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[05/13/03 - 12:00 AM]
Broadcast Upfront Presentations: The Wb, Part 1
By The Futon Critic Staff (TFC)

CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) - The WB Network unveiled its 2003-2004 primetime schedule this morning in front of 3,000 advertisers and national journalists in a presentation led by Jordan Levin, President, Entertainment and Jed Petrick, President and Chief Operating Officer for The WB.

Two intense, unconventional dramas and four new comedies highlight the fall schedule. TARZAN AND JANE takes the Tarzan legend into fresh new territory by moving the setting to the urban jungle of New York City. Feature film star Rachael Leigh Cook appears in her first leading role on television in the FBI drama FEARLESS. Four new and four returning comedies will air on Thursday and Friday nights, including WB comedy veteran Steve Harvey�s new variety/talk show STEVE HARVEY�S BIG TIME and the sibling comedy RUN OF THE HOUSE. New Friday night comedies include LIKE FAMILY, starring another comedy talent familiar to The WB audience, Holly Robinson Peete, and an autobiographical series from comic actor Anthony Anderson, ALL ABOUT THE ANDERSONS.

"Our fall schedule is designed to capitalize on our strong ratings growth this season and solidify The WB as a premier network brand built on a bedrock of scripted programming targeting the next generation of television viewers," said Jordan Levin, President, Entertainment. "Established, star-driven shows lead off five nights with the sixth led by our most successful comedy performer, Steve Harvey, in a format currently absent from TV.

"Another reason we�re excited about next season is the introduction of the next generation of WB talent, including Anthony Anderson, Rachael Leigh Cook and Travis Fimmel, whom we expect to become breakout stars with feature film exposure like our original faces of New Hollywood.

"While we have proven we can develop and program youthful hit dramas that now fuel many successful cable networks, we plan to become a key destination for young viewers seeking comedy as well, with its long-range financial benefits to our production partners."

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS TAKE A SUPERNATURAL TURN WHEN "SMALLVILLE" AND "ANGEL" TEAM UP FOR AN EVENING OF POWERFUL DRAMA

Clark Kent (Tom Welling) meets the vampire with a soul in the new Wednesday night lineup of hit drama SMALLVILLE followed by critical favorite ANGEL. The WB�s highest-rated program, SMALLVILLE scored 9 of the 10 highest adult 18-34 single-episode deliveries ever for the network last season. ANGEL scored on two different nights this past season, delivering double-digit time period gains in nearly every key demo, with the largest gains in the male demos. In the fall, Angel (David Boreanaz) will be reunited with his fellow vampire Spike (James Marsters).

"Moving our number one show, �Smallville,� to lead off Wednesday is a move we�re confident will anchor a critical night for years to come, just as �Dawson�s Creek� did," said Mr. Levin. "Paired with �Angel,� the show viewers and critics begged us to return, we have a formidable action-fantasy block with massive male appeal and stars women and teens love as well. In addition, James Marsters will join 'Angel' as Spike, and other visitors from Sunnydale will be seen in Joss Whedon�s world, which will take an uptown turn out of the darkness this fall."

THURSDAY GOES WITH AN ALL COMEDY LINEUP

One of The WB�s most beloved and enduring stars, Steve Harvey returns to the network with a new talk show that celebrates real people with extraordinary gifts in STEVE HARVEY�S BIG TIME at 8:00 p.m. Fresh off the success of his feature film, "Malibu�s Most Wanted," Jamie Kennedy returns for a third season of JKX: THE JAMIE KENNEDY EXPERIMENT at 8:30 p.m. Also returning from her hit film "What A Girl Wants," Amanda Bynes brings her sister act with Jennie Garth back to The WB for season two of WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU at 9:00 p.m., followed by the new sibling comedy RUN OF THE HOUSE at 9:30 p.m.

"TV makes stars and we have a night full of them: Amanda Bynes, Steve Harvey and Jamie Kennedy," said Mr. Levin. "This mix of light entertainment and traditional comedy will bring us the audience most available on this challenging night: teens, ethnic viewers and young adults."

THE FRIDAY LINEUP KEEPS THE LAUGHS COMING

The WB�s bona fide comedy hit, REBA, starring Reba McEntire, will move to 8:00 p.m. to kick-off the night, followed by the new crossover comedy LIKE FAMILY starring Holly Robinson Peete. Proven comedy hit GROUNDED FOR LIFE moves up to the 9:00 p.m. timeslot, with the new family sitcom ALL ABOUT THE ANDERSONS rounding out the evening at 9:30 p.m.

