The N Greenlights 'South of Nowhere,' A New Provocative Teen Drama by Tom Lynch

11 Episodes Set To Commence Production In Los Angeles In July

NEW YORK, May 31 -- The N, the nighttime network for teens, has announced they have greenlit "South of Nowhere," an original new half-hour teen drama from veteran creator/executive producer Tom Lynch (Romeo!, Scout's Safari, Caitlin's Way). The 11-episode series focuses on sexual and racial identity and self-discovery. Production will kick off on location in Los Angeles in July. South of Nowhere is slated to premiere in November 2005 on The N.

"We are excited to be partnering with Tom Lynch on this groundbreaking new teen drama," said Tom Ascheim, Executive Vice President, General Manager, The N. "South of Nowhere taps into a family's sense of dislocation as they move from their comfort zone of living in a small town into a new fast- paced world of the unknown. The series takes viewers on an authentic and multi-faceted journey of self discovery that is sure to resonate with The N's teen audience."

"South of Nowhere will explore those sensitive topics-sex, class, race, drugs, figuring out who you are and what you believe in-that are very much on teens' minds today," said Tom Lynch. "I believe The N is the only network bold and daring enough to air this series, and I'm thrilled to be collaborating with them."

South of Nowhere is set in Los Angeles -- a city of great wealth and diversity, from South Central to Venice Beach, from Bel Air to Melrose. The series chronicles the Ohio-bred Carlin family, after their cross-country move to the City of Angels. The Carlins find they are unprepared for the fast- paced, metropolitan environment and the overcrowded, "anything goes" L.A. public school that their three teens will attend.

The Carlin siblings include:

-- Spencer, a 16-year-old, athletic and attractive young girl who never felt like she fit in small town America. She is excited about her new life in Southern California, but begins to question everything -- her friends, boundaries, school life -- even her sexuality.

-- Clay is the Carlins' adopted, African-American son. He is 17, smart, aware and trying to figure out how he fits into this new world. He is looking forward to connecting with his culture, but finds that being black in L.A. is a test he may not pass.

-- Glen is a handsome 17-year-old who seemingly has the world in his pocket. The star basketball player hopes to keep up his "big man on campus" image and his popularity with the girls.

Tom Lynch, founder and president of The Tom Lynch Company, creates programming that engages kids' minds, imaginations and energy-and he's been doing so since his first project, KIDS Incorporated, the original variety show for youngsters. Since then, Lynch has helped revolutionize kids' programming by consistently breaking new ground, as with his landmark show, The Secret World of Alex Mack, the first series to reach the elusive and sought-after tween market, and the first to feature a strong female role model as its lead character.

Lynch's roster of hits includes 100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd, The Jersey, Caitlin's Way, Just Deal, Skate, Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension, and Scout's Safari, which was set and filmed on location in South Africa. Lynch's hip-hop sitcom Romeo!, starring hip-hop artist Master P and his real-life son, Lil' Romeo, currently airs on Nickelodeon. Lynch and the company that bears his name continue to create uniquely fresh, innovative shows that resonate with youth audiences around the world by "illuminating the magic of the human experience" -- celebrating all the drama, the humor, the kookiness and reality of human beings' lives.

The N, the nighttime network for teens, is a programming arm of MTV Networks and is currently available in 43 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite television. The N's mission is to be the authentic voice for teens and help them figure out their lives with relevant, topical programming on-air and online at the network's web site http://www.the-n.com. The N airs everyday from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (ET). The N and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

SOURCE The N
Web Site: http://www.the-n.com