NBC'S UPCOMING SERIES 'THE MARRIAGE REF' LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE SEARCH FOR FUN-LOVING COUPLES LOOKING TO RESOLVE REAL-LIFE DISPUTES

Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen Rakieten ("The Oprah Winfrey Show") and Producers of "Super Nanny" Team Up to Bring Married Life Center Stage Such as Viewers Have Never Seen Before

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - January 4, 2010 - Couples across America are needed for "The Marriage Ref," NBC's upcoming funny and revealing comedy panel series from executive producer Jerry Seinfeld about the unpredictable institution commonly known as marriage. The producers are conducting a nationwide search to find high-spirited couples who are finally ready to open up and resolve their long-standing arguments - whatever they may be. The series will debut on Sunday, March 14 (8-9 p.m. ET).

Whether a couple is arguing about fashion, money, in-laws, weight, neatness, jealousy, past history, friends, sex or any offbeat topic in dispute, the series' casting team wants to hear from them. Outgoing, charismatic and opinionated couples, which can include newlyweds, are encouraged to apply -- especially those who have a beef with their partner that is in need of a "marriage ref" to ultimately decide for once and for all who is right and who is wrong. From bad wardrobe choices to unpleasant habits and everything in between -- no problem is too small or quirky for "The Marriage Ref."

To apply, interested married couples should e-mail the program's casting team at marriagerefcasting@shedmediaus.com or call the hotline number at 877/304-4040. Applicants should include contact info, their city of residence, information about why they make the perfect couple for the show, and a brief explanation about their marital tiff. Additional details can be found by visiting NBC.com at http://www.nbc.com/casting/.

The iconic NBC sitcom "Seinfeld" was the title star's exploration of the single life. In "The Marriage Ref," Seinfeld's new primetime venture, disputes between real-life couples are revealed, examined -- and ultimately judged. For the first time, audiences will be able to look at these fights, analyze them and declare a winner.

These marital tiffs will run the gamut of disagreements -- quirky, funny, relatable -- all with the signature Seinfeld tone.

At the center of the action and making "the call," is "the marriage ref" who will have the final say in determining the victor of each spat. Advising and influencing the Ref's decision will be a rotating panel of "experts" comprised of top celebrities, comedians and sports stars who will weigh in and offer their own wit, wisdom and unique opinions.

"The Marriage Ref" is produced by Seinfeld's Columbus 81 Productions. Seinfeld, Ellen Rakieten ("The Oprah Winfrey Show"), Shed Media's Nick Emerson ("Super Nanny," "The Real Housewives of New York City") and Jennifer O'Connell ("The Real Housewives of New York City," "It's Me or the Dog") serve as executive producers. International distribution is by Endemol.