"We have assembled the strongest group of comedies on one night in the history of the network," said Mr. Levin. "�Reba� has been a success two years in a row, flourishing creatively this season. Another returning show, �Grounded for Life,� from the house of comedy, Carsey-Werner-Mandabach, anchors the 9:00 p.m. hour. Joining these shows are two comedies we couldn�t be more proud of, our highest-testing comedies to date with the greatest potential for crossover youth exposure, �Like Family� and �All About the Andersons.� Anthony Anderson is a big-time performer and the talented ensemble cast of �Like Family� includes breakout newcomer J. Mack and veteran WB comedy star Holly Robinson Peete. These are four quality comedies with broad appeal, multi-generational points of view and laugh-out-loud chemistry."

SUNDAY NIGHT KICKS OFF A NEW "BEGINNINGS" FRANCHISE AND FEATURES THE BEAUTIFUL WITCHES OF "CHARMED," FOLLOWED BY "TARZAN AND JANE," A BOLD NEW TAKE ON THE TARZAN LEGEND

From 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., as part of The WB�s Easy View, new drama FEARLESS will have an encore presentation, followed by a replay of EVERWOOD at 6:00 p.m., the same timeslot it occupied last year.

Following the success of airing the encore seasons of 7th HEAVEN and GILMORE GIRLS, The WB will air the first two seasons of SMALLVILLE on Sundays at 7:00 p.m. under the title SMALLVILLE: BEGINNINGS. This strong strategic concept for the time period is designed to bring new viewers to the hit drama focusing on the formative years of the future Man of Steel.

Sundays heat up at 8:00 p.m. with the trio of beautiful and sexy witches played by Alyssa Milano, Rose McGowan and Holly Marie Combs when CHARMED returns for season six. At 9:00 p.m., TARZAN AND JANE, an updated twist on the Tarzan legend, swings into a New York backdrop.

This sexy new drama is from feature film producer Laura Ziskin and award-winning director David Nutter. Newcomer Travis Fimmel and stage actress Sarah Wayne Callies star in this thrilling and unconventional love story.

"Following our 5:00-7:00 Easy View strategy into �Beginnings,� which this year will be season one of �Smallville,� �Charmed� and �Tarzan and Jane� offer an ideal tandem," said Mr. Levin. "Aaron Spelling�s �Charmed� has broken ratings records in every time period in which it has aired, and viewers are still entranced by Alyssa, Holly and Rose. The arrival of �Tarzan and Jane� offers more of the same, with newcomers Travis Fimmel and Sarah Wayne Callies already generating heat. This is another spectacular drama pilot from Warner Bros. Television, and viewers can expect romance and action on a grand scale from executive producer Laura Ziskin, who brought �Spider-Man� to life."

MONDAY BRINGS QUALITY FAMILY DRAMA HOME

Mondays at 8:00 p.m. will continue to be the home address for the Camden family when 7TH HEAVEN returns for its eighth season. Next season, Barry Watson will return for several episodes as oldest son Matt Camden. Last season, the pairing of 7TH HEAVEN with compelling drama EVERWOOD, starring Treat Williams, proved a successful strategy, with EVERWOOD retaining more of 7TH HEAVEN�S viewers than any previous 9:00 p.m. drama.

"On Monday, we return �7TH Heaven� and �Everwood,� two terrific programs that join together to create a quality night of family television. I�m very pleased Brenda Hampton will be at the helm of the show she created for another two years, as she has a unique ability to reinvent and repopulate a show that has meant so much to The WB," said Mr. Levin. "Treat Williams and the cast of �Everwood� have had a memorable rookie season, and you can expect many more surprises next year from Greg Berlanti, one of the finest young writers in television.��

TUESDAY NIGHT CONTINUES TO EMPOWER WOMEN AS ACCLAIMED "GILMORE GIRLS" LEADS INTO YOUNG FBI DRAMA "FEARLESS"

Following two extremely successful seasons of the GILMORE GIRLS/SMALLVILLE combination on Tuesday nights, the witty and articulate GILMORE GIRLS will get a new dramatic partner in the Jerry Bruckheimer drama FEARLESS starring Rachael Leigh Cook. GILMORE GIRLS is the third highest-rated primetime drama on any network among female teens and The WB�s highest-rated program among females 12-34.

