB and UPN will continue to broadcast their respective network schedules independently until the fall. The combination of Tribune´s 16 major market stations and the 12 CBS-owned UPN major market affiliates give The CW instant coverage in 48% of the country. The remainder of the network´s distribution system will be a combination of selected current UPN and The WB stations. The full distribution of the new network is expected to exceed 95% of the country.

Dawn Ostroff, currently President of UPN, will become President of Entertainment and John Maatta, currently Chief Operating Officer of The WB, will become Chief Operating Officer of The CW.

"This new network will serve the public with high-quality programming and maintain our ongoing commitment to our diverse audience," said Moonves. "It will clearly be greater than the sum of its parts, delivering excellent demographics to advertisers, and building a strong new affiliate body. Additionally, The CW will be able to draw from the creative talent and production resources from the top two television production studios in the business, while also seeking programming from all sources -- independent producers or other studios. With this move, we will be creating a viable entity, one well-equipped to compete, thrive and serve all our many publics in this multi-channel media universe. I´d like to thank Dawn Ostroff and all the talented people at UPN who have worked so hard. For many years UPN had financial losses, but under CBS´s guidance, UPN has been able to effect a dramatic creative turnaround in a short period of time."

"This new network makes sound business and creative sense at every level -- for our viewers, advertisers, affiliates and for the shareholders of our companies," said Meyer. "Every key constituency of the network will now greatly benefit from this combination by being part of a highly rated, competitive, 5th broadcast network that is financially sound. As we form this new joint venture, we are also very pleased that in Dawn and John we have a management team of great creative vision and business acumen, one that will help to guide it successfully forward."

"This is a very exciting day for Time Warner and its shareholders in the creation of what we believe will be a very strong and viable 5th broadcast television network," said Jeff Bewkes, President & Chief Operating Officer of Time Warner. "This new network will have all the strategic asset value as an outlet for our programming that The WB presented us, but with a much firmer and more secure financial present and future. The credit goes to Barry Meyer, who continues to have tremendous vision and extraordinary business acumen as the long time leader of Warner Bros. Entertainment, a company that we are proud to say continues to be number one in its class."

"This is a great day for Tribune and its shareholders, and we are pleased to be the lead affiliate group of what will be a strong network," said FitzSimons. "We could not have had a better partner than Warner Bros. and Barry Meyer since we together launched The WB 11 years ago. Now, with the ownership role of CBS Corporation and the leadership of Leslie Moonves added to the mix, Tribune´s viewers and advertisers will benefit from an even stronger programming lineup."

The CW will incorporate The WB´s current scheduling model, which consists of a 6 night-13 hour primetime lineup including Monday through Friday nights from 8-10 (EST/PST); Sundays from 7-10 (EST/PST); Sunday from 5-7 (EST/PST) outside of primetime as well as a Monday thru Friday afternoon block from 3-5 (EST/PST) and a 5-hour Saturday morning animation block. Together, the network will program 30 hours a week over seven days for its affiliated stations.

As the top creative executive, Ostroff will have available a line-up of some of the most popular programming that appeals to young adults in the media business. These programming assets range from hit reality series such as AMERICA´S NEXT TOP MODEL and The WB´s BEAUTY AND THE GEEK.

Monday, January 23, 2006

New Reality Series TREASURE HUNTERS Coming To NBC This Summer

NBC has announced that a brand new reality series TREASURE HUNTERS will premiere this summer.

TREASURE HUNTERS - from Imagine Television and the producers of PROJECT GREENLIGHT, PROJECT RUNWAY and LAST COMIC STANDING is a fast-paced, adventure-reality series.

In TREASURE HUNTERS, multi-player teams try to stay one step ahead of each other as they face intellectual and physical challenges in their quest of a promised hidden treasure. The teams must avoid elimination as they travel to historically significant locations where the must decipher cryptic codes and puzzles, each with a clue leading them closer to solving the ultimate puzzle and obtaining the coveted grand prize.

THE APPRENTICE Returns In A New Time Slot - Premieres February 27

NBC has announced that THE APPRENTICE will return to NBC in a new time slot on Monday, February 27 (9-10 p.m. ET).

The return of THE APPRENTICE has a new twist - for the first time in APPRENTICE history, the show will be filmed outside of Manhattan and the tri-state area and will shoot in Southern California.

"Donald has so many recent West Coast projects, that it made perfect sense to change locations and along with it change the flavor of the weekly tasks," said Mark Burnett, Creator and Executive Producer, Mark Burnett Productions. "Seeing Donald operate in Southern California will provide yet more insight into his remarkable world."

Nick at Nite Debuts Second Season of HI-JINKS on Tuesday, February 28

Nick at Nite´s second season of the hit hidden camera series, HI-JINKS, will premiere on Tuesday, February 28 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT.

The series´ next thirteen episodes - in which adults play good-natured pranks on kids - is being produced by Stone & Company Entertainment, with Leila Sbitani returning as host. Each week features a celebrity prank segment in which famous faces use their talents to play tricks on bewildered tikes. This season, actors Jane Seymour and Alan Thicke are among the celebrities who have conspired with parents to prank kids.

"We are thrilled that HI-JINKS was such a huge hit with our audience," states SaI Maniaci, Senior Vice President, Development and Original Production, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "We knew that both parents and kids would really connect with the show and the average of over 2.2 million total viewers tuning into the whole series proves it."

Each 30-minute episode features several pranks taking place everywhere from homes, malls and even schools across the country. Academy Award Winner Susan Sarandon, NBA All-Star Chris Webber, actress/model Vivica Fox and THE VIEW´S Meredith Vieira were among the celebrities who conspired with parents to prank kids in season one.

The new episodes of HI-JINKS are executive produced by Scott A. Stone (THE MOLE, OBLIVIOUS, THE JOE SCHMO SHOW, THE MAN SHOW, FAME) and Brad Kuhlman (MASTER BLASTERS, ONE BAD TRIP, FM NATION).

Sunday, January 22, 2006

Was A Major Reality Show Canceled Because A Gay Couple Was The Winner?

The NEW YORK TIMES reported Saturday in a copyright article that the ABC reality series, WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, which heavily promoted last summer was canceled ten days before the first episode was to be shown because possibly accordingly to the report - the winners were a "Gay Couple".

Producers of this reality series also indicating that undue influence by religious groups also prompted the cancellation.

The article indicated that "ABC executives canceled WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, saying that they were concerned that viewers who might have been appalled at some early statements made in the show - including homophobic barbs - might not hang in for the sixth episode, when several of those same neighbors pronounced themselves newly open-minded about gays and other groups."

And the article continued to say "But two producers of the show, speaking publicly about the cancellation for the first time... said that the protests might have been most significant as a diversion that allowed the Walt Disney Company, ABC´s owner, to pre-empt a show that could have interfered with a much bigger enterprise: the courting of evangelical Christian audiences for THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. Disney hoped that the film, widely viewed as a parable of the Resurrection, would be the first in a profitable movie franchise.

In the months and weeks before WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD was to have its premiere, as Disney sought to build church support for NARNIA, four religious groups lifted longtime boycotts of the company that had been largely prompted by Disney´s tolerance of periodic gatherings by gay tourists at its theme parks. Representatives for two of those groups now say that broadcasting NEIGHBORHOOD could have complicated their support for NARNIA. One, the Southern Baptist Convention, with more than 16 million members, lifted the last of the boycotts against Disney on June 22, a week before ABC announced it was pulling the series."

A press release from ABC last summer stated... "The stakes are high, the families are real and the neighborhood will never be the same, as neighbors decide which family will move into a dream home, on the series premiere of ABC´s WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD. When the neighbors living in a quiet, picturesque suburban community get to choose the family who´ll move in next door to them, their belief systems gets rocked as they try to get past their own pre-conceived notions and prejudices, and the idea that a neighbor should look and think just like them. Their choice doesn´t get any easier when they meet the seven very diverse families, including a family covered in tattoos, a homosexual couple with an adopted child and a family who practice Wiccan, a pagan religion. Will the resident neighbors be able to see past their own ideals and accept all of the families as people instead of stereotypes?

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD was to premiere on July 20, 2005, in a six part series. ABC, which owns the rights to the series, says that it has no plans either to broadcast the series ever or allow it to be sold to another outlet.

