CMT ORDERS SECOND SEASON OF "PARTY DOWN SOUTH" THE NETWORK'S HIGHEST-RATED SERIES EVER

"Party Down South" Ranks as CMT's Current #1 Series and Has Ignited Highest Social Media Engagement in the Network's History

LOS ANGELES - March 21, 2014 - Having made network history as its highest-rated original series ever*, CMT has picked up a second season of its reality series, PARTY DOWN SOUTH. Created and executive produced by SallyAnn Salsano and 495 Productions, the 13-episode second season will premiere Thursday, June 5 at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT. Fans can get an advance look at season two when an exclusive first look airs immediately following the 2014 CMT MUSIC AWARDS on Wednesday, June 4.

"PARTY DOWN SOUTH is our biggest show ever," said Jayson Dinsmore, EVP, Development, CMT. "We knew the series would shake things up at CMT. In addition to ratings success, the show has seen the largest level of social media engagement of any previous CMT series with an incredibly dedicated, impassioned fan base. SallyAnn and 495 Productions are fantastic producers. We are proud and excited to partner with them again in order to keep the party rolling."

"I am so excited to continue this party for another season! This is our first show with CMT and I am incredibly impressed with the level of support they have shown and how innovative they have been, it has truly helped the success of this show," said SallyAnn Salsano, Founder and President, 495 Productions.

Season two of PARTY DOWN SOUTH is sure to be the most outrageous yet, as there will be more muddin', funnelin,' and gettin' country. After an unforgettable summer in South Carolina, season one came to a finale last evening. A special two-part reunion show will kick-off Thursday, March 27 at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT.

For more information on PARTY DOWN SOUTH and exclusive content, visit CMT.com, "like" the show's official Facebook page, be part of the conversation with #PartyDownSouth and follow @CMT and the cast on Twitter.

PARTY DOWN SOUTH is produced by 495 Productions, with SallyAnn Salsano, Joel Zimmer and Kyle Simpson serving as executive producers. Jayson Dinsmore, Joe Livecchi and Morgan Selzer executive produce for CMT.

*Based off live + 3 premiere ratings

CMT, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 92 million homes in the U.S. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand. The network's digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.