Wednesday, January 31, 2007

TOP DESIGN Premieres And TOP CHEF Season Finale Tonight On Bravo

Bravo Double Dips With A Tasty TOP CHEF Season Finale And TOP DESIGN Series Premieres Tonight

TOP DESIGN Premieres Immediately Following TOP CHEF Finale At 11 P.M. ET/PT

Bravo celebrates the senses with a pinch of spice and a dash of style on tonight, (January 31) beginning at 10 P.M. ET/PT with the season 2 finale of TOP CHEF, followed by the series premiere of TOP DESIGN. Watch what happens as Ilan Hall and Marcel Vigneron vie for the title of TOP CHEF in beautiful Hawaii. Stay tuned at 11 pm ET/PT as 12 of the country’s hottest new interior designers, artists and architects draw upon their creativity and expertise and compete to create the TOP DESIGN.

Popular designer and personality Todd Oldham hosts, and is joined by renowned designer Jonathan Adler, as lead judge, and series judges Margaret Russell, editor-in-chief of ELLE DECOR Magazine and interior designer Kelly Wearstler. TOP DESIGN premieres on tonight, (January 31) at 11 PM ET/PT, and moves to its regular 10 PM timeslot on Wednesday, February 7.

"I’m excited to get in the kitchen...I’ve shown tremendous skill throughout the entire journey. I’ve won more challenges than Marcel, I’m ready to take this home and finish it up" said finalist Hall. The heat is on and the stakes are high in Hawaii as Hall and Vigneron cook the "meal of their lives" using local flavors and serve it up to the toughest table of judges they’ve ever faced. "In five years there’s no doubt in my mind that they will both be extremely successful," said judge Gail Simmons. In the end, only one chef will make it through the spectacular final competition to take the top culinary title, winning $100,000 in seed money to help encourage their culinary career, be featured in Food & Wine magazine, appear at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen in June 2007, and most importantly, earn the prestigious title of TOP CHEF. Their home will also be outfitted with a complete gourmet kitchen courtesy of Sears Kenmore. Who will win and who will get burned? Says Chef Tom Colicchio to the two finalists, "You’re both worthy of this title, but only one of you will have it."

Host Padma Lakshmi and judges Chef Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons are joined by guest judges Michelle Bernstein of Michy’s restaurant in Miami, Wylie Dufresne of New York’s WD50, Scott Conant of New York’s L’Impero and Alto, Hubert Keller of San Francisco’s Fleur de Lys and Honolulu’s Roy Yamaguchi.

Following the season finale of TOP CHEF is the anticipated series premiere of TOP DESIGN at 11 P.M. ET/PT. In this first kick-off challenge, both teams must design an inner sanctum for a mystery celebrity. Joining host Oldham (TOP DESIGN host, designer) are judges Adler (TOP DESIGN lead judge, interior designer), Russell (TOP DESIGN judge, editor-in-chief of ELLE DECOR Magazine) and Wearstler (TOP DESIGN judge, interior designer), who - along with a special mystery guest client - will decide who has created the TOP DESIGN, and who will be sent home.

DIY Network Searches For Next Reality TV Host In STUD FINDER

Ever Wonder How Home Improvement Hosts Get Their Gig?

Are They Really Handy Or Are They Actors Who Just Make It Look Easy?

DIY Network Takes Viewers Behind-the-Scenes on STUD FINDER - Premiering February 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT

Admit it. You’re a closet home improvement show watcher. Television viewers are riveted to the small screen as the hosts of these fast-paced and often moving programs oversee the demolition and reconstruction of a new room, or in some cases, an entire home, all while making the "nice-nice" to the camera! So who are these home improvement geniuses? And what goes into a search for the ultimate how-to contractor? On Sunday, Feb. 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, DIY Network, the go-to television and online resource for any type of do-it-yourself project, will answer those questions and many more with the premiere of STUD FINDER, an hour-long special hosted by DIY Network host and contractor extraordinaire Amy Matthews.

When DIY Network made a decision to search nationwide for their newest on-air talent and next home improvement host, they took their cameras on the road to capture all the excitement. From on-site auditions across the country to hundreds of video entries, viewers will see what it takes to make a dent in this very popular genre in STUD FINDER.

"Not everyone can host a do-it-yourself program," said Freddy James, DIY Network’s vice president of programming. "It requires an intense knowledge of how-to and a level of enthusiasm which is difficult to master." He added: "Luckily, we were successful in finding our ultimate STUD FINDER and we think America will agree that we made the perfect choice."

In the end, three passionate DIY viewers are selected to go "hammer-to-hammer" for the chance to host their own DIY Network show later this year: Full-time firefighter Darla Pitts, a 31-year-old from Chicago who enjoys rehabbing old homes and flipping them for profit; Matt Blashaw, a 30-year-old self-employed handyman who resides in Brea, Calif.; and Gionni Thompson, a 35-year-old father of three and a science teacher at Aurora, Colorado′s Hinkley High School. DIY′s STUD FINDER special documents the challenges these finalists face and shows how the winner received the surprise announcement and appeared on NBC′s Today Show. In addition, the program goes behind-the-scenes of DIY′s popular programs to reveal what really happens in a home makeover show.

For more information on STUD FINDER, DIY Network, experts, tips, and additional home improvement programs, visit www.DIYnetwork.com. Viewers can also logon to DIY′s companion Web site and keyword search "Stud Finder" to test their home improvement skills, and watch the try-out videos of the STUD FINDER finalists and contestants.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

A&E Network Announces New Reality Series SONS OF HOLLYWOOD

A&E’S New Real-Life Series SONS OF HOLLYWOOD Explores The Lives Of Three Best Friends Living And Working In The Shadows Of Their Famous Parents Premieres Sunday, April 1 @ 10 PM ET/PT

A&E Network delves inside the lives of Tinseltown’s well-heeled offspring with SONS OF HOLLYWOOD, a new half-hour original real-life series.

Set to premiere with two back-to-back episodes on Sunday, April 1 @ 10 PM ET, the 12-episode weekly series follows the daily lives of three childhood friends as they attempt to conquer the entertainment business by day and the Hollywood scene by night.

"A perfect addition to A&E′s signature real-life brand - SONS OF HOLLYWOOD offers an unflinching and compelling look at three childhood friends who face the typical triumphs and tragedies of young adulthood in an atypical world that is complicated not only by their location but by their lineage," said Bob DeBitetto, Executive Vice President and General Manager, A&E Network.

SONS OF HOLLYWOOD is a real-life series that tracks the daily lives of three scions of Hollywood: Randy Spelling, son of the prolific television producer, the late Aaron Spelling; Sean Stewart, son of music legend Rod Stewart; and rising talent manager David Weintraub. At first glance these friends are living the dream - they boast impressive pedigrees, inside connections and outrageous social lives. But scratch under the surface and all that glitters is not necessarily gold.

The series follows the trio as they attempt to step out from the imposing shadows of their parents and forge their own identities. SONS OF HOLLYWOOD kicks off with the three friends moving out of their family mansions and in together for the summer. Viewers are given unprecedented access to the raw drama and moments of true comedy the trio experiences as they try to carve their paths in the world. The warts-and-all series exposes the intimate relationship dynamics between the sons and their famous fathers, reveals day-to-day drama with friends and family, unmasks career pressures, takes a look at a personal struggle with sobriety and witnesses the tragedy that befalls Randy Spelling when his father passes away in the midst of filming the show.

MTV Announces LIFE AFTER JUVIES - Inside Indiana’s Juvenile Justice System

MTV News and Docs gets an exclusive look inside Indiana’s juvenile justice system in the new documentary series MTV JUVIES, premiering Thursday, February 8th at 10:00 PM ET/PT. Set in the Superior Court of Lake County, Juvenile Division and the Juvenile Justice Complex, the eight-part series depicts what happens to juvenile offenders during their stay at the detention center and offers an unprecedented look inside the courtroom where the lives and futures of young offenders are at the hands of a sole judge. From dealing with runaways to underage drinking, MTV JUVIES addresses many issues that affect young people today.

Also on February 8th, immediately following the premiere, MTV.com debuts LIFE AFTER JUVIES, where viewers catch up with the kids from the series after they come out of detention. The weekly series looks at the lives of the subjects today - months after their detention, as they discuss their experiences at the detention center and how it changed their lives and their relationship with their families.

Featured in this MTV documentary series:

Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura As Senior Judge of the Lake County Superior Court, Juvenile Division since April 1993, Judge Bonaventura has been recognized for her dedication and outstanding service to children since the start of her career in the Juvenile Court. It’s her job to help these kids, who are currently at a crossroads in their lives, to get back on the right path.