"Amy Sherman-Palladino has one of the most distinctive voices heard on TV in many years," said Mr. Levin, "and the world of Stars Hollow will continue to delight fans of Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, the �Gilmore Girls.� Following that show, our New Tuesday will premiere �Fearless,� a franchise drama from Jerry Bruckheimer about a woman who has no fear � literally. Rachael Leigh Cook leads a young ensemble cast as a woman born without the gene that makes us all afraid of the unknown."

BACK-UP SERIES

In addition to the two new dramas on the schedule for fall, The WB ordered two midseason dramas: ONE TREE HILL and the not-yet-titled GILMORE GIRLS SPIN-OFF. ONE TREE HILL stars Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty in the story of two half-brothers who have grown up in a small town on opposite sides of the track. The GILMORE GIRLS SPIN-OFF stars Milo Ventimiglia and Rob Estes in the continuing story of young rebel Jess Mariano after he leaves Stars Hollow and joins his estranged father in Venice, California.

The midseason comedies include THE HELP, an outrageous comedy about the haves and have-nots from "Married�With Children" producer Ron Leavitt. THE MAYOR, a comedy from writer/producer Adam Resnick, focuses on the political and social life of an 18-year-old small-town mayor. Hit reality franchises THE SURREAL LIFE and HIGH SCHOOL REUNION will both return for second installments and will be joined by a new hidden camera reality series MAKE MY DAY, which creates a dream-come-true day in the lives of unsuspecting people.

A night-by-night breakdown of the schedule and accompanying details on all the programs are attached to this release.

THE WB�s 2003-2004 PRIMETIME PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (All times ET)

Sunday
5:00-6:00 p.m. Easy View presentation of "FEARLESS"
6:00-7:00 p.m. Easy View presentation of "Everwood"
7:00-8:00 p.m. "SMALLVILLE: BEGINNINGS"
8:00-9:00 p.m. "Charmed"
9:00-10:00 p.m. "TARZAN AND JANE"

Monday
8:00-9:00 p.m. "7th Heaven"
9:00-10:00 p.m. "Everwood"

Tuesday
8:00-9:00 p.m. "Gilmore Girls"
9:00-10:00 p.m. "FEARLESS"

Wednesday
8:00-9:00 p.m. "Smallville"
9:00-10:00 p.m. "Angel"

Thursday
8:00-8:30 p.m. "STEVE HARVEY�S BIG TIME"
8:30-9:00 p.m. "JKX: The Jamie Kennedy Experiment"
9:00-9:30 p.m. "What I Like About You"
9:30-10:00 p.m. "RUN OF THE HOUSE"

Friday
8:00-8:30 p.m. "Reba"
8:30-9:00 p.m. "LIKE FAMILY"
9:00-9:30 p.m. "Grounded For Life"
9:30-10:00 p.m. "ALL ABOUT THE ANDERSONS"

CAPS AND BOLD DENOTES NEW SERIES Italics denote returning show with a new day and/or time period

Monday

8:00-9:00 p.m. "7th HEAVEN" Returning for its eighth season on The WB, the series stars Stephen Collins, Catherine Hicks, Beverley Mitchell, Mackenzie Rosman, Nikolas & Lorenzo Brino, George Stults, Ashlee Simpson and Rachel Blanchard. Brenda Hampton, Aaron Spelling and E. Duke Vincent serve as executive producers on the series produced by Spelling Television, Inc.

9:00-10:00 p.m. "EVERWOOD" Returning for its second season on The WB, the series stars Treat Williams, Gregory Smith, Emily VanCamp, Debra Mooney, John Beasley, Vivien Cardone, Chris Pratt and Tom Amandes. Greg Berlanti and Mickey Liddell serve as executive producers on the series produced by Everwood Utah, Inc. in association with and distributed by Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

Tuesday

8:00-9:00 p.m. "GILMORE GIRLS" Returning for its fourth season on The WB, the series stars Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Melissa McCarthy, Keiko Agena, Yanic Truesdale, Kelly Bishop, Edward Herrmann, Scott Patterson, Liz Torres, Liza Weil and Sean Gunn. Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino serve as executive producers on the series produced by Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions and Hofflund/Polone in association with Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

