"JOEY" GETS PICKUP

NBC PICKS UP FRESHMAN HIT COMEDY 'JOEY'

BURBANK � September 30, 2004 -- NBC has picked up the hit freshman comedy series "Joey" (Thursdays, 8:00 � 8:30 p.m. ET) for the rest of the season � adding at least nine additional episodes. That makes it the first new comedy to be granted a full season order, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment.

"The team behind 'Joey' is one of the most dynamic in sitcom production today," said Kevin Reilly. "They have successfully managed to take this beloved character and build a wonderfully entertaining new world around him while maintaining the essence of what we all love. We are all excited about the creative direction of the show."

"Joey" is the season's #1 new comedy among adults 18-49 and total viewers, averaging a 7.0 rating, 21 share in 18-49 and 16.4 million viewers overall with its three telecasts so far. "Joey" is also the #2 comedy overall this season in 18-49, behind only "Will & Grace." The September 9th "Joey" debut delivered the highest adult 18-49 rating for any 8 p.m. premiere on any network in eight years.

"We're overjoyed with the news! Our thanks to the cast, writers and crew for all their great work," said Kevin Bright, Scott Silveri and Shana Goldberg-Meehan.

From Kevin Bright, Scott Silveri and Shana Goldberg-Meehan, three of the executive producers behind the mega-successful hit series "Friends," "Joey" stars multiple Emmy nominee Matt LeBlanc as the charming and still-single Joey Tribbiani, who has struck out on his own and moved to Hollywood, hoping to truly make it as an actor.

The critically acclaimed cast also includes Emmy Award winner Drea de Matteo ("The Sopranos") as Joey's strong and sexy sister Gina; Paulo Costanzo ("Road Trip") playing Joey's genius 20-year-old nephew Michael; and Andrea Anders as the beautiful but slightly neurotic neighbor.

From Bright-San Productions and Silver and Gold Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television Production Inc., "Joey" is executive-produced by Kevin S. Bright, Scott Silveri and Shana Goldberg-Meehan.