Cordell, 17 - With solid grades, lots of friends and a great relationship with his family, it comes as a surprise when Cordell is arrested for auto theft. Can this good kid convince Judge Bonaventura of his innocence?

Sara, 16 - Willful Sara packed up her things and drove down to Texas with some friends in pursuit of a better life. However, before reaching her destination she’s pulled over by police and arrested as a runaway.

Ryan, 17 - A self-proclaimed "pothead," Ryan isn’t necessarily a bad kid. He just doesn’t think much past the party he’ll be at on Friday night. While cruising with friends one night, Ryan gets into a car accident and flees the scene, landing him in the Lake County Juvenile Center.

Sierra, 16 - Having spent the morning in school, Sierra is stunned to be picked up by police on her walk home. She later finds out that her mother, who disapproves of her daughter dating a 19-year-old alleged drug dealer, has called police and reported her as a runaway.

Steve, 17 - This jock is arrested after running from the cops when he and his friends are busted for drinking. Steve ends up in juvie and soon learns that his football scholarships and dreams of playing in the pros could be shattered.

Karissa, 17 - After a two-week drug-hazed "vacation" to escape the pressures of school and high standards of her foster family, Karissa is brought into the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center as a runaway.

Jasmine, 17 and Jacinta, 16 - These sisters, always have each others backs. But now their loyalty has led them to a violent brawl with a group of bullies that escalated into a stabbing. After serving time together at LCJC, how will the sisters deal with the possibility that Jasmine may be released while Jacinta remains detained for attempted murder?

Dale, 15 - When his mother reports him as a runaway, aspiring rocker Dale arrives home from a weekend band practice to find two police officers in his living room. Can Dale convince the judge his problems would be solved if he could live with his father instead?

Francesca, 13 - Francesca has a problem with stealing, but now she’s been caught and has been given a sentence of five consecutive weekends in this detention facility. Will a weekend without TV, friends, cell phone and internet, finally make her change her ways?

Javier, 17 - He comes from a strong, hardworking immigrant family, but when Javier reverses his family’s teachings and is arrested for burglary, will the judge be lenient or will she be forced to teach him a lifelong lesson the harsh way?

Jeff, 17 - He rarely gets into trouble and receives good grades at school, but after he and some friends get caught firing a BB gun into a neighbor’s backyard, Jeff is forced to learn just how stern Judge Bonaventura can be.

Kashmiere, 17 - She’s a fiery spirit who likes to test the limits of authority even though she hopes for a bright future. Will Judge Bonaventura believe that she is sincerely remorseful for shoplifting, or will she put a damper on Kashmiere’s dreams in order to teach her a lesson?

Larico, 13 - A victim of Hurricane Katrina who has recently relocated to Indiana, Larico ends up in LCJC after retaliating against a school bully. After another confrontation inside the detention center, will Larico realize that his temper is only exacerbating the grief of his hurricane-stricken family?

Nathan, 17 - After Nathan lands in juvenile detention for allegedly burglarizing a home, he’s faced with a very scary reality. With his 18th birthday fast-approaching, Nathan learns he could be moved to adult court, where sentences are numbered in years instead of months.

Rashad, 13 - Troublemaking Rashad ends up in LCJC after putting a "Kick Me" sign on a peer and then fighting him. He enters LCJC like he owns the place but after a scary incident in the boys’ pod, Rashad realizes that this isn’t the place for himis his realization too late?

RJ, 16 - RJ has endured the overwhelming reality of being born without a right arm in a family in chronic poverty and having a mother with ill-health. Things come to a halt for him when a Xanax binge leaves him unable to remember a crime spree involving burglary, auto theft and criminal mischief.

Stephen, 17 - As a LCJC "weekender," Stephen is sentenced to five consecutive weekends for stealing a $16 pair of earrings. He soon learns his attempts at pushing his luck were definitely not worth the time he’s serving.

ABC Renews AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS, SUPERNANNY And WIFE SWAP

ABC Announces Early Series Pick-Ups Of AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS, SUPERNANNY And WIFE SWAP

The ABC Television Network announced early pick-up’s of AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS, SUPERNANNNY, and WIFE SWAP. AFHV was picked up for a record breaking 18th season, while both SUPERNANNY and WIFE SWAP were picked-up for fourth seasons.

The longest running primetime entertainment show in ABC history, AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS has kept America laughing for 17 seasons with animal antics, practical jokes and hilarious footage of what happens when adults, children and even inanimate objects are at their spontaneous best. In its 17 seasons to date, AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS has given away over $9 million in prize money and evaluated more than half a million videotapes from home viewers.

Vin Di Bona is executive producer, with Todd Thicke and Michele Nasraway serving as co-executive producers. AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS, which premiered on January 14, 1990 and is from Vin Di Bona Productions.

Now in its third hit season, SUPERNANNY continues to save America, one harried family at a time. Jo Frost, as Supernanny, can tame the wildest toddler, soothe the savage six-year-old and get the most difficult child to overcome problems with behavior, sleep, mealtime, potty training and other challenges that have vexed parents around the world for centuries. After just three episodes of the show aired in the U.K. in summer 2004, Jo Frost became Britain’s hottest new TV star and godsend to desperate parents who were dazzled by her amazing results with unruly children. She debuted in America in early 2005 and captivated Americans as well with her practical, no-nonsense style, honed over 17 years of nannying. Hailed by the New York Times as "fascinating" and "required viewing;" praised by Oprah Winfrey, David Letterman and Kelly Ripa; acclaimed by such publications as Newsweek, Hollywood Reporter and The New Yorker; and lauded by parents and nannies across America, SUPERNANNY is phenomenon. It airs in 47 territories, almost all of them with Frost as Supernanny.

Nick Powell is the creator and executive producer of both the American and British versions of the show. Craig Armstrong and Nick Emmerson are executive producers of the American version. SUPERNANNY is produced by Ricochet, Ltd.

WIFE SWAP, the critically-acclaimed unscripted reality show that takes us into the intimate heart of the American family home, reveals the extraordinarily different ways families live their lives. Each week from across the country, two families with very different values are chosen to take part in a two-week long challenge. The wives from these two families exchange husbands, children and lives (but not bedrooms) to discover just what it’s like to live another woman’s life. It’s a mind-blowing experiment that often ends up changing their lives forever, with explosive, enlightening and often very funny results.

When WIFE SWAP premiered in 2003 in the United Kingdom, it was an instant television phenomenon. The program has won numerous awards, most recently the prestigious BAFTA (British Academy of Film & Television Arts) Award for best reality show and the Golden Rose for best reality program at the International Rose D’Or Festival, Europe’s top entertainment television awards. WIFE SWAP currently airs from France to Australia and Germany to New Zealand. It has been sold as an acquisition or a format to over 100 international territories.

WIFE SWAP is an RDF USA production. It was created by Stephen Lambert and is executive-produced by Wendy Roth and Stephen Lambert of RDF Media ("Faking It" and "Junkyard Wars") and Michael Davies of Embassy Row ("Who Wants to be a Millionaire"). Cristin Cricco, Stephanie Schwam Adams and Mike Gamson are the co-executive producers.

Monday, January 29, 2007

Sneak Peek Of KING OF CARS - Chop Returns For Second Season On A&E

Hop into the driver’s seat... have we got a deal for you! A&E Network’s new real-life series, KING OF CARS, premieres for a second season on Tuesday, January 30th with back to back half hour episodes beginning at 11:00 pm EST/PST.

KING OF CARS follows the personal and professional life of 31-year old Chop, aka "The King of Cars," a hip-hopping car dynasty magnate, whose wacky infomercials have made him a cult sensation in his hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Part Boiler Room, part "The Office," KING OF CARS offers a real life peek into the wheeling and dealing that goes on behind the scenes at Chop’s shop, Towbin Dodge, the number one single point used car dealership in the nation. In addition to managing his hugely successful auto empire, Chop also juggles several other real-life roles as father, rap impresario, Vegas player and TV infomercial star and producer.

The series follows Chop’s loyal sales team as they furiously struggle to seal their deals, giving viewers a rare glimpse into the secret techniques of car salesmen. The series also showcases the production of "The Chop Show", a madcap, weekly improvised infomercial that has become a Vegas 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 shenanigans with the actual salesmen sporting outlandish costumes and portraying characters with unique names like Chilly Willy and the Blue Genie, with Chop at the helm, delivering his special brand of high voltage hosting. For more information about Chop visit his website at www.chopcars.com.

