TV Land Furthers Commitment to Original Programming

NEW YORK, March 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TV Land announced today that it has greenlit four pilots as part of its ongoing original programming agenda, it was announced today by Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. The channel, which recently rolled out High School Reunion to double digit ratings increases, will continue to rev-up production on programming designed to appeal specifically to viewers in their 40's.

The pilots unveiled by TV Land include:

"First Love, Second Chance" -- gives long-lost sweethearts an opportunity to rekindle their romance -- years later. Whether it is unrequited love or a relationship that ended badly, the couples decide if there's still a romantic link after all these years. "First Love, Second Chance" is produced for TV Land by Granada America Entertainment ("Celeb Fit Club" and "Hell's Kitchen"). Paul Buccieri, Drew Hoegl and Andrew Singer serve as executive producers. (60 Minutes)

"Now or Never" -- Empty nesters are given the chance of a lifetime to open a new chapter in their lives by pursuing careers that they always dreamed of ... but never dared to pursue. In each installment, couples try out their dream jobs, a new place to live and a whole new social scene before making the gut-wrenching decision of which path to follow. "Now or Never" is produced for TV Land by RDF USA ("Wife Swap"). Chris Coelen, Charles Tremayne and Stef Wagstaffe serve as executive producers. (60 Minutes)

"Make My Day" -- provides a window into one day in the life of an unsuspecting participant. Hidden cameras capture the action as contestants are put through a series of weird coincidences, extraordinary situations and surprise appearances. "Make My Day" is produced for TV Land by Embassy Row ("Power of Ten" and "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire"), Monkey Kingdom and Sony Pictures Television. Michael Davies serves as the executive producer. (30 Minutes)

"What's In The Box?" -- TV Land's first game show in which individual contestants square off in the ultimate, fast-paced 20 question competition. Through a series of pointed yes or no answers to questions like "Does it move?" or "Is it man-made?," the players must figure out what's in the box without giving their opponent the upper-hand -- all for a cash jackpot and a chance to win a fabulous grand prize. "What's In The Box?" is produced for TV Land by Bunim-Murray Productions ("Real World," "Road Rules" and "The Simple Life") with Jon Murray serving as the executive producer. (30 Minutes)

"This latest crop of originals reflects the motivation of people in their 40's to tune-in to see programming that is fun, upbeat, uplifting and entertaining and that most of all -- puts them first," stated Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land. "These shows are a perfect complement to our existing slate of originals and continue to underscore our commitment to entertain this underserved audience."

In addition to these pilots, the following is a list of premiere dates for other previously announced original programs.

"The Big 4-0" -- TV Land viewers are invited to celebrate the festivities surrounding one of life's major milestones -- turning the Big 4-0. From bull-riding to sky-diving, "Big 4-0" gives a glimpse into the exhilaration of the quintessential events of those who are cart-wheeling into a new life-stage -- their 40's. The "Big 4-0" is produced for TV Land by 3Ball Productions ("Beauty and the Geek" and "The Biggest Loser"). Keith Cox serves as executive producer for TV Land. (30 Minutes) Premieres on April 16, 2008 at 10:00PM ET/PT.

"She's Got The Look" -- For the first time, TV Land and acclaimed modeling powerhouse Wilhelmina team up to search the country to find the greatest undiscovered models age 35 and older. The aspirants will be flown to New York City to live in a house together where they will face various challenges such as photo shoots and tests on their fashion acumen. Eliminations will occur weekly until the ultimate winner is crowned. Fashion icon and supermodel Kim Alexis is the host. Celebrity stylist Robert Verdi, Wilhelmina president Sean Patterson, and supermodel Beverly Johnson are judges of this six-episode series. "She's Got The Look" is an Allison Grodner Production with Allison Grodner ("Big Brother") serving as executive producer. Sean Patterson and Corey Preston are the executive producers for Wilhelmina. Keith Cox and Sal Maniaci are executive producers for TV Land and Marco Bresaz serves as Executive in Charge of Production for TV Land. Premieres on June 4, 2008 at 10:00PM ET/PT.

"Family Foreman" -- In this six episode series, TV Land gives viewers an intimate look at George Foreman, the former heavyweight boxing champ who reinvented himself as a successful businessman and pitchman. Viewers will get a rare glimpse into his home life as a minister and father to ten children, five of whom are also named George Edward Foreman. Family Foreman is produced for TV Land in partnership with New Line Television. The executive producers are George Foreman Sr., George Foreman Jr., George Foreman III, Jim Rosenthal and Jon Kroll. Premieres on July 16, 2008 at 10:00PM ET/PT.

"The 6th Annual TV Land Awards" is the network's annual salute to all things television from classic stars to future classics -- all whose work will endure the true test of time. Several awards will be bestowed upon some of television's luminaries from the past and present. The announcements of award categories and the host are expected in early spring 2008. The 6th Annual TV Land Awards is produced by Chloe Productions. Michael Levitt ("Billboard Music Awards"), Larry W. Jones and Sal Maniaci serve as executive producers of the 6th Annual TV Land Awards. Premieres in summer 2008.

* Note: Downloadable artwork is available by logging onto tvlandpress.com About TV Land

TV Land continues to build the ultimate entertainment brand on all platforms for consumers in their 40's and 50's. Armed with a slate of original programming, newly acquired classic and contemporary TV, hit movies and its redesigned website -- TVLand.com -- the network is uniquely positioned to superserve the first generation of Americans who grew up alongside television. The network's program mix features original programming, popular dramas, sitcoms and westerns in a fun-filled, pop culture environment featuring a roster of popular shows including All in the Family, M*A*S*H, The Andy Griffith Show and Just Shoot Me!, which joined TV Land in January, 2008. In the coming months, the network will roll out a slate of new original series' such as High School Reunion, She's Got The Look, Family Foreman and The Big 4-0. TVLand.com, the network's Emmy Award-winning Web site, is devoted to all aspects of entertainment including TV, music and movies and features full-length episodes, a movie trailer database and over a dozen radio stations. TV Land is now seen in over 90 million U.S. homes.

About MTV Networks

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 150 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 300 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.