MTV CAPS OFF A STELLAR SUMMER WITH THE ADDITION OF SIX NEW SERIES TO ITS DIVERSE LINE-UP

The Network Looks to Build on its Ratings Momentum With More Dynamic Characters And Distinct New Voices

Santa Monica, CA (September 16, 2011) - Several new series have been added to MTV's diverse slate of programming, with reality and docu-series "Catfish," "Hoods," "Wake Brothers" and "Wait Till Next Year," and new scripted series "Underemployed" and "Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous," it was announced today by David Janollari, Head of MTV Programming.

"On the heels of our summer ratings success, we're thrilled to add these unique new series to our schedule," said Janollari. "These shows underscore our commitment to further diversifying our schedule, as we continue to solidify our place as the entertainment destination for our core Millennial audience."

"All of these series reflect timely themes that we know resonate with our audience," said Chris Linn, Executive Vice President of MTV Programming and Head of Production. "We've listened to our viewers and feel that this group of shows hits cultural nerves that connect with them."

The pick-ups come as the network ends one of its most successful summers in recent history. This summer, MTV aired six of the top 20 original series on cable among P12-34, more than any other network. Leading the way was "Jersey Shore" at #1 and "Teen Mom" at #2. Other top-20 series included scripted hits "Awkward" and "Teen Wolf," which were both renewed for second seasons, along with returning favorites "The Challenge: Rivals" and "16 & Pregnant." In addition, Rob Dyrdek's "Ridiculousness" debuted as MTV's highest-rated new series since 2009. Rounding out the summer, the"2011 MTV Video Music Awards" broke MTV records, as the network's most-watched telecast ever with 12.4 million viewers.

Joining MTV's programming line-up are scripted series "Underemployed," from Emmy-nominated executive producer Craig Wright ("Dirty Sexy Money," "Brothers & Sisters"), which takes a comedic and honest look at today's post-college generation starting life and career in the face of today's economic realities, and "Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous," co-created by and starring hot young comedian Bo Burnham, which hilariously explores this generation's desire to just be famous...because they can.

On the reality and docu-series front, MTV has greenlit "Catfish," based on the hit Sundance feature of the same name. Auteur filmmaker Nev Schulman, who demonstrated the powerful connectivity of the internet in the movie, will bring his unique and emotional form of storytelling to television with this original series for the Facebook generation. In addition, the network has added "Wake Brothers," which introduces viewers to the #1 pro wakeboarder, Philip Soven, and his 19-year-old brother Bob, and gives viewers a look at sibling rivalry on overdrive; "Wait Till Next Year," which follows a real life "Bad News Bears" high school football team as they struggle to reverse a five-year losing streak and to triumph in love, friendship and life; and "Hoods," a new docu-series that shines a light on the real lives behind the glitz and glamour of celebrities, as they take us back to their hometowns. Ke$ha stars in the first episode and takes us back to her friends and family in Nashville, Tennessee.

Additional show info below:

"Catfish"

From the producers of the hit Sundance feature documentary "Catfish," comes a new MTV series that brings together couples who've interacted solely through LCD screens. Over the course of months they've supposedly fallen in love -- but what will happen when they meet in real life for the first time? With the guidance and help of Nev Schulman, the star of the original "Catfish" feature film, in each episode, a hopeful romantic partner will go on an emotional trip to discover the truth about their significant other. Is he who he says he is? And if so, will love truly blossom? These emotional journeys promise to be filled with mystery, surprises, and sometimes, even shocking revelations.

"Catfish" is produced by RelativityREAL. Executive producers are Tom Forman, Nev Schulman, Ariel Schulman, Henry Joost, Marc Smerling, Andrew Jarecki, Brad Bishop and Jonathan Karsh. Executive producers for MTV are Dave Sirulnick, Marshall Eisen and Nomi Leidner, with Jonathan Mussman serving as the executive in charge for the network.