RealityTVWebsite.com is posting a sneak peek and episode summaries of the second season of KING OF CARS.

Revised January 30th

January 30 at 11:00 pm/3:00 am ET and PT
HOPPY BIRTHDAY.
It’s Chop's birthday and he’s celebrating Low Rider style, with a massive hop-off competition at the dealership. But as Chop crowns the "King of the Streets", his fiancee Venus is frantically preparing a royal surprise party. With rappers, dancing girls, and mini-Elvis, can Venus really keep her big party a secret from Chop?

January 30 at 11:30 pm/3:30 am ET and PT
OIL CRISIS!
Top team leaders Deeter and Tino are again in a slump and Chop has the perfect inspirational tool: a rematch of the Showgirl Showdown sales contest. Only this time instead of appearing on The Chop Show in sequins, the loser will have to oil wrestle a 350-pound man while being sprayed with baby oil by the entire staff. Deeter and Tino pull out all the stops to close the most car deals and avoid "glistening in the light on a Monday night."

February 6 - 11:00 pm/3:00 am ET and PT
CALENDAR GUYS
When Chop buys a bunch of famous rides--cars originally customized for the likes of Snoop and Missy Elliott--he decides to use them as hot backdrops for the first ever King of Cars calendar. But to spice up the day’s sales Chop throws in a twist--Shane "Big Thunda" and Yoshah must compete to be the first to sell a car. The winner will pose with a cool ride and hot girls, the loser will be shot in a Speedo flanked by the dealership’s mechanics!

February 6 - 11:30 pm/3:30 am ET and PT
THE CONTENDERS
When Chop notices that Salesman of the Month Gabe is getting complacent, he challenges him to a selling match against top sales contender James. The contest quickly becomes a contrast in styles with James "Golden Spaghetti" as the patient, methodical tortoise and Gabe "El Supa" as the energetic hare with attitude. The loser must face the ultimate car salesman’s humiliation - wash the winner’s car by hand.

February 13 - 11:00 pm/3:00 am ET and PT
UGLY TRUCKLING:
Chop poses with his personal fleet of custom cars for a photo spread for DUB magazine on the same day as the dealership’s Ugly Truckling Contest, created to boost business. The contest goes like this: the customer that brings in the ugliest truck will walk away with a $1,000 - but not before the Auto Marshall and Big Thunder try to persuade them to trade in their old eyesores for some stylin’ rides.

February 13 - 11:30 pm/3:30 am ET and PT
WOMEN DRIVERS
Two women, Sunny and Christina, join Chop’s sales force and help drive their team to the top. But Chop fears that their friendship is dulling their competitive edge, and to shake things up pits them against each other in a competition for a high dollar designer purse. When the Blue Genie teams up with Christina and Golden Spaghetti joins Sunny, it’s all eyes on the prize and a fight down to the wire.

February 20 - 11:00 pm/3:00 am ET and PT
GREEN PEAS
Chop expands his sales force for the summer season with a fresh crop of what he calls green peas, new recruits hoping to make it as car salesmen. There’s Gary who needs to make big money to pay off his debts, and Philip who wants to prove to his dad that he can hold down a job. After shadowing their veteran salesmen like the Auto Marshall and El Supa, the peas are thrown into the deep end of their first big Saturday to sell cars solo. It’s sink or swim time for the newbies because only a few will make enough sales to survive.

February 20 - 11:30 pm/3:30 am ET and PT
MAGIC BLUE ROOM
Chop’s most recognizable salesman Prem, a.k.a. "The Sexy Blue Genie," creates a special Blue Room in the dealership, part of his plan to market his image and increase his sales. He recruits Allen, another salesman who needs to boost his numbers, to be his partner. Chop, skeptical of the notoriously lazy Genie’s commitment, gives the Blue team just one day to prove that the Blue Room can produce.

February 27 - 11:00 pm/3:00 am ET and PT
HOOP DREAMZ
Chop surprises team leader and rising star Tino with a promotion, but who will now run the A-Team? Chop pits by-the-book salesman Andy against street-styled ex-boxer Gabe. Whoever closes the most deals takes the team and the big raise. But the one-on-one gets so heated up Chop moves it from the sales floor to the basketball court.

February 27 - 11:30 pm/3:30 am ET and PT
FIRED UP!
Chop’s newest sales recruits, Joshua and Philip, are hanging on by a thread. Their low numbers after almost a week on the job are costing the dealership money. Chop and his right-hand man, Chilly Willy, give them one last shot to prove themselves. With their jobs on the line, Joshua and Philip struggle to show they have what it takes.

Exclusive Interview With Drew Sawa - The Geek Voted Off On BEAUTY AND THE GEEK

Last Wednesday night, Andrew (Drew) Sawa, the 21-year old trekkie who studies at Marquette University, who with Erin Gibson (the Beauty) was eliminated during the during hit reality TV series, BEAUTY AND THE GEEK.

Our own RealityTVWebsite.com Elaine James caught up with Drew in this exclusive one-on-one interview.

Elaine James: Tell me what made you want to try out for the show?

Drew Sawa: I saw Season 1 and Season 2 and I loved them. The show really has heart. I thought I would be perfect for the show. I asked all of my fraternity members what they thought. They thought I would be perfect. I found the casting call on their web site. I created an audition tape and filled out the application. I then passed the application on to my fraternity for their look over. They really helped me out on the application. One of the questions was, "What are some of your quirks?" I came up with 2 or 3, the next day they had come up with 50 of them. So that was interesting.

Elaine James: So you get to the taping and see all of the beauties. What was going through your mind?

Drew Sawa: I was kind of like, "Wow!" There must have been thousands of people that wanted to be here and was surprised that I actually made it. I was very honored and wanted to make the most of it. I was very nervous the first week that I was there. When I was introducing myself to the women, I was looking at the back of their heads and all I was thinking was that everything was so shiny. I was very nervous.

Elaine James: So what did you think about your partner Erin?

Drew Sawa: She is awesome. I’m saying that in hindsight though. When you are on the show it is very stressful and I do regret not giving her more compliments. She is awesome as a partner and is a real person. When I first saw her, I was still in shock, but she was very comfortable in front of the cameras and she did really well.

Elaine James: Several times during the course of the show, she kept repeating how proud of you she was? Did this give you confidence in yourself?

Drew Sawa: She never told me that directly, as it was done in the confessionals and in the interviews. That is why I wish I had complimented her more. She really was a very good partner.

Elaine James: Have you talked since the show? Will you remain friends?

Drew Sawa: Absolutely! We still keep in contact with each other, it’s fun. I haven’t seen her since the Third, we’ve been talking on the phone and emailing. We were on WGN (television station) on the Third and that was the last time I saw any of the cast. I’ve just been busy here in Milwaukee, and haven’t made it down to Chicago.

Elaine James: Did you form any good friendships with the guys?

Drew Sawa: On the show, Scooter was a very good friend of mine. After the show, I talked more with Nate. Nate and I are really very similar. He goes to Harvard, I go to Marquette. We are both still in college, so there is a lot for us to talk about. I talk to both Nate and Pi a lot, and to some degree Mario and Scooter. But I do consider everyone my friend.

Elaine James: What did you take away from the show?

Drew Sawa: I gained a lot more confidence. I also gained a new appreciation for modeling and models. The whole walking the catwalk and getting my strut going was hard, but Erin helped me a lot with that. So that was awesome. It gave me a completely different perspective on how much work is involved with modeling.

Elaine James: At any point on the show did you every regret trying out?

Drew Sawa: There were some regrets here and there. After realizing how much study material there was, there were some regrets. But I kept pushing through. Being around some of the drama that was going on with some of the girls, I tried to avoid at all costs. Other than that, I had a blast. Even in hindsight, I’m glad that I did it.

Elaine James: What have you been doing since you’ve been home?

Drew Sawa: School, the organizations that I’m involved with, work, publicity for the show.

Elaine James: What is next for you?

Drew Sawa: Well, after the show, if I’m discovered I might try it out. I’m not going to pursue a career in acting, but if the chance is there I’ll gladly try it out. It’s very stressful doing the reality show. The true miracle workers are the production team. Working long hours, carrying heavy equipment, having to pay attention to people’s conversations and listen to the director. There is a lot of work involved in producing a show. For me in the future, I graduate in May. So I’m looking for a job in finance. I prefer derivatives, options, investing. Mostly alternative investments are my forte. Within 15 years, I would like to start my own business. I’ve always had the heart of an entrepreneur.

