ESQUIRE NETWORK GREENLIGHTS NEW SEASONS OF HIT DOCUMENTARY FRANCHISE "FRIDAY NIGHT TYKES" AND SPIN-OFF "FRIDAY NIGHT TYKES: STEEL COUNTRY"

-- "Friday Night Tykes" Reigns As Esquire Network's Most Watched Original Franchise Among A18-49 --

LOS ANGELES - July 28, 2016 - Esquire Network announced today it has ordered a fourth season of the hit franchise documentary series "Friday Night Tykes" and a season two of "Friday Night Tykes: Steel Country." A combination of fan-favorite teams are set to return, with all-new teams presenting an authentic look at the cultural phenomenon that is American football.

"Esquire Network is thrilled to continue documenting the story of youth football in Texas and Western Pennsylvania," said Matt Hanna, EVP of Development and Production, Esquire Network. "The pursuit of success for these families, coaches, and kids make for compelling and occasionally controversial television. We're excited to see where the journey takes us next."

Returning to Texas for the fourth season, "Friday Night Tykes" cameras will continue covering youth football with an unfiltered look at the 10, 11 and 12-year-old divisions of some of the most competitive leagues in the nation. The 10-episode provocative documentary series will follow multiple teams to reveal a wide array of coaching, parenting and mentoring styles and techniques. The high stakes competition of these seasoned young athletes exemplify the extreme passion of Texas football, where trying your best isn't always enough and everyone doesn't get a trophy. The diverse communities of San Antonio and surrounding areas come together to celebrate one thing - America's favorite pastime.

Returning to Western Pennsylvania for a sophomore season, "Friday Night Tykes: Steel Country" will continue showcasing the compelling in-depth stories of these small American towns with big rivalries. The 8-episode, hour-long series reveals these working class communities connecting culturally, socially and emotionally through youth football. Formerly the backbone of industrial America, these struggling towns maintain pride, dedication and perseverance to shine through the shutdown steel mills. Once home to NFL players such as Joe Namath, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Mike Ditka, Tony Dorsett, and Darrelle Revis, these coaches, parents and fans rally around the tykes in support of their future.

Esquire Network unveils a subculture where youth football isn't just a game - it's tradition, hope and a way of life. Using football as the backdrop, cameras expose the extreme, and often misunderstood, passion of youth sports and the complex interpersonal relationships between the parents, coaches, and children. In Texas football is religion. In Western Pennsylvania football is life.

"Friday Night Tykes" and "Friday Night Tykes: Steel Country" are produced by 441 Productions, Texas Crew Productions and Electro-Fish Films for Esquire Network. For 441 Productions, Matt Maranz and Andrew Morreale are executive producers. For Texas Crew Productions Terry Stewart and David Karabinas are executive producers.

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