Friday, January 20, 2006

UPN Announces AMERICA´S NEXT TOP MODEL: WHERE THE GIRLS ARE Special

UPN has announced that on Wednesday, March 1, (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), the one-hour special AMERICA´S NEXT TOP MODEL: WHERE THE GIRLS ARE will premiere.

Tyra Banks gives viewers an inside glimpse at the exciting lives of the models from all previous cycles who have parlayed their experience on the hit series into success - from landing magazine covers, major ad campaigns and walking the runway at top fashion events to starring in feature films and TV series.

Gene Simmons FAMILY JEWELS Reality Series Announced

Gene Simmons FAMILY JEWELS In Production On A&E

A New Real Life Series Featuring
The Legendary Rock Star
And His Unconventional Family Life

Production has begun on GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS. Dad is Gene Simmons - the legendary, tongue wagging demon of KISS. Mom is Shannon Tweed - former Playmate Of The Year, actress and model. And their kids, Nick and Sophie, are, well...surprisingly charming, well-behaved teenagers dealing with the trials and tribulations of adolescence, even though Mom and Dad are like no one else´s parents.

Gene and Shannon have been happily UNmarried for 22 years and have no plans of getting married any time soon. Gene is a rock star, and a multi-media magnate. He is also the kind of dad who brings Gatorade to his daughter´s soccer games and stands in the front row of his son´s rock band when they play gigs. This series will reveal the side of Gene that he has kept hidden until now, and shows how the most non-traditional, traditional family in America manages to make it work under the oddest of circumstances.

Gene Simmons is co-founder of KISS, a band which has broken box office records worldwide set by Elvis and the Beatles and has 2,500 licensed and merchandised products, from KISS VISA cards to KISS condoms (www.GENESIMMONS.com). Gene also runs Simmons Records, Simmons Audio Visual and Gene Simmons Game magazine. He is Chairman of a forthcoming television network and is busier than ever in another of his new ventures: SIMMONS ABRAMSON MARKETING, which handles worldwide branding/marketing and branding for the Indy Racing League.

FAMILY JEWELS is scheduled to premiere later on this year on A&E Network.

KING OF CARS - New Reality Series To Premiere In March

For most Americans there are few certainties in life besides birth, death, taxes and...buying a car. KING OF CARS, a new real life series set in the crazy, cutthroat world of car sales, premieres on A&E in March.

KING OF CARS is a raucous, behind the scenes look at the world of car sales. The series follows 30-year-old Chop - a.k.a., the "King of Cars" who manages to run a hugely successful auto empire in Nevada, while also balancing several other real life roles as father, rap impresario, radio host, Vegas player and TV infomercial star and producer.

The series, which was shot in and around Las Vegas, Nevada, focuses on Chops dealership, the number one single point used car dealership in the nation. The show follows his sales team as they struggle to seal their deals as well as showcases the production of THE CHOP SHOW, a weekly improvised infomercial that has become a local cult phenomenon responsible for a whopping 80 percent of the dealership´s sales. Part commercial, part variety show, these one-of-a-kind infomercials feature hilarious skits with real salesmen sporting outlandish costumes and Chop delivering his special brand of high energy hosting. For more information about Chop visit his website at www.chopcars.com.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

SURVIVOR Open Casting Now Being Held Throughout USA Cities

CBS Has announced that they are offering an Open Casting Call for the next season of SURVIVOR.

An Open Casting Call is an event your local station holds for SURVIVOR. When you attend an Open Call, you will fill out an application and be put on camera there. You do not need to bring your own tape, and you do not need a copy of your passport. Open Calls alleviate the headaches and expenses of making your own tape, transferring it to VHS format and mailing it.

These events are also lots of fun. Meet fellow SURVIVOR fans, make some new friends, enjoy. Your local station will send the tape directly to the casting department, where it will be watched by the casting team and the same as it would be if you sent in an individual tape yourself.

January 20, 10am-4pm
Boston, MA
CBS4 Studios
1170 Soldiers Field Road
Brighton, MA
WBZ For questions, call 617-787-7274.

January 20, 11am-2pm
Kalamazoo, MI
The Lakes Mall
5600 Harvey Street
Muskegon, MI
WWMT For questions, call (269)388-3234.

January 20, 10am-2pm
Kansas City
Nebraska Furniture Mart
1601 Village West Parkway
Kansas City, KS 66111
KCTV5 For questions, call 913-677-7555.

January 21, 10am-2pm
Abilene, TX
Sisneros Pontiac Buick GMC
2200 N. First Street
Abilene, TX
KTAB/KRBC For questions, call 325-692-4242.

January 21, 12noon-4pm
Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg Mall
Interstate 83 & Paxton Street
Harrisburg, PA
WHP For questions, call 717-238-2100, x220.

January 21, 11am-1pm
Mason City, IA
Southbridge Mall
100 South Federal Avenue
Mason City, IA 50401
KIMT For questions, call 641-423-2540.

January 21, 11am-2pm
Minneapolis, MN
Becker FurnitureWorld
13150 First Street
Becker,MN
WCCO 612-339-4444

January 21, 1pm-4pm
Fort Smith, AR
Central Mall
5111 Rogers Avenue
Fort Smith, AR
KFSM For questions, call (479) 783-3131.

January 22, 12 noon -4pm
Washington, DC
Jack Taylor´s Alexandria Toyota
3750 Jefferson Davis Highway
Alexandria, VA 22301
Check wusa9.com & click on SURVIVOR 13 casting call.

January 23, 4pm-9pm
Cleveland, OH
House of Blues Cleveland
308 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH
WOIO For questions, call 216-367-7383.

January 24, 8am-2pm
Tulsa, OK
Bob Hurley Ford
I-44 & the Arkansas River
745 W. 51st Street
Tulsa, OK
KOTV For questions, call 918-732-6000.

January 25, 4pm-7pm
Indianapolis, IND
Ashley Furniture
733 Lowes Blvd.
Greenwood, IN
WISH For further information, please go to www.wishtv.com.

January 25, 7-9pm
Lima, OH
Buffalo Wild Wings at the American Mall
3000 West Elm Street
Lima, OH 45805
WLMO For questions, call (419)224-8867.

January 25, 4pm-7pm
Oklahoma City, OK
Big Red Sports & Imports
418 N. Interstate Drive
Norman, OK
KWTV For questions, call (405)843-6641.

January 26, 12 noon-8pm
Buffalo, NY
The Summit Mall Food Court
6929 Williams Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
WIVB For further information, go to WIVB.com.

January 26, 5pm-8pm
Fresno, CA
Sierra Vista Mall Center Court
1050 Shaw Avenue
Clovis, CA 93612
KGPE For questions, call (559)222-2411.

January 26, 12n-5pm
Los Angeles, CA
Morongo Casino
49500 Seminole Drive
Cabazon, CA 92230
KCBS For questions, call 323-460-3723

January 27, 3pm-9pm
Birmingham, AL
Oreck of Trussville
1483 Gadsden Highway, 124
Birmingham, AL 35253
WIAT For further information, go to www.wiat.com.

January 27, 7pm-10pm
Eagle, ID
Cheerleaders Sports Bar & Grill
287 E. Shore Drive
Boise,ID 83616
KBCI For questions, call 208-472-2222.

January 27, 5pm-7pm
El Centro, CA
Imperial Valley Cycle Center
1334 N. Imperial Avenue
El Centro, CA
KSWT 928-782-5113

January 28, 11am-1pm
El Centro, CA
Imperial Valley Cycle Center
1334 N. Imperial Avenue
El Centro, CA
KSWT 928-782-5113

January 28, 10am-4pm
Corpus Christi, TX
Padre Staples Mall
5488 S. Padre Island Drive
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
KZTV For questions, call (361)883-7070.

January 28, 10am-1pm
Albany, NY
Huck Finn´s Warehouse
25 Erie Blvd.
Albany, NY 12204.
WRGB For questions, call 518-381-4922.

January 28, 9am-12noon
Des Moines, IA
Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
1 Prairie Meadows Dr.
Altoona, IA 50009
KCCI (515) 247-8888

January 28, 10am - 12 noon
Greensboro, NC
David Westcott Suzuki
2410 South Church Street
Burlington, NC
WFMY

January 28, 2pm-4pm
Miami, FL
Seminole Hard Rock Resort and Casino
5731 State Road 7
Davie, FL 33314
WFOR For questions, call 305-639-4445.