Friday, January 26, 2007

Fox Casting For Third Season Of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, Last Summer’s No. 1 Show, Begins Talent Search For Season Three

Casting Calls in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta Start Another Search for America’s Favorite Dancer

Fresh off its sold-out, cross-country performance tour, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, last summer’s No.1 hit, begins another search for America’s favorite dancer Thursday, March 1, in New York City. Entering its third season this summer on FOX, the hot series from the producers of AMERICAN IDOL and "American Bandstand" is hosted by Cat Deeley, one of the UK’s top television personalities and a correspondent for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Good Morning America." Once again SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE promises to keep America moving to a different beat, as dancers skilled in everything from the "street" styles of hip-hop, krumping and popping to "the best of ballroom" - salsa, quickstep, jive and more - compete to be named America’s favorite.

Producers will travel to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta in search of dancers who best represent the rhythm of America. Talented dancers who spark the judges’ interest during auditions will be invited to call-backs, where they will work with top choreographers. During the call-back week, the judges will choose the Top 20 dancers who will continue in the competition.

The series became a phenomenon in its second season, in which Benji Schwimmer was voted America’s Favorite Dancer and received $100,000, a new car and a contract to appear in Celine Dion’s "A New Day" show at The Colosseum, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE will hold casting calls in New York beginning Thursday, March 1; in Chicago on Thursday, March 8; in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 22; and in Atlanta on Thursday, April 5. Casting is open to persons between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of the audition who are either U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the U.S., or possess a current legal visa allowing them to seek employment in the U.S. without restriction as to employer.

March 1 - 3, 2007:
The Manhattan Center Theatre
311 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001

March 8 - 10, 2007:
The Legendary Chicago Theatre
175 North State St.
Chicago, IL 60601

March 22 - 24, 2007:
The Orpheum Theatre
842 South Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014

April 5 - 7, 2007:
The Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30308

More information will be available at fox.com/dance.

Travel Channel Announces 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE

Inspired by Patricia Schultz’s best-selling travel book, the Travel Channel is launching a new series of the same name, 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE. Premiering Thursday, March 29, at 9PM and 10 PM (ET/PT) and continuing every Thursday at 9 PM with premiere episodes through June, the show chronicles the journey of a young couple who put their lives on hold to travel the world utilizing Schultz’s book as their primary guide.

Selected from over 900 couples, Albin and Melanie Ulle, newlyweds from Colorado, were chosen to plan a fourteen-week, whirlwind journey to more than thirteen countries worldwide. Making the trip at a point in their lives when they can dedicate ample time and focus on this life-changing experience, they agreed to leave their jobs and day-to-day life to travel the world experiencing its vast beauty and diverse cultures.

Each hour-long episode of 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE takes viewers to one of thirteen amazing locations including: Peru, Alaska, Vancouver, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, France, Italy, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Australia, and Hawaii. The series is shot completely in HD high-definition to capture the true beauty of these unique locations. Traveling to approximately 100 of the "1,000 Places", they visit well-known tourist sites like Machu Picchu, climb the Eiffel Tower, tour the Taj Mahal at sunset, view Venice from the canals, visit Robben Island in South Africa, and travel the Alaskan railroad.

Hit Reality Show SOLITARY Returning to Fox Reality For A Second Season

Fox Reality Orders Second Season of Its Controversial First Original Series SOLITARY

SOLITARY is the Only Reality Show Where the ONLY Way to Lose is to Quit!

Casting Begins Now!

Show Debuts in August 2007

Fox Reality, the only all-reality, all-the-time television network, brings back a second season of controversy with SOLITARY, the only reality show where the only way to lose is to quit. Fox Reality is currently in pre-production with an all-new version of the series SOLITARY 2.0, which promises ground-breaking tests and treatments that will keep viewers talking!

The initial season of SOLITARY, which debuted June 5, 2006, received praise from viewers and critics alike, by pushing participants to their mental and physical limits with intense tests and treatments. Without a doubt, the concept of SOLITARY stepped above and beyond the traditional reality-show-box and was one of the ten-most-downloaded series in terms of both season purchases and individual episode purchases during its first week in the iTunes store.

Fox Reality is definitely elevating the endurance level this season with SOLITARY 2.0. Nine subjects will endure far more grueling psychological tests that will require extreme tolerance and the physical treatments will become even tougher. When the experiment ends, the last person standing walks away with bragging rights and the cash prize of $50,000.

David Lyle, COO and General Manager of Fox Reality, says, "SOLITARY entered into uncharted territory in the reality world. SOLITARY 2.0 will push the limits of human tolerance even further and allow our viewers to go along for the ride while, luckily for them, watching comfortably from their homes."

SOLITARY 2.0 subjects never meet or have interaction with any other human beings. They will only know the voice of their omniscient "friend" Val. Their sarcastic taskmaster and worst nightmare, Val will again taunt the subject by ruling every action in their laboratory pods. The voice of Val controls all elements taking place in their pods including sleep, sound, temperature, and light. They’re even stripped of their conventional names, which are replaced with numbers. No reality show puts mental and physical stamina to the test like SOLITARY 2.0.

SOLITARY 2.0 is executive produced and co-created by Andrew Golder ("Identity," "World Series of Blackjack," "Win Ben Stein’s Money", Emmy®-Award Recipient) and Lincoln Hiatt ("Unan1mous").

Fox Reality is holding a two-week national casting call for SOLITARY 2.0, seeking nine fearless people to take on the greatest mental and physical challenge of their lives. For casting information, visit http://www.foxreality.com/casting/.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS Cast Announced By CBS - Premieres February 18

Eleven Former Teams Return For A Second Chance To Compete In A Race Around The World When THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS Premieres Sunday, February 18 On CBS

28 Days, Five Continents, More than 45,000 miles

CBS has announced that eleven former teams will return to compete in a Race around the world on THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS. The 11th installment of the four-time Emmy Award-winning series hosted by Phil Keoghan, will premiere Sunday, Feb. 18 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS will reunite some of the most memorable, entertaining and controversial Teams from previous seasons, who will travel more than 45,000 miles, spanning five continents in 28 days, with stops in such locations as Argentina, Mozambique and Chile, to name a few. These former teams will pair up for one final trek around the globe as they battle the best of the best in a Race to the Finish Line for their second attempt at the million dollar prize.

These fierce competitors are no longer strangers to the game or to each other and relationships will be tested at every point along the way. Teams will be forced to choose between pre-existing relationships and the spirit of competition. Will new alliances form and will old bonds be broken?

Meet the Teams for THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS (listed in no particular order):

Kevin O'Connor and Drew Feinberg (SEASON 1)
Relationship: Lifelong Friends
Hometown: Kevin (Bayonne, N.J.); Drew (Staten Island, N.Y.)
Age: Kevin (40); Drew (41)
Occupation: Kevin (Forensic Accountant); Drew (Senior Court Officer)
Results from Season 1: 4th Place
America’s favorite fraternity brothers are all grown up and married. They fell just short of the million dollars the first time around and are eager for another shot.

Ozwald Mendez and Danilo Jimenez (Danny) (SEASON 2)
Relationships: Best Friends
Hometown: Ozwald (New York, N.Y.); Danny (Miami, Fla.)
Age: Ozwald (36); Danny (41)
Occupation: Ozwald (Advertising); Danny (Paralegal)
Results from Season 2: 4th Place
These best friends from Season 2 had a falling out several years ago, but have since mended their relationship and claim to be better friends now than they’ve ever been during their previous 12 years of friendship.

John Vito Pietanza and Jill Aquilino (SEASON 3)
Relationship: Formerly Dating
Hometown: John (New York, N.Y.); Jill (New York, N.Y.)
Age: John (32); Jill (29)
Occupation: John (Trader); Jill (Product Controller)
Results from Season 3: 5th Place
Season 3’s John Vito and Jill are back for another chance at winning the $1 million prize. What’s different this time around? These former lovebirds are no longer romantically involved.

Uchenna Agu and Joyce Agu (SEASON 7)
Relationship: Married
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Age: Uchenna (42); Joyce (46)
Occupation: Uchenna (Land Developer); Joyce (Sales)
Results from Season 7: Winners
Uchenna and Joyce are one of the most beloved teams from any season of Race. The winners of Season 7, Uchenna and Joyce were relentless and stopped at nothing to win the $1 million prize... including shaving their heads.

