BBC AMERICA UNDERGOES RADICAL MAKEOVER FOR 2007 UPFRONT
- All new schedule focuses on targeted program blocks -
BBC AMERICA will face the 2007 Upfront with a radically restructured schedule bursting with the UK's very best contemporary programming.
"We are undergoing a complete transformation - redefining the network and refocusing the schedule," says Garth Ancier, President BBC Worldwide America, who took control of the BBC's U.S. businesses a month ago. "From now on BBC AMERICA will focus exclusively on bringing U.S. audiences the very best in contemporary British programs � including a greater emphasis on our world renowned news coverage.
"Our new look schedule is packed with quality, original programming and big name stars that reflect everything that's exciting about modern Britain today. And now they are presented in demographically targeted programming blocks, designed to attract audiences and advertisers."
BBC AMERICA is the only digital cable channel that has won four Golden Globes(R) and a host of Peabody's. Now in over 54 million homes, the channel appeals to passionate, educated, upscale and in-the-know viewers who like to be ahead of the curve. At the forefront of pop culture BBC AMERICA has consistently premiered formats that are being snapped up and adapted by major U.S. networks, such as "The Office," "Life on Mars" and "Footballers Wive$."
BBC AMERICA commissions Discovery Communications Inc. (DCI) to carry out distribution and ad sales on its behalf. So far in 1Q07, BBC AMERICA is up 7% in primetime and 9% total day, year on year delivery (A25-54). The channel aims to build on these figures with the new schedule - a combination of stripped shows and clearly defined primetime blocks focusing on specific demos.
Primetime
Program blocks 8:00 p.m.- 10.00 p.m.
� "Murder Mondays" showcase some of the best in scripted drama. This is the destination for gripping psychological thrillers like the BBC AMERICA co-production "Wire in the Blood." Starring Robson Green (Rocketman, Reckless) as the brilliant clinical psychologist Dr. Tony Hill, the new season includes a one-off special where Hill brings his unique investigative powers to the U.S. for the first time, in a murder investigation set and filmed in Texas. Other shows on the night
include an all-new season of critically-acclaimed "Murphy's Law" with James Nesbitt (Jekyll, Bloody Sunday) playing troubled undercover cop Tommy Murphy.
� "Tuesday Nitro" reaches out to the male demographic with high-octane dramas and the best of British reality television. In the ever-topical "MI-5," British intelligence confronts international espionage and global terrorism in an acclaimed drama that reflects the uncertainty of the world today. And original action-packed drama, "Ultimate Force," follows an elite army unit on a series of dangerous undercover missions.
� "Wicked Wednesday" is where being bad never felt so good. Female focused and full-on, this night is one of television's guiltiest pleasures. Femme fatale Joan Collins joins the all-new season of the sexiest, sassiest drama on TV � "Footballers Wive$." And after the game, BBC AMERICA checks into the all new "Hotel Babylon" where the only thing more exciting than being a guest is being on staff. Other shows include BBC AMERICA co-production "Goldplated," a darkly comic family saga about luxurious lives lived on credit and Sinchronicity, a party-fuelled drama about three hip, but unhappy twentysomethings searching for love.
� "Big Thursday" is all about huge characters with larger than life personalities. From top chef Gordon Ramsay (Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, Gordon Ramsay's F Word) to showbiz gossip monster Graham Norton (The Graham Norton Show), big personalities take over the channel with all-new seasons of their shows.
� "Crime Scene Friday" features the best in procedural crime, forensic and legal drama. BBC AMERICA co-production, "Whistleblower," centers on people who risk their careers and even their lives to expose dangerous secrets while another BBC AMERICA co-production, "The Innocence Project," follows a group of bright, young law students who investigate miscarriages of justice pro bono. Other shows include all-new seasons of returning forensic series "Silent Witness" and the UK's top-rated cold-case drama "Waking the Dead."
� "Supernatural Saturday" enters a world of science fiction and paranormal events where nothing is what it seems. In a BBC AMERICA co-production, James Nesbitt (Murphy's Law, Bloody Sunday) stars as "Jekyll" in a modern re-telling of the classic tale of scientific misadventure. And from the creators of "Doctor Who," spin-off series "Torchwood," follows a team of modern day investigators as they use sci-fi technology to solve crimes in both alien and human worlds. Returning series include all-new seasons of time-travelling "Life on Mars," spine-chilling "Hex" and sci-fi favourite "Doctor Who."
