A FAMILY OF SURVIVAL ENTHUSIASTS WHO BELIEVE 2012 MAY BRING THE END OF THE WORLD SWAP WITH A FAMILY DEDICATED TO MAKING THEIR DAUGHTER THE WORLD'S GREATEST GOLFER, ON ABC'S "WIFE SWAP"

"Cathrea/Stewart" - A family who believe the Mayan prophesy that the world will end in 2012 may be true swap with a family dedicated to ensuring a bright and successful future for their kids -- especially their daughter, a golf prodigy -- on "Wife Swap," FRIDAY, JULY 9 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Each week two very contradictory families from across the country participate in a two-week-long challenge: The wives exchange husbands, children and lives (but not bedrooms) to discover daily life in another woman's shoes. This astonishing experiment repeatedly changes lives and redefines families.

After their eldest daughter saw a TV show about the 2012 Mayan prophecies, the Stewart family moved to a remote area of the Midwest, fearing that doomsday may be near. While Dawn and Grover don't talk about the end of the world in front of the younger kids, they do their best to ensure Kimberly (13), Odin (8), Freya (7) and Ian (5) are prepared for any eventuality. They have weekly survival training, and the kids take survival kits with them wherever they go. There are no extra-curricular activities for the kids, as their parentls want them home in case of disaster. From hazmat suits to gas masks, this home is stocked with survival gear, and there's a countdown board to TEOTWAWKI - The End Of The World As We Know It - 21 December, 2012. But it's not all doom and gloom; they cheerfully point out they've taken advantage of interest free credit till 2012 to furnish their home, as there will be no one around to collect.

The optimistic Cathrea family of California believe their daughter, Casie (14), will become the world's next great golfer. In addition to golf prodigy Casie, Harry and Railene Cathrea have a son, Cory (12), who excels in school. But in order to give the kids the best attention they can, the family are divided, with Harry spending all his time with Casie, and Railene spending all her time with Cory. Railene works six different jobs to support the family and is also responsible for the cleaning, cooking and yard work at home, as Harry believes men and women have different skills - "I'm good at buying the vacuum cleaner - they're good at using the vacuum cleaner."

In the first week, Dawn arrives at the Cathrea home and is concerned the family have no plans or training in case of disaster. Harry is bemused that Dawn carries a survival pack with her everywhere and laughs in her face when she tells him about theories related to 2012. Dawn is troubled that Harry doesn't contribute to the home in any way and spends all his time with Casie. At the Stewarts', Grover tries to explain their concerns about 2012 to a skeptical Railene. After lessons in survival training and researching 2012, Railene worries that they may be na�ve and misinformed.

In week two of the swap, as the wives change the rules. Dawn gives the Cathrea clan survival training, complete with hazmat suits. At the Stewarts', Railene bans survival gear and training and enlists a professor to educate Grover about the Mayans. After two weeks in another home, can Dawn Stewart convince the Cathreas that they should be prepared for 2012? And can Railene Cathrea show the Stewarts that they need to live life to the fullest, and that 21 December, 2012 is just another day on the calendar?

"Wife Swap" is an RDF USA production. It was created by Stephen Lambert and is executive-produced by Mike Gamson and Michael Davies of Embassy Row ("Who Wants to be a Millionaire"). Stephen Pettinger, Neil Regan, Julie Cooper and Will Nothacker are co-executive producers. This program carries a TV-PG parental guideline.