January 28, 9am
San Diego, CA
Sea World
500 Sea World Drive
San Diego, CA
Pre-register at KFMB.COM.
KFMB For questions, call 858-571-8888.

January 28, 10am-2pm
San Francisco, CA
Metro PCS
900 Van Ness St. at Ellis
San Francisco, CA
KPIX For questions, call (415)765-8788 or check cbs5.com.

January 28, 12pm-4pm
Meridian, MS
Bonita Lakes Mall
1210 Bonita Lakes Circle
Meridian,MS 39301
WMDN For questions, call 601-693-2424.

January 28, 1pm-4pm
Baton Rouge, LA
Gerry LaneBuick-Pontiac
4917 Florida Blvd.
BatonRouge, LA
WAFB For questions, call 225-215-4741.

January 28, 10am-3pm
Wheeling, WVA
Ft. Steuben Mall
100 Mall Drive
Steubenville, Ohio 43952
WTRF, Wheeling, W Va
For questions, call 304-232-7777.

January 29, 10am-4pm
Coos Bay, OR
Pony VillageMall
1611 Virginia Avenue
NorthBend, Oregon 97459
KCBY 541-269-1111

January 31, 3pm-6pm
Roanoke-Lynchburg, VA
Kent Square
South Main St. (near Virginia Tech campus)
Blacksburg, VA 24060
WDBJ For questions, call 540-344-7000

February 1, 4pm-8pm
Springfield, MO
Pairings Restaurant
381 S. Guin Road
Nixa, MO 65714
KOLR 417-862-1010

February 3, 9am-7pm
Dallas, TX
Bankston Dodge of Grand Prairie
2615 Interstate 20
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
KTVT For more info, go to www.cbs11tv.com.

*For more info please call your local CBS station directly

New Reality Series GOD OR THE GIRL Is Announced By A&E Network

They´re bright, All-American guys with ambition to spare, buddies to party with, even girls they might want to marry. But beneath the surface, they are in turmoil trying to decide whether they´re being called in an entirely different direction.

GOD OR THE GIRL captures the tension,and triumph of Joe, Mike, Steve, and Dan, four 20-something men at the most important crossroads of their lives, as, over the course of our series, they decide whether or not to enroll in the seminary and become Roman Catholic priests, or to find the love of a woman and settle down with a family. This is the ultimate struggle between the choice of two goods.

Always profoundly emotional, the choice whether or not to join the clergy, becomes even more fraught and difficult in the final weeks before the ultimate decision, which is where we join our subjects. As they reach this defining moment, they find that their friends and family no longer seem to understand them; their girlfriends cannot comprehend why they would choose a lifetime of celibacy; and the world and their own souls seem full of spiritual pitfalls. Can these young men resist the temptations of an aggressively secular world? Will they finally settle the doubt in their souls? And are they really willing to make the sacrifices necessary to become "Men of God?"

In this five-part reality documentary series, viewers will become part of a powerful journey whose conclusion will define its subjects forever.

GOD OR THE GIRL is scheduled to premiere in 2006 on A&E.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Premiere Of Golf Channel's Reality Series THE DALY PLANET JOHN DALY Is This Evening

John Daly, the charismatic Professional PGA Golfer, will be featured in a thirteen episode reality series that premieres this evening on The Golf Channel.

The series will feature the daily life of the ups and downs of being a professional golfer including all the surroundings of appearance fees and promotions that Daly encounters throughout his work week.

Tonight´s premiere episode begins with a film shoot at his newest co-designed golf course. It progresses with a parade, a Hooters visit, a life-threatening helicopter ride, and the attempt to drive a golf ball across Niagara Falls.

THE DALY PLANET JOHN DALY can be seen this evening on the Golf Channel at 10:30 PM EST.

LAST COMIC STANDING To Return To NBC This Summer

LAST COMIC STANDING To Return To NBC This Summer

The Emmy-nominated series LAST COMIC STANDING will return to NBC this summer in search of the funniest comedian in America, it was announced today by Craig Plestis, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming and Development. In its first two seasons, the show garnered critical and popular acclaim as it traveled the country looking for the best stand-up comedians, and rewarded them with an exclusive talent deal with the network.

As with previous seasons, talent scouts will travel to major cities nationwide to see performances from thousands of aspiring and professional comedians. In addition through an online component, aspiring participants can submit their tape to NBC.com where online voters will determine one comedian to join those found on the nationwide search.

"LAST COMIC STANDING will be an exciting addition to our summer schedule," said Plestis. "The show gives unprecedented exposure to talented comics and provides countless laughs to our viewers in the process."

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

The WB Network Is Asking You To Name New Reality Show

The WB Network is asking you to choose the title for our new reality series!

One group of young people is worth $3 billion.

The other group has wracked up $150,000 in debt.

They will be forced to live together and pair up with someone from the other side.

For the wealthy kids, it´s the chance to work hard and prove themselves for the first time in their lives. For the working class kids, it´s the chance to dramatically improve their lives. The team that works the hardest and comes together as a team will win a large cash prize.

For more information got to TheWB.com

Former AMERICA´S NEXT TOP MODEL In Playboy

After becoming the first winner of AMERICA´S NEXT TOP MODEL, the uninhibited Adrianne Curry up and stole Christopher Knight´s heart on THE SURREAL LIFE.

Now get a taste of Curry when the beautiful Adrianne Curry is served Hot and Spicy in the February Edition of PLAYBOY

For a sneak peak of Adrianne Curry, go to Playboy.com

Monday, January 16, 2006

Bravo Announces WORK OUT - New Inside Peek At Celebrity Trainers And Their Clients

Exclusive Los Angeles Gym To Serve As Backdrop For Inside Peek At Celebrity Trainers, Their Clients And All The Drama

Bravo introduces a new character-driven docu-drama, WORK OUT, that will explore the world of high-end gym owner, Jackie Warner, her trainers and their clients with six-episode of the one-hour original reality series. WORK OUT is slated to premiere in third quarter of 2006 and was announced by Lauren Zalaznick, President, Bravo, during the Bravo presentation at the Television Critics Tour.

"Bravo has had great success in introducing new characters with unique personalities and lifestyles to television audiences," said Zalaznick. "Just as the seemingly uncomplicated life of a hairstylist revealed explosive drama in BLOW OUT, viewers will be treated with a new level of high intensity entertainment with professional trainers in an exclusive gym."

WORK OUT will follow the full cast of characters that can be found at Jackie Warner´s Sky Sports and spa, including the owner (Jackie), her celebrity-trainer, diverse team of personal trainers and all of their clients. The drama will follow them in and out of the gym, where their lives overlap and intersect on multiple levels. The spectacular facilities are only part of the draw to this gym, since owner Jackie Warner has dedicated herself to hiring the most attractive staff of trainers in the city. However, with youth and beauty comes high drama and emotional turmoil. Although Sky is a somewhat dysfunctional family, in the end, Jackie has created a place that has become a home for many.

Saturday, January 14, 2006

TLC Announces Relationship Reality Series SHALOM IN THE HOME

TLC Announces Relationship Reality Series SHALOM IN THE HOME

Family counselor, award-winning writer and orator, and best-selling author Rabbi Shmuley Boteach will host TLC´s new series SHALOM IN THE HOME, scheduled to premiere in April 2006. In ten one-hour episodes, Rabbi Shmuley will visit the homes of families in distress, facilitating deep conversations that get to the root of destructive family dynamics. Along the way, he will work with parents to improve both their relationships with each other and with their children.

SHALOM IN THE HOME will air in back-to-back episodes with new series HONEY WE´RE KILLING THE KIDS to form a TLC parenting and relationships program block. According to Rabbi Shmuley, "Every family is a system and when one part is broken, the entire unit breaks down." In SHALOM IN THE HOME, Rabbi Shmuley spends five days with families in crisis, first observing them from a studio in his Airstream trailer; then counseling them in one-on-one sessions; and finally communicating with them via earpiece as they work to put his solutions to the test.

