LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- The cable portion of the TCA's summer press tour began on Wednesday in which the networks outlined their plans for the 2004-05 season and beyond.

Here's the breakdown of VH1's presentation (via press release):

Bands May Run, But They Can't Hide - VH1 Is Back On Their Trail!

VH1's Original Series 'Bands Reunited' Returns For A Second Season On Monday, September 6 at 10PM*

Host Aamer Haleem Tries To Reunite New Kids On The Block, The English Beat, The Motels, ABC and Haircut 100

LOS ANGELES, July 23 -- Bands break up for a variety of reasons from health challenges to creative differences. While reuniting them is no easy task, host Aamer Haleem and the VH1 crew once again traveled the globe to reunite New Kids On The Block, The English Beat, The Motels, ABC and Haircut 100 for a one-night only performance.

Whether or not they are reunited remains to be seen in the second season of "Bands Reunited," which premieres on Monday, September 6, at 10PM*.

We'll see how health problems plagued the group ABC, whose lead singer suffered from Hodgkin's Disease, and The Motels' whose leader, Martha Davis, disbanded the group because of her cancer scare. "Bands Reunited" will also take a look at how some of these artists have found contentment now that they are out of the limelight. For example, Mark White, guitarist for ABC, is currently a Reiki Master therapist, while The Motels' bassist Michael Goodroe works in a special chemistry lab at a medical center.

The first season of "Bands Reunited" premiered on VH1 in January 2004 and featured such artists as Flock of Seagulls, Berlin, Klymaxx and Extreme.

Viewers can log onto VH1.com to learn more about season two of "Bands Reunited" and the story on how we got them all back together.

"Bands Reunited" is executive produced by Kim Rozenfeld, Julio Kollerbohm, Lisa Knapp, Eddie October, and Ken Fuchs.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in over 86 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH Uno, VH1 Mega Hits and VH1 Country. Connect with VH1 at http://www.VH1.com.

VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.

* all times ET/PT

VH1 Invites America to Remake Television History During 'In Search of the Partridge Family' Premiering Sunday, September 5 at 9PM*

Todd Newton Will Host Series With Original Cast Members David Cassidy, Danny Bonaduce And Shirley Jones Participating

LOS ANGELES, July 23 -- Hello world, here's a song that we're singing . . .

With America's help, VH1 is "In Search of the Partridge Family," a seven episode reality series that will cast a modern-day version of the iconic sitcom family, premiering Sunday, September 5, at 9PM*. VH1 is traveling to Orlando, New York, Minneapolis and Los Angeles looking for people who resemble, act and sing like Danny, Keith, Laurie and Shirley Partridge.

Here's how the search breaks down:

-- Eight finalists for each character will be flown to Los Angeles to undergo a rigorous boot camp which consists of working with an acting coach, a vocal coach, a fashion consultant and make-up stylist to create the perfect Partridge.

-- Original cast members, David Cassidy, Danny Bonaduce and Shirley Jones will be prominently featured in each of the next 6 episodes and will also play a unique role in each of their character's competitions.

-- A panel of judges will whittle down the eight contestants for each character to three based on their talent -- then America votes on which two move on to the finals.

-- In episode 6, the two finalists for each character will go head-to-head in a singing competition where America will vote once again on who will win each role.

-- In the final episode 7, the new Partridge Family will be revealed to America and perform together as a band for the first time. The "family" will then be whisked away to begin rehearsals for a sitcom pilot that will debut on VH1 in late fall. The pilot is being written by comedic team, Bill Oakley and Josh Weinstein who previously executive produced The Simpsons.

"The Partridge Family," a TV hit from 1970-74, chronicled the adventures of America's beloved pop star family. Please visit http://www.vh1.com/partridge for rules and additional information for "In Search of the Partridge Family."

"In Search of the Partridge Family" is produced by Jeff Margolis Productions for Avoca Productions, Inc. in association with Sony Pictures Television. "In Search of the Partridge Family" is a production of VH1 with Jeff Olde and Claire McCabe serving as executives for VH1, Jeff Margolis serving as Executive Producer and David Cassidy as Co-Executive Producer.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 87 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH Uno, VH1 Mega Hits and VH1 Country. Connect with VH1 at http://www.VH1.com.

VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.

*all times ET/PT

VH1's Nip-Less and Tuck-Free Makeover Show, 'Flab To Fab' Returns as a Series Monday, November 29 at 10pm*

LOS ANGELES, July 23 -- VH1 has ordered up additional episodes of its ultimate makeover show "Flab to Fab," allowing more Americans the chance to look like a rock star without going under the knife. The series will premiere on Monday, November 29 at 10PM.*

During each episode of "Flab To Fab" host AJ Johnson, along with a team of top-notch nutritionists, trainers and stylists, leads groups of men and women through a workout and diet program modeled after their favorite rock celebrity. To succeed, each person must stay on the program for 90 days. During this time, each person's struggles and triumphs will be tested to find out who has the sheer willpower to become rock star-ripped.

The adventure begins on "Day 1" with a sobering weigh-in, during which a celebrity trainer outlines what must be done to succeed -- usually an intense one-hour workout, six days a week, under the guidance of the trainer and a team of specialists in the fields of nutrition and exercise.

On "Day 90" if the participants meet their goals and prove that they had the grit and determination it took to be fit as a rock star, VH1 will give them a one-year gym membership and throw a party in their honor where friends and family can check out their new look.

For more information on VH1's "Flab to Fab" visit VH1.com. "Flab to Fab" is executive produced by Kathleen French and Tom Campbell of Evolution Film & Tape. The series is executive produced by Jeff Olde and Claire McCabe for VH1.

* all times ET/PT

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in over 86 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH Uno, VH1 Mega Hits and VH1 Country. Connect with VH1 at http://www.VH1.com.

VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.

VH1 Sizzles This Summer With a Scorching Slate of New Series Premieres

VH1's Summer Sizzler Heats Up With New Programming 'Totally Obsessed,' 'A2Z' and 'Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story'

LOS ANGELES, July 23 -- Break out the Coppertone, VH1 burns up the UV scale with a summer of scorching premieres.

"I Love the 90s"
VH1 is bringing its highly successful and hilarious "I Love the 80s" and "I Love The 70s" approach back for "I Love The 90s," proving no decade is off limits. Viewers will get a '90s style dose of the music, movies, TV shows, products, fashions, fads, trends, scandals and major events that defined pop culture each year of the decade. From Beverly Hills 90210 to X-Files, flannel shirts to the "Rachel" hair do, from Rico Suave to Monica Lewinsky ... we will revisit it all from the uplifting to the ludicrous and everything in between. Premiered Monday, July 12 at 9PM*

"A2Z"
Did you know that one particularly sexy Oscar-nominated actor is deathly afraid of clowns? Or that a certain buxom blonde once found a "fan" living in her guestroom for three days? Did you know about the rapper-slash-mogul who spent part of his childhood in the Amish country? We bet you didn't, and that's where VH1's "A2Z" comes in. Join VH1 as we take you on an alphabetical, free-association celebration of pop icons, from their anecdotal A's to their idiosyncratic Z's. "A2Z" hits on everything from fan-worthy details (Yup, he really set his face on fire.) to fall-over-funny truisms (Who has a stripper pole in her bedroom?). From the producers of the "I Love The ... " series, "A2Z" will focus on one particular person, providing hilarious, watercooler-type stories and facts about his or her life. Upcoming episodes spotlight Johnny Depp, Nick & Jessica, Pam Anderson, Angelina Jolie, Donald Trump, and P. Diddy. Premiered Monday, July 12 at 11PM*

"True Spin"
REM's breakout hit Losing My Religion is thought to be about God and faith, but did you know it's really a Southern expression for being out of control and losing one's temper? Returning for a second season, "True Spin" is the definitive show that uncovers the truth behind the classic songs of our time. Each episode will focus on different songs bring the song's true story to light. Songs featured this season include The Remedy-Jason Mraz, Blister in the Sun-Violent Femmes and more. Premieres Monday, July 26 at 11PM*

"Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story"
Starring Flex Alexander, "Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story," goes behind the headlines of the man-child and the myth that have equally enchanted and baffled the world for the last 35 years. This movie takes viewers from his megawatt fame during the Thriller era to his scandal-filled middle age. Premieres Friday August 6 at 9PM*

"Totally Obsessed"
VH1's "Totally Obsessed" is a new series, which explores the strange, sometimes freaky world of people who have a passion for the extraordinary. Each series will focus on individuals with a unique obsessions. For example, Dean Monnin, who designs and sews his own clothes to adhere to Don Johnson's Miami Vice look-he owns 40 different pastel sport jackets! He even became a cop because of his love for the show and had Phillip Michael Thomas attend his wedding. Premieres Monday, August 23 at 11PM*

Viewers can log onto http://VH1.com for more information on all the upcoming summer programming.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in over 86 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Uno, VH1 Mega Hits and VH1 Country. Connect with VH1 at http://www.VH1.com .

VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.

* all times ET/PT

A New Kid, a Public Enemy, an American Idol, a Red Sonja and an Uncle Joey Make One House Truly 'Surreal'

'The Surreal Life' Premieres Its Third Season on VH1 Sunday, September 5 at 10PM*

LOS ANGELES, July 23 -- "The Surreal Life" comes to VH1 with a "full house" of pop culture originals for a brand-new season. From water sports to gambling runs, the third season cast which includes Dave Coulier (Full House), Flava Flav (Public Enemy), Jordan Knight (New Kids On The Block), Brigitte Nielsen (Red Sonja), Ryan Starr (American Idol) and Charo ("cuchi-cuchi!") will not disappoint.

Beginning Sunday, September 5 at 10PM*, the world can see this eclectic group play house in a Hollywood mansion and have their lives videotaped 24/7 doing everything from taking surfing lessons and running wild through a casino to attempting to record a group single and a battle of the bands.

The first season of "The Surreal Life" featured such incredible housemates as Gabrielle Carteris, M.C. Hammer, Vince Neil, Corey Feldman, Emmanuel Lewis, Jeri Manthey and Brande Roderick; while the second season featured Traci Bingham, Ron Jeremy, Tammy Faye Baker, Trishelle Cannatella, Erik Estrada and Vanilla Ice.

Viewers can log onto http://VH1.com for more about "The Surreal Life" cast and exclusive photos.

"The Surreal Life" is executive produced by Mark Cronin and Cris Abrego for Mindring Entertainment and co-produced by James Rowley and Ben Samek. Jill Modabber and Jeff Olde oversee the series for VH1.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in over 86 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH Uno, VH1 Mega Hits and VH1 Country. Connect with VH1 at http://www.VH1.com .

VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.

* all times ET/PT

VH1 Remixes the History of Hip Hop

'And You Don't Stop: 30 Years of Hip Hop,' A Five-Part Documentary Series Premieres Monday, October 4 at 8PM*

Executive Produced by Russell Simmons in conjunction with Perry Films

LOS ANGELES, July 23 -- From its humble beginnings in the South Bronx to the global, cultural and economic powerhouse it has become, hip-hop has reshaped the world. VH1 documents this cultural explosion in a five-part document "And You Don't Stop: 30 Years of Hip Hop," premiering on Monday, October 4 at 8PM*.

With never-before-seen footage, "And You Don't Stop: 30 Years of Hip Hop" traces the history of this art form from "back in the day" to the meteoric rise and success of Russell Simmons' Def Jam label, to the gangsta rap wars and how hip hop and Eminem conquered America. The five-part documentary concludes with the new moguls who have come to define "bling bling."

"You can't overstate hip-hop's effect on American youth," comments executive producer Russell Simmons. "There are a lot of young people who've grown up on hip hop coming out of Beverly Hills, or out of the projects, or the trailer parks, who either have lived in poverty and have understood the struggle directly, or listened to hip-hop their whole lives and become sensitized to the plight of those poor people. So that's why everybody relates to it so well."