9:00�10:00 p.m. "FEARLESS" This youthful ensemble crime drama uncovers the FBI's best-kept secret: an elite Special Investigations Unit (SIU) staffed with the finest young agents to infiltrate and apprehend society�s dangerous new class of young criminals. Born with a genetic defect, 23-year-old agent Gaia (Rachael Leigh Cook, "She�s All That") lacks one of the most basic human instincts: fear. While her partners Ryan (Eric Balfour, "24," "Six Feet Under") and Harmony (Bianca Lawson, "Dawson�s Creek," "Save The Last Dance") suspect she has a secret, they have no choice but to trust her. Whether her rare mutation is an important asset or a deadly liability for the unit remains to be seen. Ian Somerhalder ("The Rules of Attraction," "Young Americans") and Erich Anderson ("Unfaithful," "Felicity") also star. FEARLESS is from executive producers Jerry Bruckheimer ("Black Hawk Down," "Pearl Harbor"), Jonathan Littman ("CSI," "Without a Trace"), Jeremy Littman ("Law & Order," "Strong Medicine"), Vincent Ngo and Evan Charnov for Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

Wednesday

8:00-9:00 p.m. "SMALLVILLE" Returning for its third season on The WB, the series stars Tom Welling, Kristin Kreuk, Michael Rosenbaum, Sam Jones III, Allison Mack, John Glover, Annette O�Toole and John Schneider. Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins, Joe Davola and Ken Horton serve as executive producers on the series produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions and Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

9:00-10:00 p.m. "ANGEL" Returning for its fifth season on The WB, the series stars David Boreanaz, Alexis Denisof, J. August Richards, Amy Acker, Andy Hallett and James Marsters. Joss Whedon, Sandy Gallin, Gail Berman, Fran Rubel Kuzui and Kaz Kuzui serve as executive producers and David Greenwalt serves as consulting producer on the series produced by Mutant Enemy, Inc. and Greenwolf Corp./Kuzui/Sandollar in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television.

Thursday

8:00-8:30 p.m. "STEVE HARVEY�S BIG TIME" Multi-talented, award-winning comedian Steve Harvey teams with executive producer Madeleine Smithberg ("Late Night with David Letterman" and "The Daily Show") for his return to The WB with a fresh new talk/variety show designed to showcase his unique talents and uncanny ability to bring out the very best � and the very funny � in regular people. With his background in stand-up comedy and his inimitable quick wit, Mr. Harvey�s new series will forego celebrity interviews to spotlight real people with extraordinary and humorous gifts. Mr. Harvey starred on The WB�s "The Steve Harvey Show" from 1996 to 2002, and his stand-up talents were featured in the smash-hit film, "The Original Kings of Comedy." He is also a syndicated radio host, whose show is the #1-rated English-speaking drive-time show in Los Angeles. "Steve Harvey�s Big Time" is from executive producers Madeleine Smithberg, Steve Harvey ("The Steve Harvey Show") and Rushion McDonald ("The Parent�hood") in conjunction with Telepictures Productions.

8:30-9:00 p.m. "JKX: THE JAMIE KENNEDY EXPERIMENT" Returning for its third season on The WB, the series stars Jamie Kennedy. Kennedy, Fax Bahr, Adam Small, Mike Karz and Brian Hartt serve as executive producers on the series produced by Bahr Small Productions and Karz Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television Production Inc. and Big Ticket Television, a Paramount/Viacom Company.

9:00-9:30 p.m. "WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU" Returning for its second season on The WB, the series stars Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth for Tollin/Robbins Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

9:30-10:00 p.m. "RUN OF THE HOUSE" Since mom and dad have made a temporary move from the frigid winters of Grand Rapids to sunny Arizona to protect dad�s health, you�d think it�d be pretty sweet at home for 15-year-old Brooke Franklin (Margo Harshman, "Even Stevens"). Well, think again. Brooke�s brothers, Kurt (Joseph Lawrence, "American Dreams") and Chris (Kyle Howard, "Grosse Pointe," "Orange County") and her sister Sally (Sasha Barrese, "The Hulk") are in charge. Though there is the usual bickering about household responsibilities and personal lifestyles, Brooke�s siblings share more than a common gene pool; they also share a real concern about Brooke�s well-being and the intention to raise their youngest sister correctly. Unfortunately, they just can�t agree how to do it. A realistic, funny and youthful sibling comedy, "Run of the House" is from creator/executive producer Betsy Thomas ("My So-Called Life"), executive producers Eric & Kim Tannenbaum, Robert Sternin & Prudence Fraser ("The Nanny"), and director David Trainer ("That 70�s Show") for The Tannenbaum Company in association with Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

Friday

8:00-8:30 p.m. "REBA" Returning for its third season on The WB, the series stars Reba McEntire, Christopher Rich, JoAnna Garcia, Steve Howey, Scarlett Pomers, Mitch Holleman and Melissa Peterman. Kevin Abbott, Mindy Schultheis and Michael Hanel serve as executive producers on the series produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television.