Rabbi Shmuley is a family and relationship counselor and one of the most prominent public voices on relationship, family and cultural issues around the world. At Oxford, where he served as Rabbi to students for eleven years, he played host to and debated some of the world´s leading thinkers and statesmen including Mikhail Gorbachev, Elie Wiesel, Professor Stephen Hawking, Deepak Chopra, Benjamin Netanyahu and Christopher Hitchens, among others. He is the international best-selling author of 15 books, including Judaism for Everyone, WHY CAN'T I FALL IN LOVE?, KOSHER SEX AND FACE YOUR FEAR. He is also an acclaimed syndicated columnist who in 2005 won the American Jewish Press Association´s highest award for excellence in commentary. A winner of the London Times highly prestigious PREACHER OF THE YEAR award, Rabbi Shmuley has appeared in print, radio, and TV around the globe. He is also the father of seven children ... with an eighth on the way.

"In SHALOM IN THE HOME, TLC tackles the problems of modern families: how to keep a marriage exciting after children are born, how to beat the time crunch and how to resolve and heal wounded relationships," said David Abraham, executive vice president and general manager, TLC. "Rabbi Shmuley´s outspoken style is a great match for viewers seeking new learning about the big questions in their families and a fantastic talent to help inaugurate TLC´s family and relationships program block."

According to Rabbi Shmuley, parents must first focus on being good and inspiring people, then on having a healthy, loving relationship, and finally, on being the best parents they can. Shmuley focuses on issues that touch all relationships: how to overcome parenting issues in your past, how to keep the romance once children are born, how to set guidelines and, above all else, how to inspire your children. For Shmuley, there´s no such thing as a bad kid ... so, forget time-outs and naughty mats. If children are out of control, Rabbi Shmuley isn´t coming to speak with them; he´s coming to speak with their parents.

But finding "shalom" in these homes won´t be easy. For one family, problems arise when the father is more invested in documenting his 3-year-old son´s tantrums on a dedicated website than in spending real, quality time with the toddler. To make matters worse, the father has slept on the living room couch for a year, as his son spends every night with mom. In another family, a disconnected dad and an overworked mom endure constant insults, tantrums and even physical attacks from their nine-year-old daughter. When everything comes to a boil on a camping trip, will they be able to resolve their differences and work together as a family?

Friday, January 13, 2006

NASHVILLE STAR To Team Up With MuzikMafia, Big & Rich and Cowboy Troy

NASHVILLE STAR, the nation´s top-rated country music series, has partnered with Nashville´s notorious MuzikMafia to bring the hottest new talent to season four including an electrifying opening performance from Big & Rich in episode one, it was announced by Libby Hansen, USA´s vice president, alternative series and specials.

"Big & Rich is one of the hottest acts in country music right now, and we are thrilled to have them join the already exciting line-up of season four," explained Hansen. "By building off the ratings success of last year and by joining forces with both the RCA Label Group and now the MuzikMafia, we have unparalleled momentum for the first episode. It´s a homerun for NASHVILLE STAR."

Episode one will open with a high-energy performance by the Grammy-nominated duo before they retire to the judges´ table to advise contestants alongside show veterans Phil Vassar and Anastasia Brown. Mafia member and "hick-hop" artist Cowboy Troy will co-host season four with five-time Grammy Award-winning superstar Wynonna Judd (Curb Records). Additional celebrity judges and performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Also coming on board the team as producers for the upcoming season is Big & Rich and Cowboy Troy manager Marc Oswald along with Kerry Hansen, Wynonna´s manager. They will join the NASHVILLE STAR production team to help elevate the creative and musical elements of each episode including the opening and closing performances. In addition, they have set out to create a dynamic and powerful way to further incorporate the unique talents of the hosts in a way that has not been done.

"One of the long-time goals of the Mafia is to bring country music to people in a newer, broader, more unfiltered way," explained Oswald. "NASHVILLE STAR reaches millions of Americans each week with some of the nation´s most promising new voices, so this makes perfect sense."

As previously announced, the winner of NASHVILLE STAR will receive a recording contract from the RCA Label Group, home to multi-platinum superstars Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley and Sara Evans, among others.

KENNY VS SPENNY Renewed For Second Season on GSN - Premiere Episode To See Who Can Kiss More Women

GSN, the network for games, will premiere the second season of KENNY VS SPENNY on Saturday, January 14 with an episode in which stars Kenny Hotz and Spencer Rice compete to see who can kiss more women. The announcement was made by Rich Cronin, President and Chief Executive Officer, GSN, as part of the network´s Television Critics Association presentation.

KENNY VS. SPENNY focuses on the sibling-like rivalry between these two longtime friends who first garnered attention for their feature film PITCH, a favorite at the Toronto International Film Festival. A contemporary real-life odd couple, Spenny is a neurotic "stress case" who believes in winning by playing fair, hard work and preparation. Kenny, on the other hand, is charismatic and a self-proclaimed ´devious genius´ who likes to bend the rules in order to win a challenge. These fundamental differences fuel the competition and provide some very twisted comedy.

Each weekly episode brings a new outrageous competition to life. The challenges are no laughing matter to Kenny or Spenny, however, as the result is glory and gloating for the winner and a specially selected humiliation for the loser. The competitions are varied and range from endurance contests to the more sublime mental challenges. The humiliation for the loser comes in the form of an odious task chosen by the winner.

The new season will feature such competitions as WHO CAN BE THE BEST JOURNALIST?, WHO DO OLD PEOPLE LIKE MORE?, WHO IS BRAVER?, FIRST ONE TO TALK LOSES and FIRST ONE TO BE MEAN LOSES. With the competition as intense as ever, the boys´ antics continue to escalate and Kenny kidnaps Spenny´s mother in an episode and Spenny reacts by holding Kenny´s collector recordings hostage.

The most talked about show in Canada amongst the media and its cult following, KENNY VS. SPENNY is one of the highest-rated Canadian-produced reality programs. Known by many as NORTH PARK and following in the footsteps of SCTV and KIDS IN THE HALL, KENNY VS. SPENNY is not only one of the most popular shows in Canada, but has an online cult following of international proportions.

Bravo Announces Mid-Season Slate Of Reality Shows

Coming off its five 2005 Emmy nominations and a successful second season launch for the critically acclaimed and ratings hit PROJECT RUNWAY, Bravo enters 2006 with a mid-season slate of all-new series and returning favorites, including renewals for a third season of BLOW OUT with more drama and emotion from renowned hairstylist Jonathan Antin, and a second season of last summer´s breakout hit KATHY GRIFFIN: MY LIFE ON THE D-LIST. Bravo´s new original program line-up also includes a spin-off of PROJECT RUNWAY with the debut of the original one-hour special PROJECT JAY in February, and two new reality programs in March including THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY and TOP CHEF. The programming announcements were made by Lauren Zalaznick, President, Bravo, during Bravo´s session at the Television Critics Association winter press tour in Pasadena, CA.

"Bravo has been successful in breaking new talent, from Jonathan Antin to Jay McCarroll, and we´re looking forward to introducing a new cast of characters representing various segments of popular culture," said Zalaznick. "From the top chefs to the real housewives, our new line-up of reality based programming provides both aspirational and influential appeal as it unveils the seemingly mundane lives of these cast of characters."

Bravo´s early 2006 original programming and scheduling highlights are as follows:

PROJECT JAY
Original Special Premieres February 22, 2006 - 11:00 p.m. ET/PT
Bravo will follow Jay McCarroll, the winner of the first season of PROJECT RUNWAY, as he moves to New York and begins to create and market his very own fashion line in the one-hour documentary, PROJECT JAY. Teaming up once again with Miramax and the Weinstein Co., Bravo will track the life and career of the winner of a competitive reality series, to see just how his life has changed after being crowned the winner. This warts-and-all documentary will follow Jay McCarroll from the point of his win on last season´s PROJECT RUNWAY through today.

TOP CHEF
New Series Premieres Wednesday, March 8 - 11:00 p.m. ET/PT
Debuts In Regular Timeslot Wednesday, March 15 - 10:00 p.m. ET/PT
Off the heels of its Emmy-nominated hit PROJECT RUNWAY, Bravo proudly announces TOP CHEF, a new one-hour reality competition series offering a fascinating window into the competitive, pressure-filled environment of world-class cookery and the restaurant business at the highest level. The series will feature twelve aspiring chefs, who head to San Francisco for their shot at culinary stardom and the chance to earn the prestigious title. Gourmet Katie Lee Joel will host the series. Tom Colicchio, one of the culinary world´s most celebrated figures and co-owner of Gramercy Tavern and Craft Restaurants, serves as lead judge and mentor to the competing chefs. Food expert Gail Simmons of FOOD & WINE magazine will serve as a regular judge for the series.