David Conley, Jr. and Mary Conley (SEASON 10)
Relationship: Coal Miner and Wife
Hometown: Stone, Ky.
Age: David (33); Mary (32)
Occupation: David (Coal Miner); Mary (Homemaker)
Results from Season 10: 6th Place
Everybody’s favorite coal miner and his wife are back for another trek around the world. David and Mary, the lovable, wide-eyed couple from Stone, Ky. are ready to compete and believe they have what it takes to bring home the $1 million prize for their children.

Charla Baklayan Faddoul and Mirna Hindoyan (SEASON 5)
Relationship: Cousins
Hometown: Towson, Md.
Age: Charla (30); Mirna (30)
Occupation: Charla (Real Estate Investor); Mirna (Attorney)
Results from Season 5: 6th Place
Charla and Mirna captured America’s hearts the first time around. They are proud of the way they played the game and look forward to another trip around the world together.

Rob Mariano and Amber Mariano (SEASON 7)
Relationship: Married
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Age: Rob (30); Amber (28)
Occupation: Rob (TV personality/host/pursuing a career in TV); Amber (TV personality)
Results from Season 7: 2nd Place
America’s Sweethearts met, fell in love and got married...all in front of the cameras, beginning with the filming of Survivor: All-Stars, where Rob finished in second place to Amber. They finished as the runners-up to Joyce and Uchenna in Season 7. To what lengths will Rob and Amber go to avoid finishing as the runner-up yet again?

Teri Pollack and Ian Pollack (SEASON 3)
Relationship: Married Parents
Hometown: Palm City, Fla.
Age: Teri (53); Ian (54)
Occupation: Teri (Homemaker); Ian (Private Investigator/Retired Police Lt.)
Results from Season 3: 2nd Place
Second place in Season 3 just wasn’t good enough for this dynamic duo. Teri and Ian are still the oldest players to ever finish in second place in the Amazing Race and they are back to show that they haven’t lost a step.

Eric Sanchez and Danielle Turner (Dee) (SEASON 9 - Separate Teams)
Relationship: Dating
Hometown: Eric (Deerfield Beach, Fla.); Danielle (Staten Island, N.Y.)
Age: Eric (28); Danielle (23)
Occupation: Eric (Waiter); Danielle (Bartender)
Results from Season 9: Eric (2nd Place), Danielle (7th Place)
This unique duo met while racing against each other during Season 9. During their travels, they developed a bond which evolved into a romance and the two have been dating for the past year. Will the combination of big-city girl and self-proclaimed "beach bum" be a force to reckon with or will the other Teams discount this new pair who has never raced together as Team?

Joe Baldassare and Bill Bartek (SEASON 1)
Relationship: Life Partners
Hometown: Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Age: Joe (56); Bill (53)
Occupation: Joe (Owns his own Minerals Trading Company); Bill (Realtor)
Results in Season 1: 3rd Place
"Team Guido" from Season 1 returns for another attempt at the $1 million prize. Claiming they’ve had their bags packed since they returned home from the first season, they are ready to go!

Dustin Seltzer and Kandice Pelletier (SEASON 10)
Relationship: Beauty Queens
Hometown: Dustin (Seattle, Wash.); Kandice (New York, N.Y)
Age: Dustin (25); Kandice (25)
Occupation: Dustin (Grad Student); Kandice (Student at NYU)
Results from Season 10: 4th Place
These former Beauty Queens are back for a second chance and are more determined than ever to prove to the world that they aren’t just pretty faces. Proven to be fierce competitors during the 10th installment of Race, Dustin and Kandice are focused and have their sights set on becoming the first all-female team to win the $1 million prize.

THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS features 11 Teams of two on a trek around the world for approximately 30 days. At every destination, each Team will compete in a series of challenges -- some mental and some physical -- and only when the tasks have been completed will they learn their next destination. Teams who are farthest behind will gradually be eliminated as the contest progresses, with the first Team to arrive at the final destination winning $1 million.

Reality Series LISA WILLIAMS: LIFE AMONG THE DEAD Returns For Second Season On Lifetime

The Captivating Reality Series LISA WILLIAMS: LIFE AMONG THE DEAD - Young British Psychic Medium Lisa Williams Returns This Summer

Lifetime Television’s popular reality series LISA WILLIAMS: LIFE AMONG THE DEAD has been renewed for a second season, it was announced by Susanne Daniels, President, Entertainment, Lifetime Entertainment Services. The show will return this summer.

LISA WILLIAMS: LIFE AMONG THE DEAD explores Williams’ claim of her abilities to see and speak with the dead and in some cases possibly transform the lives of the people she meets who are seeking to connect with their dearly departed. Throughout the series, Williams shares stories of people wanting to be reunited with someone from their past, while offering personal observations and insights.

"The outpouring of letters and emails we have received from fans of Lisa, and the show, has been overwhelming," said Daniels. Adding, "We are thrilled that her vibrant and fun-loving personality has connected with our viewers."

Lisa Williams’ success comes as no surprise to producer Merv Griffin, whose ability to recognize star quality is legendary. "I just knew the camera would love Lisa’s face and that people would be amazed and entertained by her abilities," said Griffin. Adding, "Our office, too, has received a huge number of queries asking when she would be back on the air. We couldn’t be happier that the show has performed so well for Lifetime and we look forward to an even more remarkable second season."

Merv Griffin, Raymond J. Brune, Andrew Yani and Yann Debonne serve as executive producers of the series, produced by Merv Griffin Entertainment in association with Kimo Jagger Productions for Lifetime Television.

In each episode of LISA WILLIAMS: LIFE AMONG THE DEAD, cameras follow a typical day in the life of the young clairvoyant. When Williams removes her hat, revealing her signature multi-colored spiky hair, it’s her way of showing the spirit world that she is available for contact. Lisa gives readings in her office to scheduled clients and oftentimes to people she randomly meets while about town in Los Angeles. In these meetings, Lisa relays messages that she believes are from the dead to their relatives and friends. The series also observes Lisa at home, with her husband, Kevin, and her six-year-old son, Charlie, who already shows an interest in natural healing and talking with spirits.

Online, viewers can log onto Lifetimetv.com and see exclusive video coverage of Lisa Williams giving readings to strangers on the street and footage from the show. Site visitors will also be able to learn more about Lisa personally through exclusive interviews and family photos. During the first season of LISA WILLIAMS: LIFE AMONG THE DEAD,Lifetimetv.com hosted four live chats whereviewers e-mailed Lisa questions directly, which generated more than three times the amount of traffic to the site than usual.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Cast Announced For SURVIVOR FIJI On CBS - Premieres February 8th

CBS has announced the 19 new castaways who will compete in SURVIVOR: FIJI when the 14th installment of the Emmy Award-winning series premieres Thursday, Feb. 8 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

SURVIVOR: FIJI will feature a diverse cast of Americans who will begin the series as one tribe with plenty of supplies and resources on their island to make an exceptionally comfortable camp. On Day Three, the castaways will be split into two tribes, selected by one of their own as a result of events to take place prior to the first Immunity Challenge. The tribe that wins the first Immunity Challenge will return to the camp of copious resources while the losing tribe must relocate to a new island with only a pot, a machete and a water source.

In addition, throughout the series, at least one castaway in each episode will be banished to a separate island (Exile Island) miles away from camp. The castaways will learn that there is a Hidden Immunity Idol located somewhere at each tribe camp and that a new clue to their whereabouts will be waiting for the latest person sent to Exile Island. Such a twist offers the opportunity for more than one individual to be in possession of a Hidden Immunity Idol at the same time. These Hidden Immunity Idols may be played at future Tribal Councils if the possessor feels they are in danger of being voted off the island.