8:30-9:00 p.m. "LIKE FAMILY" Holly Robinson Peete ("For Your Love") returns to The WB in this multi-ethnic crossover comedy. When two families � one black, one white � share the same house, they discover that their differences are definitely more than skin deep. Tanya (Peete), Ed (Kevin Michael Richardson, "Lilo and Stitch," "The PJs"), and their kids, 16-year-old Danika (Megalyn Echikunwoke, "24") and 12-year-old Bobby (newcomer B.J. Mitchell), are a middle-class African-American family who open their door for an old friend who needs parenting help. Juggling the demands of single parenthood, Maddie (Amy Yasbeck, "Wings") believes her 16-year-old son, Keith (newcomer J. Mack), could benefit from living in a traditional family structure, and especially from a strong male influence. Extra people in the house mean extra tension, extra laughs and the occasional blow-up as kids and grown-ups work together to combine their worlds and become one big, happy family. This semi-autobiographical family comedy from creator Dan Fogelman with executive producers Rick Wiener & Kenny Schwartz ("Mad About You," "Two Guys And A Girl," "Do Over") and Warren Littlefield ("Keen Eddie," "Do Over"), is from Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

9:00-9:30 p.m. "GROUNDED FOR LIFE" Returning for its fourth season, its second on The WB, the series stars Donal Logue, Megyn Price, Kevin Fitzgerald Corrigan, Lynsey Bartilson, Griffin Frazen, Jake Burbage and Bret Harrison. Bill Martin, Mike Schiff, Marcy Carsey, Tom Werner and Caryn Mandabach serve as executive producers on the series produced by Carsey-Werner-Mandabach Productions, LLC.

9:30-10:00 p.m. "ALL ABOUT THE ANDERSONS" Comedy sensation Anthony Anderson ("Barbershop," "Me, Myself & Irene," "Big Momma's House," "Life") brings his unique brand of humor to The WB in a new multi-ethnic comedy. Anthony plays a struggling actor and single dad trying to provide a stable environment for his 8-year-old son, Tuga (newcomer Damani Roberts). As soon as Anthony moves back into his parents' home, he immediately remembers why he left in the first place. His mother Flo (Roz Ryan, "Amen") is always understanding and supportive, but his cantankerous father Joe (John Amos, "Good Times," "The West Wing") wants Anthony to abandon his acting hopes and take a "real job" working in the family beauty salon/barber shop. To complicate things, Anthony's old room is being rented out to a white medical student, George (stage actor Paul Bartholomew), leaving Anthony alone in the garage. Torn between teaching his son about determination and providing for him, Anthony is about to put his dreams on hold. It takes Tuga to remind him that, aside from each other, their dreams are all they have. This semi-autobiographical comedy about fathers and sons is from producer Anthony Anderson, writer/producer Adam Glass, executive producer Marco Pennette ("Caroline In the City") and executive producer/director James Widdoes ("Reba," "My Wife and Kids") for Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

Sunday

7:00-8:00 p.m. "SMALLVILLE: BEGINNINGS" Encore airings of the critically acclaimed first two seasons of "Smallville."

8:00-9:00 p.m. "CHARMED" Returning for its sixth season on The WB, the series stars Alyssa Milano, Rose McGowan and Holly Marie Combs, along with Brian Krause and Dorian Gregory. Aaron Spelling, E. Duke Vincent and Brad Kern serve as executive producers on the series produced by Spelling Television, Inc.

9:00-10:00 p.m. "TARZAN AND JANE" This thrilling, contemporary twist on the timeless legend of Tarzan turns the popular tale into an urban adventure, an intriguing mystery and, most of all, an unconventional love story. From the day two decades ago that young John Clayton�s parents died and left him alone in the African jungle, he was raised by apes and has emerged as the fearless Tarzan (newcomer Travis Fimmel). Captured by his billionaire uncle, Richard Clayton (Mitch Pileggi, "The X-Files"), the CEO of powerful Greystoke Industries, Tarzan is returned, against his will, to his family�s home � New York City. Resisting captivity, he escapes into the concrete jungle of New York City where he encounters the strong-willed NYPD detective Jane Porter (stage actress Sarah Wayne Callies). Jane�s perfectly ordered life is turned upside-down by Tarzan's dangerous yet profoundly untainted morality. Romantically involved with another member of the force, Detective Michael Foster (Johnny Messner, "Tears of the Sun"), Jane is left to choose between reason and instinct, civilization and pure humanity, her head and her heart. Miguel A. Nunez, Jr. ("Juwanna Mann") and Sarah-Jane Potts ("Felicity") also star. "Tarzan and Jane" is from executive producers Laura Ziskin ("Spider-Man," "Pretty Woman"), David Gerber ("The Lost Batallion"), P.K. Simonds ("Party of Five," "Beauty and The Beast"), writer/co-executive producer Eric Kripke ("Truly Committed") and director/executive producer David Nutter ("Smallville," "Without A Trace") for Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

