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GSN Acquires Emmy Award-Winning Reality Series, 'THE AMAZING RACE'
'THE AMAZING RACE' Will Air Daily Beginning July 11 at 9 PM ET/PT
SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 8 -- Continuing to provide the
best game-related series possible, GSN, the network for games, has acquired
the off-network rights to episodes of the Emmy Award-winning adventure reality
series, THE AMAZING RACE. The acquisition, from King World Productions, Inc.,
of the popular CBS series hosted by Phil Keoghan, marks the first time THE
AMAZING RACE episodes will have been seen since their original airings. The
announcement was made today by Ian Valentine, Senior Vice President,
Programming, GSN.
Executive Producer Jerry Bruckheimer said, "We are pleased that the
one-of-a-kind adventures offered by THE AMAZING RACE have found a second home
on GSN. We have received an outpouring of responses from our viewers that
they would love to see the series again and we have many fans who came to the
series after its beginning. THE AMAZING RACE on GSN will satisfy both groups
and hopefully bring in new fans."
"THE AMAZING RACE is perfect for our network," remarked Valentine on the
acquisition. "It offers everything that our network stands for --
competition, adventure, terrific production values, good storylines and great
characters. We couldn't be more thrilled to be the year-round home of this
award-winning series."
Executive Producer/Co-Creator Bertram van Munster added, "I am thrilled
and very excited that we have made a deal with GSN. 'THE AMAZING RACE' is the
most unpredictable of all game shows ... each episode is self-contained from
different world wide locations fueled by dramatic characters and a powerful,
original story and ending."
The series' first season begins on GSN Monday, July 11 at
9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT and will air in this regular time period Monday through
Sunday. The series will have an encore showing at midnight every night except
Fridays during GSN's Casino Night. GSN's deal includes the rights to the
first eight editions and more than 100 hours of the series, as well as the
option for the next two installments. The network will telecast each season
consecutively and will program special marathons at various times throughout
the year.
THE AMAZING RACE premiered on CBS on September 5, 2001. The series has
delivered consistent ratings growth over the last four years and had its best
season to date in season seven. "More and more people discover and love the
show every season it's aired. That growing enthusiasm really cemented the
value of the program for GSN," said Valentine.
The series format follows 11 pairs of contestants as they race around the
globe, completing challenges in hopes of capturing the $1 million grand prize.
The series has toured South Africa, Paris, the Sahara Desert, Beijing, Alaska,
and scores of other exotic locations. In addition to the arduous traveling
and grueling breakneck speed of the competition of the game, contestants along
the way have had wallets stolen; sprained ankles; danced and begged for money;
bungee jumped; skydived; rappelled down treacherous slopes; sold escargot;
traveled in crowded hot and muggy trains and fought airport security. And if
these globe-trotting obstacles were not enough, contestants also have had to
overcome serious spats with their partners and other teams. Accusations of
cheating, arguments over driving, anger and fear are some of the issues and
emotions that have added to the excitement of this one-of-a-kind series, which
was recognized with consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Reality-
Competition Program in 2003 and 2004.
THE AMAZING RACE is now prepping for its eighth season which will feature
families of four, adding a new twist to the series.
Jerry Bruckheimer, Bertram van Munster, Jonathan Littman and Hayma Screech
Washington are the executive producers for Bruckheimer Television and
Earthview Inc. in association with Touchstone Television and Amazing Race
Productions. Amy Chacon and Evan Weinstein are co-executive producers. THE
AMAZING RACE was created by Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri and is
distributed by King World Productions, Inc.
GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated
to game-related programming and interactive game playing. The network
features game shows, reality series, documentaries, alternative sports
programs and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN
features over 100 hours per week of interactive programming, which allows
viewers a chance to win prizes by playing along with GSN's televised games via
GSN.com. Reaching 57 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S.
through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is
jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation.
For further media information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com.
SOURCE GSN
Web Site: http://corp.gsn.com
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