"Hoods"

"Hoods" is a new docu-series that follows one celebrity each week as they leave the glitz and glamour of their celebrity lives and go back home to reconnect with their roots. Watch as our celeb takes a walk down memory lane to revisit all the people, places, and things that took them from being a fresh-faced teenage dreamer to one of today's most popular stars. The pilot episode features pop sensation Ke$ha going back to her hometown roots in Nashville.

Shannon Fitzgerald and Tiffany Williams are executive producers for MTV, and Shane Tilston is the executive in charge for the network. Bruce Gilmer is executive producer for MTV International. The original concept for "Hoods" was developed by Lisa Stokoe (MTV UK).

"Underemployed"

On the eve of their college graduation, best pals Sofia, Daphne, Lou, Raviva and Miles believe they're destined for greatness, and are set to dazzle the world with their brilliance. A year later, cold reality has set in and the group struggles, often comically, to stay optimistic through dead end odd jobs, terrible bosses, romantic mistakes and major life changes.

"Underemployed" is executive produced by Emmy-nominated Craig Wright ("Dirty Sexy Money," "Brothers & Sisters"). The series stars Jared Kusnitz as Lou, Inbar Lavi as Raviva, Michelle Ang as Sofia, Sarah Habel as Daphne, and Latin pop superstar Diego Boneta, who is the lead in the upcoming film "Rock of Ages," as Miles. Justin Levy, Clay Spencer and Julie Schwachenwald are the MTV executives in charge of production.

"Wait Till Next Year"

This weekly half-hour docu-series follows the loveable Lincoln Park High School football team is like a real life "Bad News Bears;" they've lost 43 games in a row, a five-year losing streak. With the help of a gruff new head coach, they're hoping to do what nobody else thinks they can - win one game. A reality docudrama "Friday Night Lights," this series looks at and celebrates the spirit of transformation and resilience in contemporary teen life.

Executive producers on "Wait Till Next Year" are Craig D'Entrone, Amelia D'Entrone and Sean Travis. Lauren Dolgen and Julie Schwachenwald are the MTV executives in charge of production.

"Wake Brothers"

Sibling Rivalry can be rough...and in the case of wakeboarding pros Philip and Bob Soven, well, it's sibling rivalry on steroids. 22-year-old Philip Soven is at the top of his game, and is the number one pro wake boarder in the world. That means lots of cash and celebrity status. But now Phillip's place in the universe is being threatened by Bob, his 19-year-old brother. Phillip and Bob are always ready to compete for who is better, faster, smarter or has more game with the ladies. They turn life into a giant game. Of course, wakeboarding is always first...but living large is a close second.

"Wake Brothers" is produced by Pink Sneakers Productions. Executive producers are Kimberly Cowin and John Ehrard. Tony DiBari and Karen Frank serve as executive producers for MTV, and Matt Parillo is the executive in charge for the network.

"Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous"

After graduating high school, Zach Stone, played by young comic star Bo Burnham - who dominates the social media world with over 100 million views online and was the youngest comic to perform on a Comedy Central special - opts out of college and hires a documentary film crew to help him pursue the new American Dream: becoming famous with no apparent talent whatsoever. Bo personifies the voice of today's teen generation in an honest, irreverent and ultimately triumphant way.

"Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous" is produced by 3 Arts Entertainment. Executive producers on the series are Bo Burnham, Dan Lagana, Luke Liacos and Dave Becky. Justin Levy, Clay Spencer and Michelle Klepper are the MTV executives in charge of production.

Source: The Nielsen Company. P12-34 unless noted. Live +SD. Ranked on impressions. Summer dates: 5/30/11-8/28/11.

About MTV:

MTV is the world's premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its Emmy(R), Grammy(R) and Peabody(R) award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. MTV's sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unparalleled customized content for young males, music fans and college students, and its online hub MTV.com is the leading destination for music, news and pop culture. MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.