MIDSEASON SERIES

ONE TREE HILL Aside from a love for hoops, it would seem that Lucas (Chad Michael Murray, "Dawson�s Creek," "Gilmore Girls") and Nathan (newcomer James Lafferty) are two young men with little in common, but they are bound by the dark secret that they share the same father. Arrogant and assured, Nathan is the star of the high school basketball team and hails from a wealthy family. Quiet and driven, Lucas is the only child of a single working mom. Now the two boys� lives collide when a twist of fate puts Lucas on Nathan�s team and the half-brothers compete, not only for control of the court, but also for the heart of Nathan�s beautiful girlfriend Peyton (Hilarie Burton, "MTV�s TRL"). Years in the making, a deep and bitter conflict slowly unfolds as the two boys struggle to come to terms with who they really are, and a father who has chosen to live vicariously through one son, while ignoring the existence of the other. Also starring Paul Johansson ("John Q," "Beverly Hills, 90210"), Moira Kelly ("The West Wing"), Craig Sheffer ("A River Runs Through It"), Barry Corbin ("Northern Exposure") and Samantha Shelton ("White Oleander"). This new drama is from creator/executive producer Mark Schwahn ("The Perfect Score"), executive producers Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins and Joe Davola ("Smallville") and DGA award-winning director Bryan Gordon ("Andy Richter Controls The Universe") from Tollin/Robbins Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

GILMORE GIRLS SPIN-OFF Amy Sherman-Palladino, the creator and executive producer of the critically acclaimed WB series "Gilmore Girls," brings her keen insight to the father/son dynamic in this highly anticipated spin-off, starring The WB�s breakout star Milo Ventimiglia as Jess Mariano. Jess is stunned when his long-lost father, Jimmy (Rob Estes, "Melrose Place," "Providence") shows up in Stars Hollow, but during this awkward visit, a door is opened to something more. With the prospect of graduation fading fast and girlfriend Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) heading off to college, there will soon be nothing left in Stars Hollow for Jess, so he heads west to Jimmy�s home in Venice, California to see if he can find a purpose in life before it�s too late. Father and son don�t quite click, but Jess senses kindred souls in his father�s live-in girlfriend Sasha (Sherilynn Fenn, "Twin Peaks") and her bookish young daughter Lily (newcomer Alix Kermes). With Jimmy and Sasha providing a safe haven for the youthful skaters, surfers and latch-key kids in this tight-knit beach-front community, Jess may have finally found a place that feels like home. From writer/ director/executive producer Amy Sherman-Palladino ("Gilmore Girls," "Roseanne") and executive producer Daniel Palladino ("Gilmore Girls," "Roseanne") for Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions and Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

MAKE MY DAY Through the lenses of tiny hidden cameras, "Make My Day" creates an amazing day for one unsuspecting person who has absolutely no idea they have become the star of their very own TV show. Imagine your ideal date showing up at your front door in a towel, dancing in a music video with your favorite band, or going to dinner with that supermodel you�ve always had a crush on. All these events and more could happen in this one unbelievable day. With the help of the subject�s family and friends, a custom made roller-coaster-ride of a day presents our star with a variety of challenges and escalating events. In the end, the willing star gets a great reward � whether it�s a dream vacation or a down payment on the perfect new home. A proven British hit from Channel 4 comes to the U.S. thanks to Monkey Television/UK and Brad Grey Television with executive producer Sue Fellows ("The Chris Rock Show").