Castaways competing in SURVIVOR: FIJI (in alphabetical order) are:

ALEX ANGARITA
28
Los Angeles (originally from Colombia)
Attorney

KENWARD "BOO" BERNIS
34
Lafayette, LA
Construction Worker

YAU-MAN CHAN
54
Martinez, CA (born in Hong Kong, raised in Borneo, Malaysia)
Computer Engineer

EARL COLE
35
Santa Monica, CA (originally from Kansas City, KS)
Advertising Executive

JESSICA deBEN
27
Los Angeles (originally from New Orleans)
Fashion Stylist

ERICA DUROUSSEAU
27
Lake Charles, LA
Non-Profit Fundraiser

CASSANDRA FRANKLIN
42
Los Angeles
Civil Engineer Manager

LILIANA GOMEZ
25
Oxnard, CA
Loan Officer

ANDRIA "DRE" HERD
25
Wilmington, NC
Cheerleading Coach

STACY KIMBALL
27
Boulder, CO (originally from Montpelier, VT)
Interactive Internet Producer

SYLVIA KWAN
52
Ross, CA (born in Hong Kong)
Architect

MOOKIE LEE
25
Wheeling, IL (born in Seoul, Korea)
Loan Manager

LISETTE "LISI" LINARES
36
Los Angeles (originally from Miami)
Customer Service Representative

JAMES REID
28
Los Angeles (originally from Boston)
Bartender

EDGARDO RIVERA
28
Miami Beach, FL (originally from Puerto Rico)
Advertising Executive

ANTHONY ROBINSON
32
Compton, CA
Expert Witness Locator

GARY STRITESKY
55
Ramsey, MN
School Bus Driver

RITA VERREOS
38
San Antonio, TX (originally from Venezuela)
Single Mom

MICHELLE YI
23
Cincinnati, OH
Student

SURVIVOR: FIJI is hosted by Jeff Probst and produced by SEG, Inc. Mark Burnett and Tom Shelly are the executive producers. Doug McCallie and Kevin Greene are co-executive producers.

Prison Life Is Back As LOCKDOWN Returns To National Geographic Channel

National Geographic Channel GoesOn Lockdown Revealing Covert Rules, Violent Clashes And Secret Codes Of Justice Within America’s Prisons

Go Inside Three Maximum-Security Prisons, Including a Violent Women’s Penitentiary and a New High-Tech Penal Complex, for a Glimpse Into Life Behind Bars

"It is possible that any man that walks in [the prison]... could be murdered... it just depends on who he crosses." Maximum-security officer

A cement-and-barbed wire door slams behind you. You are stripped of your possessions and clothes. Officers search your entire body, inside and out, for weapons. You are thrown in with thousands of violent inmates who have been locked up for years for unthinkable acts. Welcome to one of the most frightening and secret cultures in America our prisons.

LOCKDOWN, one of the highest rated miniseries for the National Geographic Channel (NGC), returns for a new three-hour installment on Sunday, February 11, 2007, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT. This special night takes viewers inside the closed world of three maximum-security U.S. prisons to observe violent clashes, covert rules and secret codes of justice.

Starting with a special encore presentation of LOCKDOWN: GANG WAR at 8 p.m. ET/PT, hear firsthand accounts from inmates and correctional officers in a prison where gang leaders have the upper hand and call the shots. At 9 p.m. ET/PT with LOCKDOWN: WOMEN BEHIND BARS, NGC takes viewers inside a penal complex that has all the hallmarks of a maximum-security prison violent inmates, overcrowding and a drug trade but a unique population: It houses all women. Finally, at 10 p.m. ET/PT with LOCKDOWN: TOTAL CONTROL, go inside a new high-tech maximum-security prison that houses men so dangerous that they must be locked down 23 hours a day, and see how the entire facility has been specially designed to be "escape free" by building the same security fence Israel put up in the West Bank.

The three-hour special Lockdown night includes the following one-hour episodes:

LOCKDOWN: GANG WAR
Sunday, February 11, at 8 p.m. ET/PT (Special Encore Presentation)
NGC takes you inside one of the United States most violent and dangerous maximum-security prisons Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad, Calif. With nearly 200 gang-related attacks each year, overcrowded conditions have increased tensions for both officers and inmates. Hear firsthand how fights, stabbings and murders are organized by gang leaders and how outnumbered officers can easily be at the mercy of a gang war. "We have control of everything that happens in the prison," says a former gang member who currently is serving life for murder. Gang War also explores how officers deploy precautionary tactics ranging from unannounced middle-of-the-night raids to searching each inmate by hand for weapons in the outdoor yard.

LOCKDOWN: WOMEN BEHIND BARS
Sunday, February 11, at 9 p.m. ET/PT (World Premiere)
With 3,900 violent female offenders, Valley State Prison for Women in Chowchilla, Calif., is one of the largest and most dangerous women’s prisons in the nation. Last year, the prison recorded its first inmate murder, demonstrating that women can be every bit as violent as men. With female inmates becoming one of the fastest growing segments of California’s prison population, officers are searching for ways to stop the drug trade and reduce violence. With violent incidents on the rise, officials and inmates have taken proactive precautions, including staff constantly wearing stab-proof vests and Kevlar gloves and carrying pepper spray cans and batons; and inmates becoming creative when arming themselves for possible attacks by crafting homemade weapons from materials like screws and lighters. Hear firsthand accounts of pregnant inmates, murderers and drug addicts as they navigate through this dangerous world.

LOCKDOWN: TOTAL CONTROL
Sunday, February 11, at 10 p.m. ET/PT (World Premiere)
Go inside one of the newest high-tech maximum-security prisons in the United States Alexander Correctional Institution in Taylorsville, N.C. In this prison, which has earned the nickname "hell" from inmates, see how officers use sophisticated technology and unconventional methods to keep a "choke hold" on its violent prisoners. NGC uncovers the secrets behind this penitentiary by showing viewers how this correctional institution has been specifically built to prevent any kind of inmate escape attempts, from heavily armed guards who circle the prison 24 hours a day in perimeter patrol vehicles (PPVs) to computers and cameras that can pinpoint within seconds the exact location of an escapee. Learn how officials uncover a drug ring that threatens to undermine prison security and could possibly tip the balance of control between officers and inmates. And see how officers try to prevent rapes, stabbings and prison riots by using a range of disciplinary actions, including creating a rating scale for each inmate based on their gang affiliation and issuing fines for the smallest infractions.

For more information, visit http://www.ngclockdown.com/

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

ROB AND BIG Renewed For Second Season On MTV Networks

MTV’s Breakout Hit, ROB & BIG, Greenlit for Second Season on MTV and MTV2

Dynamic Duo Helps MTV2 Achieve Its Highest Rated Day Ever in Channel History

After helping MTV2 achieve its highest rated day in channel history on Monday, January 15th, ROB AND BIG, MTV’s breakout hit series, was picked up for a second season for MTV and MTV2 beginning in Q2 2007 for 8 new episodes. Created by Jeff Tremaine, one of the creators of MTV’s "Jackass" and "Wildboyz" series, this reality comedy series stars professional DC Shoes skateboarder, Rob Dyrdek and his bodyguard and best friend, Christopher "Big Black" Boykin. The show premiered on MTV and MTV2 in November 2006 and documented the hysterical daily domestic antics of this unlikely dynamic duo living together in Rob’s Hollywood Hills home.

The first full season of ROB & BIG reached over 70 million total viewers (P2+) and ranked #1 in its time period (Thu 10:30-11p) among P12-34 versus cable competition. Additionally it ranked #1 in its time period among Teens across all of television as well as generated nearly 5.5 million streams of Rob and Big content on MTV.com since its premiere. After offering the premiere episode as a free download on iTunes, Rob & Big quickly established a digital fanbase, becoming one of MTV’s fastest and best selling shows on the service. On MTV2, Rob and Big has reached 27.7 million viewers (P2+) to date. Three of the airings of ROB AND BIG from Monday, January 15th, were the top ranked telecasts for the day, garnering its highest P12-34 ratings ever on the channel and helping MTV2 achieve its highest rated day in channel history. Season 2 of ROB AND BIG will also be available on iTunes, AOL and Amazon’s UNBOX service as they air.

"Our approach to Rob and Big was to deliver their hilarious brand of reality buddy comedy across all our channels and multiple platforms," said Lois Curren, EVP Series Development, MTV. "Our audience absolutely fell in love with the charming duo’s bizarre daily escapades and now, we’re thrilled to bring Rob and Big back for a second season to MTV and MTV2 for more of their lovable, non-stop, comic adventures."

The story of ROB & BIG is simple: After years of being hassled by cops for street skateboarding, Rob hired Big Black as his own personal bodyguard with one goal in mind -- to ride whenever and wherever he wanted. From that point on, this unusual twosome became instant buddies who were always by each other’s side. The first season of this breakout hit on MTV and MTV2 featured Rob and Big as they adopted their lovable bulldog Meaty, threw their first house party, attempted to get in shape and even joined a dating service together.

For more information about ROB & BIG visit http://www.mtv.com/.

