A&E ANNOUNCES FIVE NEW SCRIPTED DRAMA SERIES PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT

NEW YORK, NY � May 1, 2007 �A&E Network is adding to its previously announced original scripted drama development slate of six projects with five additional projects, it was announced today by Tana Nugent Jamieson, Senior Vice President of Drama Programming, A&E Network.

"We are exploring several potential projects in strategic genres that will complement A&E's current programming, including real-life series and off-net dramas, in looking for our first original scripted drama series in recent years," said Jamieson. "These projects all involve strong characters, compelling stories and superb storytellers."

The following five projects will supplement the network's first comprehensive drama series development effort in more than five years. They join a slate of six previously announced projects, with a goal to go into production on one original drama series for a 2008 debut. A&E will continue to develop additional concepts, however below are the five new projects:

THE CLEANER

Based on a real life "Extreme Interventionist." After hitting rock- bottom from his own addictions during the birth of his twins, William "The Cleaner" Banks strikes a tentative deal with God. In exchange for a second chance, he'll kick his addictions and dedicate his life to helping others. Now, along with his unconventional team, he helps people get clean from their own addictions of sex, drugs, alcohol, and gambling... by any means necessary. THE CLEANER will be executive produced by Jonathan Prince (American Dreams) for CBS Paramount. The script was written by Robert Munic and Jay Silverman and Warren Boyd will also produce.

THE BEAST

In the spirit of Training Day, an unorthodox but effective FBI veteran trains a new partner in his hard-edged and psychologically clever style of agenting while himself being pursued by a secret IA team. The mischievous veteran hazes his new partner as they work undercover, brilliantly manipulating situations, constantly testing his new partner and pushing him to delve deeper into his "roles." As he realizes he can no longer maintain normal relationships and still do his job, the rookie is confronted with yet another challenge: An FBI team trying to enlist him as a double-agent in the bureau's investigation of his partner. THE BEAST is written by William Rotko (Breach) and Vincent Angell (Stand by Love) and will be produced by Sony Pictures Television and Scarlet Fire Entertainment. Allan Loeb, Steven Pearl and Cory Concoff will serve as executive producers.

HOMESTEAD

To insure there are cops on the urban front lines, the LAPD adopts an innovative community policing program, giving cops incentives to live in the tough neighborhoods they police. Jonathan Prince (American Dreams) will executive produce, and Reed Steiner (The Shield, Invasion) and Dyan Traynor will write the script and also executive produce for Fox Television Studios.

TAKEDOWN

US Marshals hunt fugitives after a mass escape in Los Angeles leaves their senior field agent dead and his brash younger brother must take charge. Steve Pearlman and Andrew Plotkin (Reunion, Related) are the executive producers, and acclaimed author and screenwriter Gregg Hurwitz (The Kill Clause) will write and co-executive produce for Warner Horizon Television.

UNDER

A young thug turns his life around by joining the witness protection program after turning state's evidence against his mob bosses. With a new identity and a fresh start, he becomes an NYPD patrolman. Just as his new life is coming together, he is confronted by his past and the mob street justice that came with it. UNDER is written by Charles A. Murray (Day Break, Third Watch).

Now reaching more than 92 million homes, A&E Network offers a diverse mix of high quality entertainment; ranging from the network's signature Real-Life Series franchise, including the hit series "Dog the Bounty Hunter," "Intervention," "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," "King of Cars" and "Criss Angel Mindfreak," to critically acclaimed original movies, dramatic series and the most successful justice shows on cable. A&E is the official basic cable home to the high-profile series "The Sopranos," "CSI: Miami" and "24." The A&E Network website is located at www.aetv.com. The A&E Insider is located at www.aetv.com/insider. For more information and photography please visit us on the web at www.aetvpress.com.