THE HELP From the creator of "Married�With Children," this outrageous satire centers on idealistic, 22-year-old Maria (Camille Guaty, "What I Like About You," "The Brothers Garcia"), who was on her way to becoming a beautician when a family crisis forced her to take a new path, and she now finds herself employed as the maid for the extremely wealthy Ridgeway family. As one of many servants who dote on the demented and dysfunctional family, Maria discovers there's not only a class struggle between the upstairs and the downstairs, but there's an all out war among "The Help." The diverse cast includes Antonio Sabato, Jr. ("Melrose Place"), Al Santos ("Grosse Pointe"), Brenda Strong ("Everwood"), Mindy Cohn ("The Facts of Life"), Keri Lynn Pratt ("America�s Sweethearts") and newcomers Megan Fox, Marika Domincyzek and Graham Murdoch. From executive producer Ron Leavitt ("Married... with Children," "Unhappily Ever After") and director Gerry Cohen ("The Drew Carey Show"), in conjunction with Original Productions and Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

THE MAYOR In these troubled times, it's a brave man who accepts the challenge of taking on our corrupt and stagnant political system, and irreverent 18-year-old Jake Winterhalter (newcomer Ben Feldman) is just such a man. In the town of Colebrook, the incumbent mayor has used public office to line his own pockets for the past two decades, but when he refuses to fix the public drinking fountain, he's gone too far. Enter free-spirited Jake, who, armed only with his wit and his wrench, single-handedly fixes the fountain and unwittingly wins the mayoral election. Now ensconced in his spartan mini-mall office, Jake, his girlfriend Abby (Lizzy Caplan, "The Pitts"), best friend Pecky (Samm Levine, "Freaks and Geeks") and high school teacher-turned-trusted advisor Shipps (Jack Willis, "Third Watch"), all work together to give their town something it has never had: an honest � maybe too honest � mayor. Christine Ebersole ("Saturday Night Live"), Harry Groener ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer") and newcomer Anna Kendrick also star. "The Mayor" is from writer/executive producer Adam Resnick ("Get A Life," "Late Night with David Letterman") and executive producers Doug Robinson and Jack Giarraputo for Happy Madison ("Anger Management," "Big Daddy") in association with Sony Pictures Television.

HIGH SCHOOL REUNION 2 Returning for a second season on The WB, the reality series reunites former high school classmates for their 10-year reunion. The series is created by executive producer Mike Fleiss and is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Telepictures Productions.

THE SURREAL LIFE 2 Returning for a second installment on The WB, the reality series focuses on a select group of America's best-remembered pop culture celebrities who move in together for ten surreal days. Mark Cronin and Rick Telles and Cris Abrego created the series and serve as executive producers, along with Jay Renfroe and David Garfinkle. "The Surreal Life" is produced by Brass Ring Productions, Mindless Entertainment and Renegade Productions.

The above is taken from the WB's press release concerning its upfront presentation.





  [may 2003]  
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· 24 (FOX)
· ALL ABOUT THE ANDERSONS (WB)
· AMERICAN DREAMS (NBC)
· ANDY RICHTER CONTROLS THE UNIVERSE (FOX)
· ANGEL (WB)
· BEVERLY HILLS, 90210 (FOX)
· BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER (UPN)
· CHARMED (WB)
· CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (CBS)
· DAWSON'S CREEK (WB)
· DO OVER (WB)
· DREW CAREY SHOW, THE (ABC)
· EVERWOOD (WB)
· FEARLESS (WB)
· FELICITY (WB)
· FOR YOUR LOVE (WB)
· FREAKS & GEEKS (NBC)
· GILMORE GIRLS (CW)
· GROSSE POINTE (WB)
· GROUNDED FOR LIFE (WB)
· HELP, THE (WB)
· HIGH SCHOOL REUNION (TV LAND)
· JAMIE KENNEDY EXPERIMENT, THE (WB)
· KEEN EDDIE (FOX)
· LAW & ORDER (NBC)
· LIKE FAMILY (WB)
· MAKE MY DAY (TV LAND)
· MY WIFE & KIDS (ABC)
· ONE TREE HILL (CW)
· PARTY OF FIVE (FOX)
· PITTS, THE (FOX)
· PJS, THE (WB)
· PROVIDENCE (NBC)
· REBA (CW)
· RUN OF THE HOUSE (WB)
· SEVENTH HEAVEN (CW)
· SIX FEET UNDER (HBO)
· SMALLVILLE (CW)
· STEVE HARVEY SHOW, THE (WB)
· STEVE HARVEY'S BIG TIME CHALLENGE (WB)
· STRONG MEDICINE (LIFETIME)
· SURREAL LIFE, THE (VH1)
· TARZAN (WB)
· THAT '70S SHOW (FOX)
· THIRD WATCH (NBC)
· TWO GUYS AND A GIRL (ABC)
· UNTITLED GILMORE GIRLS PROJECT (WB)
· WEST WING, THE (NBC)
· WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU (WB)
· WITHOUT A TRACE (CBS)
· X-FILES, THE (FOX)
· YOUNG AMERICANS (WB)





[03/18/24 - 01:59 PM]
Chrissy Metz, Jaime Ray Newman, Katie Lowes, and George Ferrier Join as Series Regulars for Starz's New Drama "The Hunting Wives"
Production on the thrilling new series has started in Charlotte, North Carolina.