IN STYLE CELEBRITY WEDDINGS Heading For Special Presentation On ABC

IN STYLE CELEBRITY WEDDINGS Invites You To Celebrate The Greatest Hollywood Nuptials Of 2006

IN STYLE, the popular magazine known for its unprecedented access to celebrities, invites viewers to the year’s most talked-about A-list weddings. With exclusive wedding videos, photographs and personal interviews, IN STYLE CELEBRITY WEDDINGS shares moving love stories and lush style details, from the most intricate wedding gowns to the most exotic wedding locations. The one-hour special airs Monday, February 5 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Highlights include:

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes -- In his first TV interview, designer Giorgio Armani, Tom and Katie’s style godfather, speaks about the wedding of the year and creating Holmes’ two gowns, Cruise’s navy tuxedo and the bridal party’s attire. The couple’s three-day fairytale wedding in Italy included a kick-off welcome dinner, rehearsal dinner and an extravagant ceremony at the medieval Odescalchi Castle. Celebrity guests included Brooke Shields and Chris Henchy; Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony; Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith, as well as Jim Carrey, Jenny McCarthy and Jenna Elfman, and David and Victoria Beckham, who all jetted to Italy for the couple’s "I Do’s."

Marcia Cross and Tom Mahoney - "Desperate Housewives" Marcia Cross wed Tom Mahoney and shared their never-before-seen wedding video with IN STYLE. The couple′s celebration included a reception at the Huntington Ritz-Carlton Pasadena, where the ballroom was transformed into an all-white "flower shop," plus 232 guests that included Cross′s costars, Eva Longoria with fianci Tony Parker, Felicity Huffman with husband Williams H. Macy, Doug Savant and "Housewives" creator Marc Cherry.

Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott -- Tori and Dean share their private wedding video exclusively with IN STYLE. When the couple decided to elope, they turned to L.A. event planner Jo Gartin to orchestrate a Fijian wedding for two at the island’s Wakaya Club. They took along an old-fashioned Super-8 camera to capture their beach ceremony, and enjoyed their first dance at the water’s edge.

Avril Lavigne and Deryck Whibley - Wedding planner Mindy Weiss takes viewers inside the wedding of rock star Avril Lavigne and Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley. Despite the couple’s traditional all-white ceremony, their vivid red reception honored their punk-rock roots with a medieval monogram designed by artist Sonia D’Aloisio, guitar picks inscribed with "Deryck picked Avril" and "Avril picked Deryck," and a black lacquer dance floor.

Supermodel Niki Taylor and Burney Lamar -- Niki Taylor is the cover girl whose life became a series of front-page headlines. First came the tragic death of her sister from a rare heart condition, and then five years ago she was the victim of a horrifying car crash that left her clinging to life. But Niki made an amazing recovery, and this mother of eleven-year-old twin boys got a second chance at love when she wed NASCAR driver Burney Lamar before 60 guests at the Grande Colonial Hotel in San Diego, California this past December.

Rascal Flatts′ Joe Don Rooney and Tiffany Fallon -- When Rascal Flatts′ lead guitarist, Joe Don Rooney, wed "Playmate of the Year" Tiffany Fallon last April, the couple invited 50 close friends and family members for a three day party at the Palmilla Resort in Cabo San Lucas. A friend of the band, R&B superstar Brian McKnight, was there to jump-start the musical part of the evening, and for the couple’s first dance, Joe Don surprised his bride with a custom recording of "Moon Over Georgia."

Ali Landry and Alejandro Monteverde -- Ali Landry became an overnight sensation when she set off the fire sprinklers in a Doritos ad, but while this former Miss USA may have sizzled in public, she grieved privately when her marriage to Mario Lopez was annulled after just two weeks. Four months later, Ali′s fortunes would turn once again. She met film director Alejandro Monteverde and, 18 monthslater, they were engaged. The couple planned an old world wedding in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where Alejandro had proposed.

Sean Patrick Thomas and Aonika Laurent -- After Hurricane Katrina, "Save the Last Dance′s" Sean Patrick Thomas and his bride-to-be, Aonika Laurent, briefly considered moving their nuptials from Laurent′s native New Orleans to Los Angeles. But the Big Easy came through in spirited form, playing gracious host to the couple′s 300 guests at a lavish affair just eight months after the storm hit. For their traditional Catholic ceremony in the city′s historic St. Louis Cathedral, Thomas paired a Hugo Boss tuxedo and shirt with Gucci shoes to complement his bride′s ivory gown, Jimmy Choo heels and cathedral veil.

The special will also spotlight Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban′s romantic honeymoon getaway and will showcase "IN STYLE’s Honeymoon Like a Star Sweepstakes" (two lucky contestants will win business class flights on Air Tahiti Nui and six nights at the St. Regis Resort in Bora Bora). Plus, Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance share their secrets to a long-lasting Hollywood marriage.

BET Premieres Tonight ONE NIGHT ONLY - New Orleans High School Play Of Dreamgirls

BET Premieres New Original Series ONE NIGHT ONLY Tuesday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT

BET will be premiring tonight a reality docu-soap that follows a group of high school kids and their drama teacher in New Orleans as they race to mount the Dreamgirls play.

Within the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, these kids are rebuilding their homes, school, and community while also trying to enjoy their teenage years.

Features guest appearances from Golden Globe Award winning star of hit film Dreamgirls - Jennifer Hudson, actor Blair Underwood, celebrity couple Dwayne Martin and Tisha Campbell Martin, Tony Award-winning choreographer George Faison and TLC host and celebrity makeup artist Damone Roberts.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

The CW Network Announces New Reality Series CROWNED

The CW announced its new reality series CROWNED, an eight-episode competition that features multiple mother-daughter teams working together as pairs to win a beauty pageant competition, it was announced by Dawn Ostroff, President, Entertainment, The CW during the network’s Winter Press Tour session at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, California.

"Our new series CROWNED takes a close look at one of the most emotional and volatile of all relationships -- mothers and daughters -- in a highly competitive and stressful situation," said Ostroff. "Each team’s mother and daughter will have to work hard not to let the other down in order to win the ultimate beauty pageant show in the finale."

Featuring mothers and daughters from all walks of life, the teams and their relationships will be put to the test as they face challenges that focus on preparing them for the pageant show finale, including expressing a ’style’ for the mother-daughter via clothing and swimwear, creative ways of expressing a point of view about issues in the world, and participating in the big pageant show dance number. Each week, three judges will oversee the competition, including a celebrity mother-daughter pair to be announced.

In the end, one mother-daughter team will be "crowned" the winner and will receive a valuable prize package, including a $100,000 cash award, representation to appear at charity events across the country, and, of course, a fabulous pair of tiaras.

FOX Announces WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD

WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD Begins Production For FOX

Unscripted Series Exposes What Happens When Women Are Given Ultimate Power

This spring, FOX, the home of genre-twisting hits "Joe Millionaire," "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance" and "Temptation Island," will expose the battle of the sexes, turning traditional gender roles upside-down and giving women all the power on WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD (working title).

What if it was "a woman’s world"? What if women made ALL the decisions? If men were their subjects? These questions and more will be explored when a group of strong, educated and independent women, tired of living in a man’s world and each with a personal axe to grind, rule over a group of unsuspecting men used to calling the shots on WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD.

The unscripted series will reveal how women and men react in a world where women are in charge and men are subservient, and each gender’s ability to adapt to a new social order will be put to the test.

The participants will be brought to a remote, primitive location where the women will have the opportunity to "rule" as they build a newly formed society - one where there is no glass ceiling and no need to dress to impress. For the men, their worlds of power and prestige are turned inside-out and upside-down. And for these women, turnabout is fair play!

In order to win, the men must accede to the women’s every command, 24/7, while building a new world. Here, women command and men obey. Over the series’ duration, the men will be eliminated by the women until one last man is standing.

How will the men react? How will the women treat the men? Can women effectively rule society? Will the men learn what life is like for some women in today’s world? Will this new society be a Utopia or a hell on earth? And in the end, who will be man enough to succeed in the new social order?

The premiere date, host and additional show details will be announced at a later date.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

AMERICAN IDOL Returns Tonight With Two Hour Premiere - Continues Tomorrow Night

AMERICAN IDOL, The Number 1 Show Of Last Season, Returns January 16 And 17 On Fox

Two-Night, Four-Hour Season Premiere Features Auditions in Minneapolis and Seattle

Top 24 Singers Revealed on Wednesday, February 14
Top 12 Male Singers Perform on Tuesday, February 20
Top 12 Female Singers Perform on Wednesday, February 21
First LIVE Results Show on Thursday, February 22
Top 12 Finalists Perform for the First Time on Tuesday, March 13

AMERICAN IDOL, television’s No. 1 show for the past three seasons, returns with a two-night, four-hour premiere featuring outrageous new auditions and unbelievable talent. The search for the next singing superstar begins Tuesday, Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX with auditions from Minneapolis and Wednesday, Jan. 17 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) with auditions from Seattle.

