or


[05/09/06 - 12:00 AM]
USA Network Gets Real with Wwe Compatible Programming

[via press release from USA]

USA NETWORK GETS REAL WITH WWE COMPATIBLE PROGRAMMING

NEW YORK -- May 9, 2006 -- To capitalize on the rocketing ratings of WWE's MONDAY NIGHT RAW, USA Network has announced a reality development slate designed to generate programming compatible with its success. Joining the previously announced pilot EBAUM'S WORLD (inspired by the website of the same name) are the one-hour street-racing pilot TURF and THE CAPPER, a presentation set in the world of high-stakes legal betting. The announcement was made today by Bonnie Hammer, president, USA Network and SCI FI Channel, and Jeff Wachtel, USA's executive vice president, original programming.

"Since wrestling returned to the network, we've been committed to developing programming that will galvanize the franchise's loyal fan base," said Hammer. "We believe that these shows have the potential to drive that audience to a reality-based TV experience they won't find anywhere else."

"We've looked long and hard for the right projects to fulfill our mission of developing edgy, unique programming that will be a good fit with wrestling," added Wachtel. "Each of these project's sensibilities make them perfect candidates to tap into the young, hip audience of the WWE."

From The Firm's Rich Frank & Paul Frank, David Hurwitz ("Fear Factor," "The Man Show") and Paul Cockerille, TURF is a one-hour pilot that brings the world of street racing to television, as top underground street racers battle it out for the title of "Turf King or Queen." The pilot will give viewers behind-the-scenes access to racing teams from all aspects of the driving community as they compete, as well as explore their lives outside of the races to deliver an authentic, full access glimpse into this intense world and lifestyle.

Produced by Endemol and the brainchild of Tom Forman ("Extreme Makeover Home Edition"), THE CAPPER follows Brandon Lang, one of the nation's most well known sports handicappers. Lang's multi-millionaire clients (AKA "whales") pay him generously for his sports knowledge and betting instincts, which will really be put to the test in this pilot presentation as he travels the world seeking out legal sports and pop culture events on which he can wager money for his clients. A larger than life presence, Lang has proven he can pick the winner of an NFL game, but can he pick the winner of a camel race and keep the whales satisfied?

These projects join an active reality development slate already occupied by the previously announced EBAUM'S WORLD, which will bring the most wild and hilarious content to late night programming in a fast-paced, irreverent hour of outrageous clips, jokes and commentary. The show will feature clips from the website as well as new, exclusive content, and interviews with past and new eBaumsworld video subjects who will be asked to account for their outlandish behavior -- if they dare. EBAUM'S WORLD is being executive produced by Simon Andreae through his production company, The Incubator, in association with Fox Television Studios along with Emmy-nominated producer Charlie Siskel ("World News Tonight with Peter Jennings," "Evening News with Dan Rather," "The Today Show," "Fresh Baked").

USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 basic cable network across the board in 1Q06, USA Network is seen in 90 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.





  [may 2006]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
 


· CAPPER, THE (USA)
· EBAUM'S WORLD (USA)
· EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION (HGTV)
· FEAR FACTOR (MTV)
· MAN SHOW, THE (COMEDY CENTRAL)
· TURF (USA)
· WWE RAW (NETFLIX)





[06/04/25 - 03:39 PM]
Conan O'Brien to Make Debut Appearance on "Late Night with Seth Meyers" on Wednesday, June 11
O'Brien hosted the critically acclaimed "Late Night" franchise for more than 16 years, between 1993 and 2009.

[06/04/25 - 10:00 AM]
Prime Video Reveals "Maxton Hall - The World Between Us" Will Return for Season 2 on November 7
The upcoming season will be based on the second part of the bestselling novel series "Save You" by author Mona Kasten.

[06/04/25 - 09:01 AM]
"The Rainmaker" Premieres August 15 at 10PM ET/PT on USA
Milo Callaghan, John Slattery, Lana Parrilla, Madison Iseman, P.J. Byrne, Dan Fogler, Wade Briggs, and Robyn Cara star in the series, based on the best-selling novel by John Grisham.

[06/04/25 - 09:00 AM]
The Journey to Stardom Begins with New Comedy Series "Electric Bloom," Premiering on Disney Channel July 10 and on Disney+ Sept. 17
The series, formerly known as "How We Became the Biggest Band in the World," follows the three members of the now mega-famous pop group Electric Bloom as they look back and tell the story of their band and friendship, starting with the day they all met in high school.

[06/04/25 - 08:05 AM]
Drew and Jonathan Scott Help More Celebrities Deliver Heartwarming Home Renovations in a New Season of HGTV's "Celebrity IOU"
The six new star-studded episodes feature Tyra Banks, Rachel Brosnahan, Josh Gad, Joel McHale, Jane Seymour and Shaun White.

[06/04/25 - 07:53 AM]
ESPN Original Series "Rabil's Places" Premieres Today on ESPN+, Featuring Bill Belichick, Chris Hogan, Ricky Miezan, and Nakeie Montgomery
In this week's premiere episode ("Turf Wars"), legendary football coach Bill Belichick explains his lifelong affection for lacrosse.

[06/04/25 - 07:30 AM]
Prime Video Adds Additional Cast for the Final Season of the Global Hit Series "The Summer I Turned Pretty"
Isabella Briggs and Kristen Connolly join the cast as series regulars.

[06/04/25 - 07:01 AM]
Video: "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" - Season 2 Official Trailer - Netflix
A new batch of hopefuls face fierce competition, high expectations and even higher kicks as they vie for a spot with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

[06/04/25 - 07:01 AM]
ESPN Scores Stellar Pre-Finals Women's College World Series Viewership
Through the first 12 games, viewers have consumed 2.4 billion minutes of the WCWS across linear and ESPN+.

[06/04/25 - 07:01 AM]
The Classic Story Comes to Life: "Disney's Snow White" Debuts on Disney+ June 11
The live-action retelling of "Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" invites families and friends on a thrilling new cinematic adventure, one that also offers a charming stroll down memory lane.

[06/04/25 - 07:00 AM]
Video: "Heads of State" - Final Trailer - Prime Video
Keep calm and carry on. "Heads of State" arrives July 2 on Prime Video.

[06/04/25 - 06:34 AM]
"Disney Jr. Let's Play!" Campaign Launches Across the Walt Disney Company, Encouraging Preschoolers to Get Laughing, Moving and Playing
Spanning original content, consumer products, music, live events, community activations and more, the campaign is supported by a cross-company commitment designed to bring meaningful activities and experiences into communities and the lives of preschoolers around the world.

[06/04/25 - 06:06 AM]
Great American Christmas in July Returns to Great American Family on June 27, Kicking Off the Countdown to This Year's 5th Anniversary Celebration in October
The festive celebration serves as the perfect prelude to the countdown to the 5th Anniversary of Great American Christmas, launching in October 2025.

[06/04/25 - 06:01 AM]
Video: "Olympo" - Official Trailer - Netflix
When a swimmer collapses at a high-performance sports center, Amaia investigates the extreme risks her fellow athletes are taking to feed their ambition.

[06/04/25 - 03:01 AM]
Video: "Tour de France: Unchained" - Official Trailer - Netflix
The final season is coming July 2.