NORTH CAROLINA AMNESIAC SUCCESSFULLY LOOKS BACK TO THE FUTURE THANKS TO "STARTING OVER"

Cast Member Bethany Graduates From Emmy-Nominated Real-Life Daytime Drama Series

BURBANK, Calif. -- April 13, 2005 -- Bethany, a 21 year old real-life amnesiac who entered the STARTING OVER house with no recollection of her childhood or adolescence, has graduated in triumph from the acclaimed real-life daytime television drama distributed by NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution (syndicated, check local listings for time and station).

Produced by the creators of "The Real World" and "The Simple Life," STARTING OVER recently has been nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards, and renewed for a third season.

Bethany (last names of cast withheld) came to the attention of TV producers during a casting call held in Charlotte, NC in October 2004. Pained by the previous loss of childhood memories, and terrified by the possibility that amnesia could strike again at any time, Bethany lived a sheltered existence with her family before entering the STARTING OVER house. Bethany's goal for her time on STARTING OVER was to get to know herself without relying on the memories of others.

With the support of the STARTING OVER life coaches Rhonda Britten and Iyanla Vanzant and Consulting Psychologist Dr. Stan J. Katz, Bethany experienced a variety of treatments to help her regain her memory, including hypnotherapy and a trip to her hometown. Much to her surprise and happiness, Bethany recovered some lost memories and clues about her past.

Even while she recovered bits of her past, Bethany worked to develop a sense of self in her present. During the STARTING OVER process she experimented with several new experiences, including dating (something which had previously terrified her), riding a motorcycle, and she was able to try out new appearances thanks to professional makeovers. She even received an unforgettable first kiss thanks to several stars from the NBC Daytime series PASSIONS. Bethany leaves the STARTING OVER house newly confident, self-aware, and bursting with beauty, inside and out.

In honor of her graduation, Bethany received an all-expenses-paid trip to New York, including a shopping spree with professional stylist and STARTING OVER graduate Andy Paige. She also received a gift card from Dell for a computer that will help her with her desire to pursue further education.

STARTING OVER features six diverse women living in a Hollywood Hills home and striving to improve their lives with the help of Life Coaches and a Consulting Psychologist. The daily one-hour, real-life drama chronicles their progress as they attempt to make extraordinary changes in their lives.

Each woman in the STARTING OVER cast is expected to reside in the STARTING OVER house for six to twelve weeks, depending on the scope of her "project" and her rate of progress toward her goal. Those women who achieve their goals graduate in triumph. Those who falter can be asked to leave the house.

STARTING OVER is produced by Bunim-Murray Productions, the creators of the hit series "The Simple Life," "The Real World" and "Road Rules." It is distributed by NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution. Jonathan Murray and Millee Taggart-Ratcliffe are Executive Producers. STARTING OVER is currently sold in more than 90% of the U.S. for its second season in national syndication.

NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution's current syndicated programming includes the first run series "Access Hollywood," "Blind Date," "The Chris Matthews Show," "The Jane Pauley Show," "The Jerry Springer Show," "The George Michael Sports Machine," "Home Delivery," "Maury," "Rebecca's Garden," "Starting Over," "The Wall Street Journal Report," "Your Total Health," and the upcoming Martha Stewart project. Also the off-network syndication sales of the series "Boomtown," "Crossing Jordan," "Ed," "Fear Factor," "Law & Order," "Law & Order: SVU," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Providence," and much more. NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution also distributes the first-run specials "The Remarkable Journey" and "Good Housekeeping Reports" inserts.