• USA NETWORK PARTNERS WITH DENIS LEARY AND JIM SERPICO TO DEVELOP AND CO-WRITE HALF-HOUR COMEDY PILOT
  Project From Apostle, Fox Television Studios and Daybreak Pictures Represents Network’s Venture Into Comedy
  NEW YORK – Denis Leary has signed on to develop and co-write a half-hour pilot, an adaptation of the highly anticipated British Channel 4 television series “Sirens,” which follows the humorous antics and dramatic conflicts of young paramedics, it was announced today by Bill McGoldrick, senior vice president, original scripted programming, USA.
  Leary will co-write with Bob Fisher ("Wedding Crashers," "Traffic Light"), and both will executive produce the series along with Jim Serpico (“Rescue Me”), and Hal Vogel and David Aukin ("Hyde Park on the Hudson,” “End Game," "The Promise") of Daybreak Pictures. Apostle and Fox Television Studios will produce in conjunction with Daybreak Pictures.
  “We are still finding our way in the genre but we know for certain that our half hours will be written and produced by creators with a specific and unique point of view,” said McGoldrick. “Since they formed Apostle, Denis and Jim have brought those two qualities to everything they've done.”
  
  

• ION Television Acquires Top-Rated "Psych," Monk," and "House" From NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution
  NEW YORK, July 27, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ION Television furthers its programming strategy of providing high-quality content with the acquisition of three of television's critically-acclaimed and highly popular series, "Psych" and "Monk" from Universal Cable Productions and "House" from Universal Media Studios, it was announced today by Brandon Burgess, CEO, ION Media Networks, and Frances Manfredi, Executive Vice President and General Sales Manager, NBCUniversal Domestic TV Distribution.
  As part of the content package, ION Television attains the right to air six and future seasons of the detective series "Psych," marking the first time the series has been syndicated on a broadcast network. Meanwhile, the Emmy(R) Award winning series "Monk" comes to ION with all eight complete seasons. Additionally, ION obtains rights to the Emmy(R) Award winning medical drama "House" starting in fall 2012 airing two times per week for one year.
  
  

• Cartoon Network Signs With Silver Pictures to Develop BEN 10 Feature Film
  Renowned Action-Adventure Producer Joel Silver to Interpret Animated Series Powerhouse and Global Phenomenon as Live-Action Motion Picture
  ATLANTA, June 14, 2011 - Cartoon Network has signed an agreement with acclaimed producer Joel Silver and Silver Pictures to develop a live-action motion picture for its globally successful animated action-adventure property, BEN 10, it was announced today by Stuart Snyder, president and COO of Turner Broadcasting System Inc.'s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media division (AYAKM). The movie, which will be produced by Silver, along with Dark Castle Entertainment co-presidents, Steve Richards and Andrew Rona, gives Silver and his production company the exclusive rights to develop and package the property and advance it towards a theatrical production.
   

• SYFY GOES INTO PRODUCTION ON SATURDAY ORIGINAL MOVIE THE PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT
  STARS NICHOLAS LEA, MICHAEL PARE, RYAN ROBBINS, GINA HOLDEN, EMILIE ULLERUP AND MALCOLM MCDOWELL
  NEW YORK – August 26, 2011 – Syfy is going into production on the Saturday Original Movie The Philadelphia Experiment, featuring a star-studded cast of Nicholas Lea (V, Kyle X-Y), Michael Pare (The Virgin Suicides, Hope Floats), Ryan Robbins (Sanctuary, Riese), Gina Holden (Saw 3D, Final Destination 3), Emilie Ullerup (Sanctuary) and Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, Entourage).
  The Philadelphia Experiment – about a deadly hole in the fabric of time -- begins production in Vancouver on August 25 and will premiere on Syfy in 2012.
  In The Philadelphia Experiment, a secret government research project tries reviving the World War II “Philadelphia Experiment,” which was an attempt to create a cloaking device to render warships invisible. When the experiment succeeds, it brings back the original ship (the Eldridge) that disappeared during the first test in 1943 -- which brings death and destruction to the 21st century. It’s up to the sole survivor (Lea) of the first experiment and his granddaughter (Ullerup) to stop it.
  McDowell plays the original genius behind the “Philadelphia Experiment,” who is now in hiding from the government, while Holden portrays the corporate bigwig running the project, which is led by Robbins, an ambitious scientist. Pare plays the villain Hagan, one of Moore's henchmen.
   

