Friday, December 15, 2006

ABC Announces Two New Oprah Winfrey Reality Primetime Series

ABC & Harpo Productions Announce Two Alternative Primetime Series: OPRAH WINFREY′S THE BIG GIVE And YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE

ABC and Harpo Productions announce a new alternative primetime series, OPRAH WINFREY′S THE BIG GIVE (working title). In this eight-episode show, 10 people will be challenged to take the money and resources they are given and multiply them to come up with the most powerful, sensational, emotional and dramatic ways to give to others. Each week the group will face a "big catch" that will test their nerve, drive, ingenuity and passion. Throughout the episodes, the field will be narrowed through a unique method. The stakes will get higher and higher, with one person ultimately being chosen to have his/her wildest dream come true for making the biggest impact. The series will center on the drama, emotion and magic of making a difference in peoples′ lives.

In addition, ABC and Harpo Productions are developing a primetime series tentatively titled YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE. Each week will feature families facing a life crisis. They will need to make drastic and immediate changes before they are consumed by disaster. In every episode, an expert action team will move in and viewers will watch a dramatic total money and life makeover.

"Oprah Winfrey getting into series TV is monumental. Our relationship with Harpo has been wonderful for us, and this latest partnership takes it to a phenomenal new level," said Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment. "These two shows are a perfect fit for our alternative brand with their focus on wish fulfillment and making lives better. I can′t wait to get started."

"Less than 100 days since we launched our new television development group, we′re delighted to be announcing our first two primetime series," said Tim Bennett, president of Harpo Productions. "We're proud to be a part of ABC′s ongoing commitment to bring quality programming to its primetime viewers."

Harpo Productions, Inc. produces daytime′s number-one-rated, award-winning THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW, creates and develops original TV programming, and operates Oprah.com, a premier women′s lifestyle website. Harpo Print, LLC and Hearst Magazines publish the monthly O, The Oprah Magazine and quarterly O at Home publications. Harpo Films, Inc. produces feature films as well as top-rated long form television programs under the OPRAH WINFREY PRESENTS banner. Harpo, Inc. produces the original cable series OPRAH AFTER THE SHOW, which airs on the Oxygen Network. Harpo Radio, Inc. produces the content for the OPRAH & FRIENDS channel (156) on XM Satellite Radio.