[03/18/24 - 11:30 AM]
Video: ALLBLK Releases Trailer for the World Premiere of New Thriller, "The Influencer" Premiering Thursday, April 4
The original film stars Christina Cooper as Niecy Fields, a social media influencer on the cusp of stardom.

[03/18/24 - 10:06 AM]
E! Announces Trendsetting Guest Judges and Pioneering Disruptors for New Cutting-Edge Design Competition Series "OMG Fashun" with Julia Fox
Handcrafted is the new haute couture on "OMG Fashun" as Julia inspires pioneering fashion disruptors to upend traditional style convention, break the rules and redefine cool.

[03/18/24 - 10:00 AM]
Video: Peacock Debuts Trailer For New Original Documentary "Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal" Premiering April 1
The documentary looks at the remarkable career of the late Windham Rotunda also known as Bray Wyatt, one of the most skillful, tenacious, and creative WWE Superstars of all-time.

[03/18/24 - 10:00 AM]
NBC Is the Official Home of Competition and Games This Summer with a Slate of Powerhouse Hit Series
NBC is the summer home for both the Paris Olympic Games and high-stakes competition with a robust lineup of returning powerhouse favorites, including "America's Got Talent," "American Ninja Warrior," "Password," "The Wall" and "Weakest Link."

[03/18/24 - 09:02 AM]
Netflix Announces News About 26 Upcoming Nordic Titles - Including 12 Brand New Titles
Plus: the streamer offers new looks at "Deliver Me," "The Helicopter Heist," "Ronja the Robber's Daughter," "Billionaire Island" and season two of "Baby Fever."

[03/18/24 - 09:01 AM]
Video: "Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver" - Official Trailer - Netflix
The rebels gear up for battle against the ruthless forces of the Motherworld as unbreakable bonds are forged, heroes emerge - and legends are made.

[03/18/24 - 09:01 AM]
Video: Disney's "Wish" - Streaming April 3rd - Disney+
Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Wish" is an all-new musical-comedy welcoming audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force - a little ball of boundless energy called Star.

[03/18/24 - 08:01 AM]
Video: "Our Living World" - Cate Blanchett - Official Trailer - Netflix
This stunning nature series narrated by Cate Blanchett explores the intelligence, resourcefulness and interconnectedness of life on our planet.

[03/18/24 - 08:00 AM]
Acorn TV Fan-Favorite "Harry Wild" Returns Monday, May 13
Season three consists of six episodes and will be available on Acorn TV in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

[03/18/24 - 08:00 AM]
Prime Video Orders "Beast Games" from MrBeast and Amazon MGM Studios
Based on his already successful YouTube show, "Beast Games" is set to become the biggest reality competition series ever with 1000 contestants competing for a $5 million dollar cash prize which will be the biggest single prize in the history of television and streaming.

[03/18/24 - 07:14 AM]
ESPN+ Original Series "Full Court Press" Presented by State Farm Featuring Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso and Kiki Rice to Premiere May 11 & 12 on ABC and ESPN+
From Iowa's historic preseason game that broke attendance records all the way through the WNBA draft in April, the series uses unparalleled access, exclusive interviews, and unique game footage, to transport audiences into the lives of these exceptional athletes.

[03/18/24 - 06:01 AM]
Video: "Scoop" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Inspired by real events, this fictional dramatization gives an insider account of how the women of Newsnight secured Prince Andrew's infamous interview.

[03/18/24 - 06:01 AM]
Video: Apple TV+ Debuts Trailer for Season Two of Iconic Emmy Award-Winning Series "Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock," Premiering Globally March 29
Award-winning season two cast includes the return of Daveed Diggs alongside Ariana DeBose, Brett Goldstein, Catherine O'Hara, Adam Lambert and K-pop group aespa in guest star roles.

[03/18/24 - 04:01 AM]
Video: "Joy" - First Look Teaser - Netflix
Starring Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton and Bill Nighy, the new film based on the story of the birth of IVF.