BLOW OUT
Third Season Premieres Tuesday, March 21 - 9:00 p.m. ET/PT
Bravo has renewed its one-hour reality documentary series BLOW OUT for a third season of seven episodes. Last season took viewers on a whirlwind journey when hair stylist and entrepreneur Jonathan Antin opened his second high-profile salon in Beverly Hills. The new season kicks off at an exciting time in Jonathan´s life, as he faces the possibility of opening a third salon, maintains the success of his line of hair care products, releases his new skin care line, partakes in speaking engagements and personal appearances from coast-to-coast - all while styling Hollywood hottest stars. With his curling iron in hand, Jonathan takes on his newest and biggest adventure yet - fatherhood.

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY
New Series Premieres Tuesday, March 21 - 10:00 p.m. ET/PT
Bravo debuts the seven-episode one-hour documentary reality series THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY immediately following the third season premiere of BLOW OUT. A real-life take on such shows as PEYTON PLACE, DALLAS, and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY features five sophisticated women and their families living in a picturesque Southern California gated community where the average home has a $1.6 million price tag and residents include CEOs and retired professional athletes. Orange County "housewives" Kimberly, Jeana, Vicki, Lauri and Jo are used to the good life and will do everything they can to hang on to it. The women each have their own personal story to share, and they´ve granted Bravo an all-access pass into their lives, families, friendships, careers, and homes. Just what lies beneath the surface of this "perfect" community?

KATHY GRIFFIN: MY LIFE ON THE D-LIST
Second Season Premieres 2nd Quarter 2006
Bravo´s summer 2005 breakout series KATHY GRIFFIN: MY LIFE ON THE D-LIST will return for a second season in 2006 with six fresh one-hour installments. Talented comedian Kathy Griffin is back for more D-list antics, and despite a second season order for her hit Bravo series, she is still definitely not Nicole Kidman. Kathy is still living the D-List dream, where perks and comps can be had but they must be preserved and aggressively pursued. The second season will continue to capture moments where Kathy lets her guard down, and show how she turns her pathos and vulnerability into her stand-up act.

Thursday, January 12, 2006

New Reality Show CHEERLEADER NATION To Premiere March 12

Lifetime Television Brings It on With New Reality Show CHEERLEADER NATION Premiering Sunday, March 12 at 10:00 PM ET/PT

Taking viewers inside the dizzying world of parenting teenage girls -- from rivalries, friendships, boyfriends, acne, teachers, and wrong shoes, to competing for a national athletic championship, Lifetime Television will premiere its new one-hour reality series about the roller coaster relationship of mothers and daughters on a high school cheerleading team in CHEERLEADER NATION premiering Sunday, March 12 at 10:00 PM ET/PT.

CHEERLEADER NATION takes an inside look at Lexington Kentucky´s Dunbar High School cheerleading squad. Having already won two national championships, they are now competing for the third - a feat never achieved in the history of the sport. They´ll need to keep smiling through physical exhaustion, social drama, demands they put on themselves, and the pressure set upon them by their parents. Among the featured girls from Dunbar High is a genetically lucky girl who seems to have it all; the rebel who wants to quit; the girl whose football-loving father has adopted the team as his passion project; and the freshman whose mother, also the squad´s coach, has driven her since the age of five to be the best cheerleader of them all.

In announcing CHEERLEADER NATION, her first non-scripted series since becoming President of Entertainment in September, Susanne Daniels said, "This is a story about 23 girls - and 23 sets of parents. Filled with all the humor and heartbreak of adolescence, this series brings us into the lives of these competitive adolescent girls as they and their mothers struggle together to balance the difficult demands of high school. CHEERLEADER NATION is as much about parenting as it is about cheerleading. It´s a perfect show for Lifetime and we´re delighted to work with Laurie Girion and Fox Television Studios on this terrific project."

Lifetime Announces Reality Series FACE THE FAMILY

Cultures Clash on New Lifetime Reality Series When Couples Face Their Potential In-Laws without the Comfort of Their Other Half in FACE THE FAMILY Premiering March 12

New One-Hour Series Captures Lovers from Diverse Backgrounds As They Meet Each Other´s Families For First Time - Alone!

Lifetime Television takes the meeting of a couple with their potential in-laws to an all-new level in the one-hour reality series FACE THE FAMILY, it was announced by Susanne Daniels, President of Entertainment, Lifetime Entertainment Services. The new reality series will brim with twists and unexpected turns as it captures couples from different backgrounds and sensibilities who meet and move in with their partner´s family for five days - alone. FACE THE FAMILY premieres Sunday, March 12 at 11:00 PM ET/PT.

In the series, each young lover, who arrives as an outsider, is submerged in a family of strangers from a contrary background. Their differences just may throw the couple´s once-happy future into jeopardy.

"This series represents Lifetime´s commitment to giving reality television a relatable point-of-view, in that there is something viewers can take away from each episode," said Daniels. "Here, the universal experience of meeting your potential in-laws, intertwines truth, humor, and involves stories about couples in unexpected and entertaining ways."

In each episode, couples will meet one another´s family for the first time and will have to field no-holds-barred questions, as well as endure both spontaneous and planned family outings. During the course of five days, the couple is apart and can only speak once - adding even more tension to their already challenging circumstances. Later, the two sets of families finally meet for the first time and judge the couple´s relationship, sharing their thoughts and concerns. Based on the week with the parents, the man and the woman then state their intentions about their future to make the final assessment: - Will they stay together or go their separate ways?

The series travels to cities and towns that represent a great cross-section of the U.S. with diverse backgrounds and a veritable culture clash rife with traditions, customs .... and expectations.

"When you´re meeting your potential in-laws for the first time, anxiety and humor are inextricably linked. But the series´ most distinctive hallmark is ´the stakes,´ said Gay Rosenthal, President of Gay Rosenthal Productions. Adding, "When both families come together to meet for the first time and judge the couple´s relationship, it is a question of whether or not they will they support the couple or try to tear them apart? Then, of course, the couples must decide for themselves what´s next for their relationship."

National Reality Casting Call For LOOKING FOR STARS

Starz Entertainment Group (SEG) has begun LOOKING FOR STARS with a national casting call to find a new talent to cast in a speaking role in an upcoming Revolution Studios major motion picture. The Starz original series LOOKING FOR STARS will document the contestants´ journey from their first auditions through the winner´s appearance in the star-driven big budget Revolution Studios film.

Starz invites interested parties to log onto starz.com and print an application. Applications will be available through February 21 and selected applicants will be asked to participate in one of four auditions. In March and April a team of industry professionals will judge these applicants during the auditions held in New York, Las Vegas, Orlando and Kansas City, Kansas.

"Our partnership with Revolution Studios allows us to inspire and encourage undiscovered talent across the nation with real prospects for a shot at appearing in a major motion picture," said David Charmatz, senior vice president of channel management for SEG. "LOOKING FOR STARS will bring to life the drama that´s part of what it takes to pursue a showbiz career."

Two finalists from each city will be flown to Los Angeles for the final audition in front of a panel of industry veterans. The grand prize winner will receive a trip to the set of the 2006 Revolution Studios major motion picture and a speaking role in the film.

LOOKING FOR STARS is SEG´s first foray into original serialized short-form programming. The program will begin airing on Starz in spring of 2006. The competition is sponsored by SEG in association with Revolution Studios.

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Spike TV´s THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 3 Kicks Back Into Production

The best up-and-coming mixed martial artists from around the world have convened in Las Vegas in pursuit of one goal - to be named the "Ultimate Fighter" and to be given a contract in the Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) organization. For the third season of Spike TV´s highly successful reality series, THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER, UFC legends and bitter rivals Ken Shamrock "The World's Most Dangerous Man" and Tito Ortiz will train and coach the participating light-heavyweights and middleweights.

Production on THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 3 begins on Monday, January 16 and continues in Las Vegas for about the next 6 weeks. THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 3 premieres Thursday, April 6 at 11:00pm ET/PT. The series is hosted by Dana White, UFC President.

During the thirty-eight day competition, the 18 men will endure a grueling regimen of jiu-jitsu, judo, Muay Thai, karate, boxing and wrestling. The intense competition between the fighters will continue after they leave the gym - at the Ultimate Fighter(TM) House. These warriors will be forced to live with each other, knowing that any day they could be forced to fight each other in the UFC Octagon(TM).