The search continues in upcoming weeks as AMERICAN IDOL travels to Los Angeles, San Antonio, Birmingham, Memphis and New York City. Episodes featuring the audition cities will air on four consecutive Tuesdays: Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) from Minneapolis, MN; Jan. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) from Memphis, TN; Jan. 30 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) from Birmingham, AL; and Feb. 6 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) from Los Angeles, CA; and three Wednesdays: Jan. 17 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) from Seattle, WA; Jan. 24 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) from New York City, NY; and Jan. 31 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) from San Antonio, TX. For viewers craving still more of this season’s unforgettable auditions, a special "Rest of the Best" show will air Wednesday, Feb. 7 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

The lucky few who get the judges’ approval move on to the Hollywood Round, which will air Tuesday, Feb. 13 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Feb. 14 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). On Wednesday, Feb. 14, the Top 24 semifinalists - 12 males and 12 females - will be announced.

Then it will be up to America to decide who moves forward in the competition. The first performance show featuring the Top 12 male singers will air Tuesday, Feb. 20 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

The following night, Wednesday, Feb. 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the Top 12 female singers will perform. A LIVE results show revealing America’s first vote of the season will air Thursday, Feb. 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), when the two male and two female contestants with the fewest votes will be sent home.

For the next two weeks, the males will perform on Tuesdays, the females on Wednesdays and the LIVE results show will air on Thursday nights. Thus, the Top 10 male singers will perform on Tuesday, Feb. 27 (8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and the Top 8 male singers on Tuesday, March 6 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The Top 10 female singers will perform on Wednesday, Feb. 28 (8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and the Top 8 female singers battle it out on Wednesday, March 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Four contestants, two males and two females, will be eliminated from the competition on the LIVE results shows airing Thursday, March 1 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) and Thursday, March 8 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). The Top 12 Finalists will be revealed on Thursday, March 8.

The competition heats up as the Top 12 Finalists take the stage for the first time together on Tuesday, March 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). One contestant’s journey will end as America’s vote is revealed on Wednesday, March 14 (9:00-9:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

RECAP (All times ET/PT)

Tuesday, Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM) Season Premiere, Part 1 - Minneapolis Auditions

Wednesday, Jan. 17 (8:00-10:00 PM) Season Premiere, Part 2 - Seattle Auditions

Tuesday, Jan. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM) Memphis Auditions

Wednesday, Jan. 24 (9:00-10:00 PM) New York City Auditions

Tuesday, Jan. 30 (8:00-9:00 PM) Birmingham Auditions

Wednesday, Jan. 31 (9:00-10:00 PM) San Antonio Auditions

Tuesday, Feb. 6 (8:00-9:00 PM) Los Angeles Auditions

Wednesday, Feb. 7 (9:00-10:00 PM) "Rest of the Best" Auditions

Tuesday, Feb. 13 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 1

Wednesday, Feb. 14 (9:00-10:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 2 - Top 24 Semifinalists Announced

Tuesday, Feb. 20 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Male Singers Perform

Wednesday, Feb. 21 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Female Singers Perform

Thursday, Feb. 22 (8:00-9:00 PM) First Results Show (Live ET/Tape-Delayed PT) - Two Male and Two Female Contestants Voted Off

Tuesday, Feb. 27 (8:00-9:30 PM) Top 10 Male Singers Perform

Wednesday, Feb. 28 (8:00-9:30 PM) Top 10 Female Singers Perform

Thursday, March 1 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show (Live ET/Tape-Delayed PT) - Two Male and Two Female Contestants Voted Off

Tuesday, March 6 (8:00-9:00 PM) Top 8 Male Singers Perform

Wednesday, March 7 (8:00-9:00 PM) Top 8 Female Singers Perform

Thursday, March 8 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show (Live ET/Tape-Delayed PT) - Two Male and Two Female Contestants Voted Off; - Top 12 Finalists Revealed

Tuesday, March 13 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Finalists Perform

Wednesday, March 14 (9:00-9:30 PM) Results Show (Live ET/Tape-Delayed PT) - One Contestant Voted Off

Twenty-two-time Emmy-nominated AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

DANCING WITH THE STARS Returns To ABC On March 26th

ABC Announces The Return Of The Hit Series DANCING WITH THE STARS, Monday, March 19

The First Two Episodes, Airing March 19 and the Following Monday, March 26, Will Be Special Two-Hour Performance Shows

Performance Shows Will Air Every Monday, with Results Shows on Tuesdays

The ABC Television Network announces the return of hit series DANCING WITH THE STARS with a two-hour premiere on Monday, March 19 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET). To offer viewers two weeks to see the performers in action before voting, the first results show will air on week two. The second performance show, airing Monday, March 26, will also be two hours in length (8:00-10:00 p.m.), and the first results show will air Tuesday, March 27 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET).

Beginning April 2, DANCING WITH THE STARS will air Mondays from 8:00-9:30 p.m, and DANCING WITH THE STARS THE RESULTS SHOW on Tuesdays from 9:00-10:00 p.m.

"The great thing about this air schedule is that fans won’t have to choose between the two reality hits this Spring," said Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment.

The new cast will be announced on "Good Morning America" closer to premiere.

Growing its audience among viewers and young adults each season since its debut in Summer 2005, ABC’s DANCING WITH THE STARS has established itself as one of television’s most popular series. The program has consistently improved its time periods and been a top competitor in those slots. This season DANCING WITH THE STARS stands as the second-most-watched program on television, while qualifying as the No. 1 unscripted TV series in Total Viewers (20.7 million) and Adults 18-49 (5.8/15). DANCING WITH THE STARS attracts a highly desirable upscale young adult audience, ranking among the highest-rated shows on TV with Adults 18-49 in homes earning $100K+ annual income (No. 6 = 5.9 rating). It’s the No. 1 unscripted series with high-income young adults. On its third season finale during the 2006 November Sweep (11/15/06), DANCING WITH THE STARS achieved the series’ most-watched telecast ever, with an average audience of 27.7 million viewers.

DANCING WITH THE STARS is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, "Strictly Come Dancing." This version is produced in America by BBC Worldwide. Conrad Green and Richard Hopkins are executive producers and Izzie Pick is co-executive producer. Rob Wade and Matilda Zoltowski are supervising producers. Alex Rudzinski directs.

DANCING WITH THE STARS Returns To ABC On March 26th

ABC Announces The Return Of The Hit Series DANCING WITH THE STARS, Monday, March 19

The First Two Episodes, Airing March 19 and the Following Monday, March 26, Will Be Special Two-Hour Performance Shows

Performance Shows Will Air Every Monday, with Results Shows on Tuesdays

The ABC Television Network announces the return of hit series DANCING WITH THE STARS with a two-hour premiere on Monday, March 19 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET). To offer viewers two weeks to see the performers in action before voting, the first results show will air on week two. The second performance show, airing Monday, March 26, will also be two hours in length (8:00-10:00 p.m.), and the first results show will air Tuesday, March 27 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET).

Beginning April 2, DANCING WITH THE STARS will air Mondays from 8:00-9:30 p.m, and DANCING WITH THE STARS THE RESULTS SHOW on Tuesdays from 9:00-10:00 p.m.

"The great thing about this air schedule is that fans won’t have to choose between the two reality hits this Spring," said Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment.

The new cast will be announced on "Good Morning America" closer to premiere.

Growing its audience among viewers and young adults each season since its debut in Summer 2005, ABC’s DANCING WITH THE STARS has established itself as one of television’s most popular series. The program has consistently improved its time periods and been a top competitor in those slots. This season DANCING WITH THE STARS stands as the second-most-watched program on television, while qualifying as the No. 1 unscripted TV series in Total Viewers (20.7 million) and Adults 18-49 (5.8/15). DANCING WITH THE STARS attracts a highly desirable upscale young adult audience, ranking among the highest-rated shows on TV with Adults 18-49 in homes earning $100K+ annual income (No. 6 = 5.9 rating). It’s the No. 1 unscripted series with high-income young adults. On its third season finale during the 2006 November Sweep (11/15/06), DANCING WITH THE STARS achieved the series’ most-watched telecast ever, with an average audience of 27.7 million viewers.

DANCING WITH THE STARS is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, "Strictly Come Dancing." This version is produced in America by BBC Worldwide. Conrad Green and Richard Hopkins are executive producers and Izzie Pick is co-executive producer. Rob Wade and Matilda Zoltowski are supervising producers. Alex Rudzinski directs.