"And You Don't Stop: 30 Years of Hip Hop" features exclusive new interviews with Ice-T, Outkast, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Rick Rubin, Chuck D, the Reverend Run, Kid Rock, Will Smith, Fab 5 Freddie, Debbie Harry, DMC, the Beastie Boys, Nas, Sylvia Robinson, Jimmy Iovine, Lyor Cohen, the Neptunes, the Roots, Mary J. Blige, and MC Lyte as well as esteemed hip hop era authors Nelson George, Cheo Coker, and Danyel Smith. Archival interview footage of Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaattaa, Grandmaster Flash, KRS-One, and Ice Cube round out the narration.

The artists featured in the documentary give first-hand accounts of how rap has impacted their lives:

KRS-ONE: "It was like finally somebody is telling the world how we live and what we're going through -- that is hip hop. If you ever want to know what the consciousness of hip hop is, it's summarized in that statement: 'Don't push me, cause I'm already close to the edge. I'm just trying not to lose my head.'"

CHUCK D: "We were going to 'bring the noise' in all kinds of different ways, with twice as much fury and rebellion. We transformed a lot of people our way. We presented something on stage that they had never seen before."

DEBBIE HARRY: "There was some kind of similarity between the punk scene and the hip hop scene in that it was sort of the underground ... the underdog, barking loudly. I think that the content of the rap in Rapture was definitely homage to the form and the people that we knew who introduced us to it and it became a part of our world."

Viewers can log onto VH1.com for exclusive hip hop content including interviews, photos, videos and more.

"And You Don't Stop: 30 Years of Hip Hop" is executive produced by Russell Simmons in conjunction with producer-director Dana Heinz Perry of Perry Films and producer-writer Bill Adler.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in over 86 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Uno, VH1 Mega Hits and VH1 Country. Connect with VH1 at http://www.VH1.com.

VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.

*all times ET/PT

VH1 Classic Expands Original Programming 50 Percent By Growing to 12-Hour Programming Wheel

Channel that Salutes the Music of the 60s, 70s and 80s Launches Three New Series

LOS ANGELES, July 23 -- Now in 33 million households, VH1 Classic has expanded its original programming by 50 percent each day. The aggressive push includes the launch of three new additional programming blocks as part of its schedule.

The new 12-hour daily programming wheel features such new shows as "The Alternative," which showcases unconventional bands from the 60s, 70s and 80s, "Classic/Current" which pairs timeless artists' vintage videos with one of their new songs, and "VH1 Classic in Concert," showcasing full performances by the greatest names in music.

"The popularity and growth of VH1 Classic has been nothing short of phenomenal," said Eric Sherman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of VH1 Classic and VH1 Digital Television. "We have full distribution on the digital cable and satellite platforms. We have artists -- both classic and current -- begging to come on the channel. And now we have built out our programming day by 50 percent to give our viewers even more classic artists that helped define our culture."

"The Alternative"
Were you tired at school on Monday mornings because you stayed up late the night before watching your favorite alternative bands on "120 Minutes?" Well, wrap yourself in black and flail around the television because VH1 Classic has gathered together your favorite -- and forgotten -- videos by such pioneers as The Cure, Echo & The Bunnymen, New Order, Bauhaus and The Smiths among many clove-cigarette smoking others.

"Classic/Current"
Their songs are FM radio staples and rousing anthems that power many of today's commercials. But what kind of music are our classic heroes creating today? "Classic/Current" features double-plays by timeless artists -- a vintage clip paired with a newer song that you may not have heard yet.

"VH1 Classic In Concert"
The hour-long series will showcase live, full-concert performances from some of the greatest names in rock, pop & soul. Up on deck: The Allman Brothers, Simon & Garfunkel, Rush in Rio, and Judas Priest.

Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that presents music videos, concerts and music specials featuring classic rock, soul and pop artists from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Featured artists include The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police and many more. Connect with VH1 Classic at http://www.vh1classic.com.