Opponents from each team will be selected to square off in battle, officially weighed in and then, in front of their teammates, coaches, and the sanctioning Nevada Athletic Commission, the two combatants face off in three five-minute rounds.

For the finale in June, the four semi-finalists will fight in a LIVE television broadcast with a location to be determined. In the end, one light-heavyweight and one middleweight will be crowned the new Ultimate Fighter(TM).

Reality Series LIVING IN TV LAND Returns with William Shatner Special

TV Land Boldly Goes Where No Network Has Gone Before...

Network to Debut LIVING IN TV LAND: WILLIAM SHATNER on Wednesday, March 22 Immediately Following THE 4TH ANNUAL TV LAND AWARDS

Boldly going where no network has gone before, TV Land will begin airing new installments of LIVING IN TV LAND on Wednesday, March 22 with LIVING IN TV LAND: WILLIAM SHATNER. This 60 - minute sneak peek at the series offers an intimate look at Emmy Award-winner and pop culture icon William Shatner as he walks viewers through television´s first musical-reality hybrid show combining musical performances with segments exploring the reality of his every day life.

LIVING IN TV LAND began as a special in August 2004 with LIVING IN TV LAND: DICK VAN PATTEN, a tongue-in-cheek look at a day in the life of the EIGHT IS ENOUGH star. This season, the series takes a look at the daily ins and outs of Barry Williams (THE BRADY BUNCH); Adam West (BATMAN); Davey Jones (THE MONKEES); Sherman Hemsley (THE JEFFERSONS) and Fred Willard (FERNWOOD 2NITE, ANCHORMAN: THE LEGEND OF RON BURGUNDY). The series will begin airing as half-hour installments in its regularly scheduled timeslot of 10 p.m. ET/PT beginning Wednesday, March 29.

"We are thrilled to be able to bring our viewers this intimate look at William Shatner," states Sal Maniaci, Senior Vice President, Development and Original Production, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "This show not only provides a candidly honest look at the actor and icon who has personified television heroes for the last forty years, but we also get to see the side of him that is so passionate about music."

Backed by rock & roll piano man and singer Ben Folds, William Shatner takes the stage in front of a live audience to perform comedic biographical songs from his recent album entitled HAS BEEN. The spoken-word songs provide musical bridges which take viewers into the reality of his everyday life. Cameras follow Shatner through his various life events including the Emmy Awards where he won for best supporting actor, Las Vegas for a STAR TREK convention, the set of BOSTON LEGAL, a Hollywood horse show for a riding competition and even to a maternity ward where he becomes a grandfather. In addition to appearances by Candice Bergen, Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart and Kate Mulgrew, LIVING IN TV LAND: WILLIAM SHATNER boasts performances with rocker Joe Jackson and country superstar Brad Paisley.

UPN Change Premiere Date For GET THIS PARTY STARTED To February 7th

UPN Change Premiere Date For GET THIS PARTY STARTED To February 7th

UPN shifts the premiere date of its new reality series GET THIS PARTY STARTED to Tuesday, February 7 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT).

UPN will present an encore of the previous week´s GET THIS PARTY STARTED on Tuesdays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), beginning on February 14.

In GET THIS PARTY STARTED, UPN will capture the drama, emotion and excitement each week as an elite team of party planners to the stars, led by special events coordinator Lara Shriftman of Harrison & Shriftman, works with one special individual´s friends and family to surprise their well-deserving loved one with a very spectacular and extravagant event in their honor.

From the hottest clubs, celebrity guests, and trendiest style-makers all over the country, nothing will be spared to make these dreams come true. Kristin Cavallari (LAGUNA BEACH) and Ethan Erickson (EXTRA) host the series.

LIL´ KIM: COUNTDOWN TO LOCKDOWN Reality Show To Premiere on BET

BET Entertainment has announced that LIL´ KIM: COUNTDOWN TO LOCKDOWN, a reality special which features Lil´ Kim in her two weeks prior to going to jail will premiere on BET on March 9th.

In her own first ever reality show, Lil´ Kim and her entourage are trailed while shooting a video, recording, having dinner, and other intimate settings in Kimberly Jones´ last two weeks of freedom.

Kim was sentenced to 366 days in Philadelphia's Federal Detention Center back in June after being convicted of perjury for lying to a grand jury about a shooting incident that took place in front of NYC´s Hot 97 radio station.

Casting Call For Reality Series PROPERTY LADDER

Attention Novice Real Estate Investors: The Learning Channel´s hit reality series PROPERTY LADDER is currently casting its second season!

Their highly experienced host will work with you to provide priceless money-saving tips and tricks. If you are new to property rehabbing or "flipping" and interested in having your experiences documented on this exciting program, contact them as soon as possible!

Participant Requirements:

Must be an amateur or novice property "flipper."

Must be flipping with the intent to sell.

You must have closed escrow on the property or be in the process of closing.

If you are interested or know anyone that fits these qualifications, contact the casting department directly at 310-264-3953.

For more information go to http://www.propertyladder.tv/

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

BEAUTY AND THE GEEK 2 To Offer Special Casting Episode on January 11th

On Wednesday, January 11th, The WB Network will premiere a Special Casting Episode of BEAUTY AND THE GEEK 2.

Richard and Lauren from season one embark on a nationwide search for eight new beauties and eight new geeks for the second season of the hit social experiment from executive producers Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg (PUNK´D).

Thousands turned out in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Kansas City and Boston for a chance to appear on the show. Those selected - eight academically impaired women and eight brilliant but socially challenged men - pair up for a chance to win a grand prize of $250,000.

BEAUTY AND THE GEEK 2 Special Casting Episode will be shown at 9:00 pm EST/PST on The WB Network.

Ted Nugent´s Reality Series WANTED: TED OR ALIVE Returns With Five New Contestants

This January, as people around the world ring in the New Year with traditional vows to change one aspect of their lives, five city slickers will be forced to change every aspect of their lives when they try to prove they have what it takes to survive a week in the wilderness, competing against one another in challenges of survival and outdoor skill, on the Michigan ranch of rock n´ roll legend, wildlife conservationist and lifelong hunter Ted Nugent. Beginning Sunday, January 8 at 10 p.m. ET, OLN´s highest-rated 2005 original series, WANTED: TED OR ALIVE, returns to the network with new contestants and new challenges that will compel players to reflect on their way of life, on new beginnings, and, ultimately, their transformation of character.

An avid outdoorsman and considered by many as the world´s best guitarist showman, Nugent pushes the limits of each contestant as they are thrown into the wild and forced to live off the land to eat, win and survive with Ted´s tools and by Ted´s rules. From using buffalo skin to make their own clothes to learning the sharp shooter skills of an archer, they participate in various challenges throughout the episodes, accruing points in the form of cash dollars along the way. The participant with the most ´money´ at the end of the week will win a grand prize of $25,000.

"In Ted´s game, there are no boardrooms, penthouse suites or five-star rewards," said Gavin Harvey, President of OLN. "Through adventures, challenges and tests of survival, these competitors will test their natural instinct to survive and reassess their moral fiber as they learn what it takes to be a true outdoorsman, battling the elements, the animals, and each other for the grand prize."

Ted´s challenges include, among others:

* Naked Offer: Ted offers $1000 to anyone willing to forsake their clothing for a 24-hour period and dress only in garments they must construct from the skin of a buffalo Ted hunted.

* Human Scarecrow: In an ultimate endurance test, the contestants are transformed into human scarecrows to scare off varmints in the field. Only those who are in peak condition both physically and mentally will succeed.

* ATV Roadkill Race: In this target skills challenge, the contestants must complete an ATV course as quickly as possible, but must also run over fake "animal" targets along the way.

* Swamp Find: Armed only with boots and rubber pants, the contestants must wade into Ted´s sludgy, smelly, putrid swamp and retrieve as many metal boxes as possible. After retrieving the boxes, the contestants will find out if their efforts truly paid off, as each box could contain a dollar amount or just an empty bullet shell.