� The Brit Movie - every week BBC AMERICA showcases the best of British movie talent. Preceding this, at 7:00p.m. "Adventure Sunday," focuses on action-packed drama for all the family featuring some of the UK's most exciting new shows. Romance, humor and excitement play out in an all-new season of BBC AMERICA's top rated show "Robin Hood." And the breathtaking landscapes of the South African bush are brought into viewer's homes in "Wild at Heart," a compelling account of one family's journey of self discovery.
Weekday nights at 10.00 p.m.
� Younger audiences can look forward to a regular weeknight date with the UK's latest addictive soap, "Hollyoaks." Fast paced and issue-based, the drama focuses on the lives and loves of a group of local college kids in the fictional suburb of Hollyoaks. With a reputation for gripping storylines that reflect the excitement as well as the trials of being young adults, Hollyoaks promises to have viewers coming back for more.
Saturday nights at 10.00 p.m.
� Comedy Saturday is the exclusive destination for fans who want to catch the latest British comedy buzz. A BBC AMERICA co-production, "The Life and Times of Vivienne Vyle" is written by and stars "Ab Fab's" Jennifer Saunders. Talk show host Vivienne Vyle, played by Jennifer, is joined by Oscar-nominated Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter, Gideon's Daughter) as her producer. It's Ab Fab meets The Larry Sanders Show with a bit of Oprah thrown in. Other shows include exclusive stand-up specials with top of the bill performers such as Dylan Moran (Black Books, Father Ted) and brand-new comedy "Lead Balloon," starring stand-up comedian Jack Dee.
Sunday nights at 10.00 p.m.
� BBC AMERICA Reveals is the channel's weekly documentary slot packed with intriguing tales from the real-life stories behind the headlines, celebrity profiles and Royal specials
BBC World News
� BBC AMERICA viewers will be better informed this Upfront with expanded coverage from the world's most trusted news organization. With 2000 journalists and 250 correspondents in 58 international bureaus, the reputation of BBC World News is built around unparalleled passion and commitment to accurate, impartial, honest and in-depth reporting from around the globe. Each nightly news broadcast offers unprecedented analysis of all the day's international stories with comment and opinion coming live from London and Washington D.C. BBC World News will air a three hour news block each weekday morning and weeknights at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Events
� BBC AMERICA continues to bring its audience exclusive coverage of the big British award ceremonies. From the glamorous world of movies catch The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs). Britain's equivalent of the Academy Awards, all eyes are on the London winners in the build up to the Academy Awards a few weeks later. BBC AMERICA also offers exclusive coverage of The BRIT Awards 2008, the UK equivalent of the Grammys featuring top music acts from around the globe.
Daytime
Britain's most mouthwatering cookery shows, engaging lifestyle programs and popular game shows are stripped across the week including:
� "Masterchef Goes Large Lips" are smacking, taste buds are tingling and mouths are watering � BBC AMERICA serves up one of the UK's most popular cookery shows, MasterChef Goes Large. Amateur cooks create a menu and prepare a three course meal for a panel of judges. Winning contestants qualify for the final rounds with the dream of being awarded the coveted MasterChef title.
� The Weakest Link Queen of mean, Anne Robinson comes to BBC AMERICA in the original UK game show phenomenon "The Weakest Link." Watch in horrified fascination as the acerbic host unleashes a barrage of verbal insults on her fellow Brits.
� "How Clean is Your House" BBC AMERICA's got the dirt on everyday Brits � and we do mean dirt. In the original British series, dust-busting divas Kim Woodburn and Aggie MacKenzie tackle some of the messiest, most cluttered, and disorganized homes you've ever seen. With helpful tips, elbow grease, and no small amount of tough love, the ladies turn hopeless homes into sparkling gems.
BBC AMERICA brings audiences a new generation of award-winning television featuring razor-sharp comedies, provocative dramas, life-changing makeovers and news with a uniquely global perspective. BBC AMERICA pushes the boundaries to deliver high quality, highly addictive and eminently watchable programming to viewers who demand more. BBC AMERICA is distributed by Discovery Networks. It is available on digital cable and satellite TV. For more information about BBC AMERICA visit www.bbcamerica.com.
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