Cultures Clash on New Lifetime Reality Series When Couples Face Their Potential In-Laws without the Comfort of Their Other Half in 'Face The Family' Premiering March 12

New One-Hour Series from Gay Rosenthal Productions Captures Lovers from Diverse Backgrounds As They Meet Each Other's Families For First Time - Alone!

PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 11 -- Lifetime Television takes the meeting of a couple with their potential in-laws to an all-new level in the one-hour reality series "Face the Family," it was announced today by Susanne Daniels, President of Entertainment, Lifetime Entertainment Services. The new reality series will brim with twists and unexpected turns as it captures couples from different backgrounds and sensibilities who meet and move in with their partner's family for five days -- alone. "Face the Family" premieres SUNDAY, MARCH 12 at 11:00 PM ET/PT.

In the series, from Gay Rosenthal Productions (VH1's "Behind the Music"), each young lover, who arrives as an outsider, is submerged in a family of strangers from a contrary background. Their differences just may throw the couple's once-happy future into jeopardy.

"This series represents Lifetime's commitment to giving reality television a relatable point-of-view, in that there is something viewers can take away from each episode," said Daniels. "Gay Rosenthal has been heralded for the freshness and ingenuity she brings to her projects. Here, the universal experience of meeting your potential in-laws, intertwines truth, humor, and involves stories about couples in unexpected and entertaining ways."

In each episode, couples will meet one another's family for the first time and will have to field no-holds-barred questions, as well as endure both spontaneous and planned family outings. During the course of five days, the couple is apart and can only speak once -- adding even more tension to their already challenging circumstances. Later, the two sets of families finally meet for the first time and judge the couple's relationship, sharing their thoughts and concerns. Based on the week with the parents, the man and the woman then state their intentions about their future to make the final assessment: Will they stay together or go their separate ways?

The series travels to cities and towns that represent a great cross-section of the U.S. with diverse backgrounds and a veritable culture clash rife with traditions, customs ... and expectations.

"When you're meeting your potential in-laws for the first time, anxiety and humor are inextricably linked. But the series' most distinctive hallmark is 'the stakes,' said Gay Rosenthal. Adding, "When both families come together to meet for the first time and judge the couple's relationship, it is a question of whether or not they will they support the couple or try to tear them apart? Then, of course, the couples must decide for themselves what's next for their relationship."

During the past eight years, Rosenthal, president of Gay Rosenthal Productions (GRP), has produced more than 275 documentaries. She co-created the award-winning hit series "Behind the Music" for VH1, and has helmed a variety of reality and documentary series. She also has produced several network primetime specials including the series finale specials for both "Friends" and "Frasier." Since then, GRP has expanded into scripted programming with a half-hour comedy Nick-at-Nite's "Let Bob Do It," with Jason Alexander ("Seinfeld"), and an animated series for Warner Bros.

"Face the Family" is produced by Gay Rosenthal Productions for Lifetime Television. Gay Rosenthal, Paul Barrosse ("Behind the Music"), and Jeff Apploff are the executive producers.

Lifetime is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, Lifetime is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. Lifetime Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment and Lifetime Online are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

*Photography is available at http://www.lifetimepress.com

SOURCE Lifetime Television
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