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.