The five contestants going head-to-head with Motor City Madman Ted Nugent include:

* Will, Real Estate Investor: Will is a real estate developer and nationally ranked tennis player from Fresno, CA. With a seven-digit net worth, Will attracts a lot of women, not only because of his money, he points out, but also his because of his stunning good looks. He recently sold his 8,000-sq. ft. mansion and moved back home with his folks. Will insists he still hasn´t found the right woman yet. He might be egotistical - but confidence is key in the challenges he´s about to be put through.

* Bridgetta, Tomboy: Bridgetta is a model and aspiring actress from Los Angeles, who is working her way quickly into Hollywood´s in-crowd. She has worked as an assistant for Val Kilmer, she´s been on the payroll for DAWSON´S CREEK, Joshua Holmes is her ex-roommate and she´s best friends with Linda Tripp´s daughter. A huge partier, Bridgetta always gets what she wants, and she´ll seek revenge if people make her mad.

* David, Stay-At-Home Dad: David is a professional furniture maker and designer from New York City, and a full-time stay-at-home dad (with a nanny, of course). He likes to ride motorcycles, play tennis, and he excels at Scrabble, but can he out-shine the other contestants and win over Ted Nugent in the ultimate outdoor survival challenges?

* Terry, Model: Terry, a model originally from Frankfurt, Germany, and her husband recently came to the U.S. to study (he´s going to be a neurosurgeon) and raise their two children. She´s a wild, competitive, self-proclaimed drill sergeant who loves to have fun. According to Terry, she gets along with women; they just don´t get along with her. But then again, she´s not here to make friends - she´s here to play, and win, the game.

* Stevie, Club Promoter: Stevie is a fast-talking, smoking, drinking, Miami club promoter. He has had experience hosting celebrity parties, but will this total character be able to schmooze his way onto Ted Nugent´s good side and outlast the other challengers in an environment that´s a far cry from the glamorous Miami nightlife he´s used to?

Monday, January 09, 2006

TNT Announces DRAMATIC AUDITIONS Program Winner

Turner Network Television (TNT), the first and only network dedicated to drama, announces the winner of its second annual DRAMATIC AUDITIONS program, a nationwide search for the most talented aspiring actors in America. Monifa Days, a 30-year-old aspiring theatre actor from Chicago, received top scores to rise above more than 2,200 other participants in the competition and clinch the title as this year´s winner.

TNT´s Dramatic Auditions search began in Los Angeles on October 6 before heading to Chicago on October 11 and making one final stop in New York City on October 20. Hopeful actors across the country who could not attend the live auditions were allowed to submit videos of their audition both online and by mail. Focused on serious dramatic acting, DRAMATIC AUDITIONS re-enforces TNT´s dedication to drama.

For their audition, the budding actors selected monologues from The New Classics´ movies on TNT (a complete list is available at www.tnt.tv) and, in each city on the program´s tour, had the opportunity to perform their selected scene live in front of a panel of judges. The first major off-channel talent search contest conducted in a format similar to traditional auditions, DRAMATIC AUDITIONS attracted thousands of talented actors from across the country.

Days was selected as one of the top three finalists from a group of 20 semifinalists in November and flown to Los Angeles for a final audition taping. She then went on to defeat Saadiqa Muhammad, also of Chicago, and Serge Thony of New York in the final audition process. As the grand prize winner of TNT´s Dramatic Auditions program, Days will receive $50,000, an apartment in Los Angeles, use of a car for 12 months, acting lessons at both Jeremiah Comey´s Studio and the renowned Margie Haber Acting Studio in L.A., and a personal publicist. Days is relocating to L.A. in mid-January and will be chronicling her West Coast experience through an online video diary. Days´ followers can view the video diary at www.tnt.tv.

"This win with TNT has given me an amazing opportunity," said Days. "The Dramatic Auditions program is something that can really get me going in the right direction and put me in front of all the right people. I´m very excited to get such an awesome boost to my career."

FASTEST CAR IN AMERICA Is Announced - Will Be Seen On Fox Reality

Public Media Works, Inc. announced that it has signed an Agreement with the Fox Reality Channel to air the FASTEST CAR IN AMERICA for a thirteen week schedule.

The Company and Strom Magallon Entertainment have created the one-hour reality show which answers questions and digs into the drama behind America´s fascination with the automobile. The basic premise of the drama is that a field of 4 teams, comprised of 4 drivers each, are "locked down" on the racetrack for three weeks where everyday is race-day, winners stay to continue to compete, and losers go home.

The host of the show, Chris Jacobs, is also the star of the hit show OVERHAULIN´. Jacobs will serve as ringmaster for the asphalt circus. The show will also include a young woman stunt driver or racer as the "Track Queen" who will illustrate the strategies and challenges of the unique "Dominator" track. In the mechanic bays, Steve Strope of Pure Vision Design, world-renowned car builder and general gear maniac, will serve as "Pit Boss" outlining the mechanical hurdles each car must face. Strope will also serve as a referee, checking cars for illegals like hidden nitrous all to gain an edge for their team.

Each episode will run from sunrise to sundown. Each of the four acts will end in a race. Inside these acts are the debates, the preparations, the trash talk and tension of readying a street legal car to jet around the world´s most challenging track at speeds up to 200 mph. The cars and drivers include a wide range of personalities - from rich men rolling super cars such as Porsches and Ferraris, to middle American craftsmen and women in maxed out muscle cars, to young urban geniuses tuning and tweaking imports. Each team, car, mechanic, and driver will have a distinct personality and distinct strengths. But only one will be crowned "FASTEST CAR IN AMERICA."

Castaways Announced For SURVIVOR: PANAMA - EXILE ISLAND - Premiere February 2nd

Stranded on an island off the coast of Panama, 16 strangers must live together and compete for the million dollar prize.

The castaways will begin their competition as four tribes: Older Men, Older Women, Younger Men, Younger Women.

At least one Survivor each week will be banished to a separate island miles away form the camp.

How will this change the game? Who will outwit, outplay and outlast the others?

SURVIVOR: PANAMA - EXILE ISLAND premieres Thursday, February 2nd at 8:00 pm EST/PST on CBS.

The 16 castaways are:

Aras Baskauskas, 24, Yoga Instructor from Santa Monica, CA

Austin Carty, 32, Author from high Point, NC

Bobby Mason, 32, Attorney from Los Angeles, CA

Bruce Kanegai, 58, Karate Instructor / High School Art Teacher From Simi Valley, CA

Cirie Fields, 35, Registered Nurse from Walterboro, SC

Courtney Marit, 31, Performance Artist from Los Angeles, CA

Dan Barry, 52, Retired Astronaut form S. Hadley, MA

Danielle DiLorenzo, 24, Medical Sales Representative from Pompano Beach, FL

Melinda Hyder, 32, Singer from Nashville, TN

Misty Giles, 24, Engineer from Dallas, TX

Nick Stanbury, 25, Financial Sales from Tempe, AZ

Ruth Marie Milliman, 48, Director of Retails Sales from Greenville, SC

Sally Schumann, 27, Social Worker from Chicago, IL

Shane Powers, 35, Owner - Entertainment and Marketing Company from Los Angeles, CA

Terry Deitz, 46, Airline Pilot, Retired Navy Fighter Pilot from Simsbury, CT

Tina Scheer, 45, Logging Sports Promoter and Performer from Haywood, WI

Saturday, January 07, 2006

SOAP NET Announces I WANNA BE A SOAP STAR 3 - Premiere In June 2006

SOAP NET, the Television Network For Soaps has announced a third season of I WANNA BE A SOAP STAR.

Season Three is scheduled to premiere in June 2006.

For more information go to: http://soapnet.go.com/shows/soapstar2/index.html

Friday, January 06, 2006

Fox Reality Casting for DOUBLE OR NOTHING

Have you ever dreamed about making that one bet that could change your life forever?

DOUBLE OR NOTHING is a new series for FOX REALITY that follows one incredible risk-taker who plans the gamble of a lifetime by selling everything he or she owns to make one epic bet on a roulette wheel´s red or black.

If you are over 21 years of age, single, with no dependents, and have what it takes to place that bet, Fox Reality wants to hear from you.

For more information go to: http://www.doubleornothing.tv/

NBC Announces Open Casting Call For Reality Series DEAL OR NO DEAL

Ever wonder what YOU would do with one million dollars?

Are you a risk taker?

Do you feel lucky?

Now is your big chance to try to find out.

NBC Announces Open Casting Call For Reality Series DEAL OR NO DEAL

OPEN CALLS - More Cities to Come!

