HEROES, TELEVISION'S #1 NEW SERIES, DEBUTS AT LICENSING 2007
Universal Developing Merchandise Program
Based on the People's Choice for Favorite New TV Drama
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., -- May 14, 2007 -- Universal Studios Consumer Products Group today announced licensing opportunities for Heroes, television's No. 1 new series that boasts more than 14 million viewers each week. Universal will pursue licensing partners both domestically and internationally across all categories, including, but not limited to: apparel, accessories, collectibles, publishing and toys.
Heroes, which airs domestically Mondays at 9:00 p.m. ET on NBC, has racked up critical acclaim and become a fan favorite in its first season. Named one of Time magazine's 10 Best U.S. TV shows of 2006, the show scooped up two Golden Globe� Nominations for Best Television Series � Drama and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series � Masi Oka and also received the 2007 People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Drama. Season 2 of the series has been picked up by NBC for a full 2007-2008 order, launching in September 2007.
The show's success has extended beyond the shores of the U.S., quickly becoming a worldwide phenomenon with more than 30 countries broadcasting or set to broadcast the first season of the hit series. Top ratings in Asia, Australia, Latin America, Spain, Sweden and the UK have already been reported. STAR World in Asia saw the premiere of the series rank as the No. 1 program of the day versus all other entertainment channels. Network Seven in Australia more than tripled its primetime average among adults 16-39 (+215%). The show was No. 1 in its time period throughout Latin American countries including Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Colombia. Sci Fi in the UK and Spain delivered the network's largest audience in channel history in their respective countries. And the first three original telecasts on Canal+ in Sweden combined to rank No. 2 among all series in the network's history.
"Heroes has truly broken through the clutter, and commands an audience around the world," said Cindy Chang, Vice President Global Business Development, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. "The show is extremely popular with adults 18-49, and we're seeking the right merchandise mix to appeal to these viewers. The universe created within the show has provided us with a virtual playground, and we see great opportunities to build this brand at retail."
SERIES SYNOPSIS
From creator-executive producer Tim Kring (NBC's Crossing Jordan) comes Heroes (Mondays, 9-10 p.m. ET) � recently named the winner of the People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Drama � is an epic drama that chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities � and a destiny to save the world.
They include a genetics professor (Sendhil Ramamurthy, Blind Guy Driving) in India who is led by his father's disappearance to uncover a secret theory � that there are people with super powers living among us. Also featured are a young dreamer (Milo Ventimiglia, Gilmore Girls) tries to convince his politician brother (Adrian Pasdar, Judging Amy) that he can fly. A high school cheerleader (Hayden Panettiere, Ice Princess) learns that she is totally indestructible while trying to relate to her father (Jack Coleman, Dynasty) who has a keen interest in people with special abilities. A Las Vegas single mother (Ali Larter, Final Destination) struggles to make ends meet to support her young son (Noah Gray-Cabey, My Wife & Kids) and discovers that her mirror image has a secret.
In addition, a fugitive from justice (Leonard Roberts, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) continues to baffle authorities. A gifted artist (Santiago Cabrera, Empire), whose drug addiction is destroying his life and relationship with his girlfriend (Tawny Cypress, Third Watch), can paint the future. A down-on-his-luck Los Angeles beat cop (Greg Grunberg, Alias) can hear people's thoughts, which puts him on the trail of an elusive serial killer. In Japan, a young man (Masi Oka, NBC's Scrubs) develops a way to stop time through sheer will power.
Joining Kring as executive producer are Dennis Hammer (NBC's Crossing Jordan) and Allan Arkush (NBC's Crossing Jordan). The drama is produced by NBC Universal Television Studio.
About Universal Studios Consumer Products Group
Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is responsible for global licensing and retail strategies as well as building brand recognition of the extensive catalogue of NBC Universal properties. Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is a unit 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. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.
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