January 8th - San Diego, CA
1pm to 6pm
Downtown Johnny Brown´s
1220 Third Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
619.232.8414 (phone)

January 14th - San Francisco, CA
Jillian´s
101 4th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
12pm - 5pm

Coming Soon - Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando and more!

For more information go to: http://www.nbc.com/Casting/

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Bravo To Launch New Original Reality Series THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY

First there was PEYTON PLACE...then DALLAS... and now DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES. America loves those deliciously soapy looks behind the curtains of seemingly perfect worlds. This spring, Bravo will premiere THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY, a new one-hour reality series which provides exclusive access to five families who live in one of the wealthiest planned communities in the country. The seven-episode series focuses on five real-life housewives living in a protected Southern California enclave, exposing the excitement, extravagance and everyday drama that exists in their unscripted and unrehearsed lives. THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY premieres Tuesday, March 21, 2006 (10:00 - 11:00 p.m. ET/PT). The announcement was made today by Lauren Zalaznick, President, Bravo.

"Bravo continues to innovate in the reality TV genre with this riveting series exploring the complicated daily lives of five privileged women and their families," said Zalaznick. "From PEYTON PLACE to DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, viewers have been riveted by the fictionalized versions of such lifestyles on television. Now, here is a series that depicts real-life ´desperate´ housewives with an authentic look at their compelling day-to-day drama."

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY will follow five sophisticated women and their families who lead glamorous lives in a picturesque Southern California gated community where the average home has a $1.6 million price tag and residents include CEOs and retired professional athletes. Orange County "housewives" Kimberly, Jeana, Vicki, Lauri and Jo are used to the good life and will do everything they can to hang on to it. The women each have their own personal story to share, and they´ve granted Bravo an all-access pass into their lives, families, friendships, careers, and homes. From diamond parties to Botox sessions to the stress of having a high-powered career, the women take viewers along for the ride and into their real-life dramas that show how life isn´t always perfect behind the gates. Just what lies beneath the surface of this "perfect" community?

The women mostly live the good life, but also represent the modern-day version of the "happy housewife," which today includes juggling the challenges of a stressful career with a busy family life. These women are sexy, sophisticated, and know how to turn heads, set trends, and keep up appearances in one of the most stylish communities in the country.

* Kimberly Bryant is 40-something and has two kids with executive husband Scott. She´s the classic ´Trophy Wife,´ thanks to her plastic surgeon and husband´s money, but also incredibly articulate and hard-working.

* Jeana Keough is a former Playboy Playmate and actress who is now a 40-something wife of former major league baseball star, Matt Keough. A 19-year resident of her gated community and mother of three teenagers, Jeana also sells real estate "for fun" and the insider gossip.

* Vicki Gunvalson is a successful, self-made, 40-something woman to be reckoned with. She´s a lucrative insurance broker, devout Christian, and is married for the second time. She also has two teenagers and is feeling the affects of the looming empty-nest ahead as her youngest gets ready to leave for college.

* Lauri Waring is 40-something and works as an insurance broker for Vicki Gunvalson. Recently divorced and forced to downsize her lifestyle, Lauri is a single mom with three kids (one just released from juvenile hall), struggling to regain her status in the community.

* Jo De La Rosa is the 20-something "newbie" to the community, recently engaged to one of the divorced dads in the community, Slade Smiley. Confident and sexy, Jo is trying to figure out her place in this strange new world.

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Bravo Presents PROJECT RUNWAY Spin-Off Special PROJECT JAY - Featuring Season One Winner Jay Mccarroll

Bravo´s one-hour documentary special, PROJECT JAY, will follow Jay McCarroll, the winner of the first season of the Emmy-nominated series PROJECT RUNWAY, as he moves to New York from his rural Pennsylvania town and starts working on and marketing his very own fashion line. PROJECT JAY will chronicle the start of a new chapter in this zany designer´s life and reveal the man behind the fabric as his career and life unfold in the months after he´s crowned the winner of PROJECT RUNWAY. PROJECT JAY premieres Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00 PM ET/PT.

"Jay McCarroll is a perfect example of the unique and captivating personalities that Bravo has a reputation for uncovering with shows like PROJECT RUNWAY," said Lauren Zalaznick, President of Bravo. "Viewers will share Jay´s journey as he takes on the merciless world of fashion through PROJECT JAY."

The colorful, witty and unpredictable designer from the rural Pennsylvania town of Lehman captured America´s attention with his powerful designs and off-the-wall personality. This documentary will give PROJECT RUNWAY fans the opportunity to catch up with Jay and discover more about this fascinating guy as he enters the ruthless fashion business and makes New York City home. The special will travel to Jay´s tiny hometown to meet his family and cover the start of a long journey as he packs his pick-up truck for a life changing relocation. The special will show the escapades that follow Heidi Klum´s request that Jay design her gown for the Emmys, where she plans to take her first steps back on the red carpet after giving birth. PROJECT JAY will follow his desperate search for affordable space in the city, both to live in and to create fashion masterpieces. Throughout the documentary, viewers will see Jay´s attempt to create his new fashion line and make it truly meaningful and inspired.

Casting Deadline Announced For AMERICA´S NEXT TOP MODEL

UPN has announced a new deadline for AMERICA´S NEXT TOP MODEL applications and videotape submissions. The new deadline is Friday, February 3rd, 2006

Do you want to be part of AMERICA´S NEXT TOP MODEL, the hit show that gives young women an opportunity to prove that they can make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of supermodeling? They are looking for a diverse group of real women who want to become the next top model. If you think you´ve got what it takes, read the eligibility requirements and download the application at:

http://www.realitytvwebsite.com/news010406b.html

New Hit Reality Show ROLLERGIRLS Offering Contest For Rock Show

A & E´s new hit Reality TV Series ROLLERGIRLS is offering a ROCK & ROLLERGIRLS SWEEPSTAKES

Win a ROCK AND ROLLERGIRLS experience for you and 9 guests to the SXSW music festival March 16-19 in Austin, Texas!

For more information go to: http://www.aetv.com/rollergirls_sweeps/

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

NBC Announces Casting Call For New Season Of DEAL OR NO DEAL

Ever wonder what YOU would do with one million dollars?

Are you a risk taker?

Do you feel lucky?

Now is your big chance to try to find out.

Apply Now To Be A Contestant On DEAL OR NO DEAL.

To Be Considered As A Contestant:
1. Make a 5-minute personal videotape of you and the supporters you wish to have appear with you on TV.
2. Fill out an application (include a recent photo of each person)
3. Send it to our contestant department.

1. Making Your Videotape
Making a videotape audition for the program is very easy. Using a video camera, make us a 5-minute tape that tells us a little about yourself and what you would do with $1,000,000. Be sure to include the people you would like to appear with you on-camera as your "supporters." Be creative, show them your personality - tell us what makes you unique. Please start with your name and hometown. There is no "right" or "wrong" thing to say on your tape, they just want to get to know you.

Make sure they can see and hear you clearly.
Label the tape with your name address and phone number.
They can only accept VHS tapes (The ones that fit in your VCR). Transferring your camcorder tape to VHS can be accomplished easily. Use the Red, White, and Yellow cables that come with your camera to connect it to your VCR. Push play on your camera, and Record on your VCR. Please run a test and make sure your transfer worked properly.
Be Kind, Rewind. Rewinding your tape to the beginning greatly increases our fondness for you.

2. Filling out the Application:
Adobe Reader is required to view the application.
Please take your time and answer the questions honestly. They will only accept completed and signed applications if they are accompanied by your videotape.

Include a recent photo:
Please enclose a recent personal photo of each person with the application. Make sure your photo(s) are clearly labeled with your names and phone numbers on the back. It is best, though not mandatory to send 2 clear photos of each person - one close up and one full body.

3. Sending Your Package
Please label your package and send it to:
DEAL OR NO DEAL CASTING
1149 N. Gower Suite 271
Los Angeles, CA 90038

To review, here is your "To Do" List:
1. Make one (1) 5 minute videotape
2. Label the tape with your name, address and phone number
3. Complete and sign an application
4. Include a few recent photos of you and your supporters.

Please note: Application materials will not be returned. Limit one application package per person.

To download an application, please go to: http://www.nbc.com/Casting/Applications/dond_application.pdf