• Lifetime GOLDEN GLOBE® AND GRAMMY® AWARD WINNER AND ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINEE QUEEN LATIFAH REUNITES WITH AWARD WINNING PRODUCERS NEIL MERON AND CRAIG ZADAN TO STAR IN AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCE THE HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED LIFETIME MOVIE EVENT, STEEL MAGNOLIAS
  ALL-STAR CAST INCLUDES GOLDEN GLOBE AND MULTIPLE EMMY® WINNER ALFRE WOODARD, TONY® WINNER PHYLICIA RASHAD, GRAMMY WINNER JILL SCOTT, INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD NOMINEE ADEPERO ODUYE AND CONDOLA RASHAD
  Television Adaptation of Beloved Play and Film to be Directed by Tony Nominee Kenny Leon
  LOS ANGELES, CA (March 19, 2012) – Golden Globe and Grammy Award winner and Academy Award nominee Queen Latifah has signed on to star in and executive produce the Lifetime Original Movie Event, Steel Magnolias, a television adaptation of the iconic play and 1989 film of the same name, reuniting her with her producing duo Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, from the Oscar and Golden Globe winning Chicago and Hairspray. (Zadan and Meron also produce Lifetime's Drop Dead Diva and Smash.) She will take on the role of ‘M’Lynn’ and star alongside an all-star cast that includes Golden Globe and multiple Emmy-winner Alfre Woodard as ‘Ouiser,’ Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad as ‘Clairee,’ Grammy winner Jill Scott as ‘Truvy,’ Adepero Oduye as ‘Annelle’ and Condola Rashad as ‘Shelby.’ The announcement was made today by Nancy Dubuc, President and General Manager of Lifetime Networks.
  In an updated contemporary version, Steel Magnolias chronicles the lives and friendship of six women in Louisiana. Supporting each other through their triumphs and tragedies, they congregate at Truvy’s beauty shop to ponder the mysteries of life and death, husbands and children - and hair and nails - all the important topics that bring women together. Production will commence this April in Atlanta, for a debut in 2012 on Lifetime.
   

• AN OFFER YOU CAN'T REFUSE...
  VH1 TRAVELS FROM THE BIG APPLE TO THE WINDY CITY TO ANNOUNCE THE CAST OF "MOB WIVES CHICAGO"
  Franchise's First Spin-off to Premiere Spring 2012
  Los Angeles, CA (March 7th, 2012) - As the second season of VH1's ratings hit "Mob Wives" continues to captivate fans with the never-ending, real-life drama in New York, the network introduces a new group of "Syndicate Sisters" with the debut of the franchise's first spin-off, "Mob Wives Chicago," to premiere Spring 2012.
  "Mob Wives Chicago" follows the lives of five women allegedly connected to "The Outfit," Chicago's version of the Mob, as they bear the cross for the sins of their Mob-associated fathers. With lives that are right off the pages of a story book, each woman has chosen her own way to live her life in the city that was once home to Al Capone, sometimes in spite of and many times because of who her father is. Along the way these women battle their friends, families and each other as they try to do what's best for themselves and their children. But ultimately, it is the ghost of their fathers they battle, living and dead, as they try to overcome and persevere in the face of these men's notorious legacies.
  

SUMMER

• Sigourney Weaver to star in USA Network's "Political Animals".
  Two-time Golden Globe winner and multiple Emmy and Oscar nominee Sigourney Weaver will make her series television debut starring in USA Network’s six-hour original series “Political Animals,” from Warner Horizon Television, according to a news release. The event drama is brought to USA from acclaimed television and film producers Greg Berlanti (“Brothers & Sisters, “Everwood”) and Laurence Mark (“Dreamgirls, “Julie & Julia”) and is scheduled to debut this summer.
  Pulling back the curtain on persuasive public speeches and stirring campaign ads, the fictional look at a former first family exposes a dynasty weakened by political ambition, lust and greed. Weaver stars as Elaine Barrish, the divorced former First Lady and newly appointed Secretary of State who throws herself into the job after recovering from the dissolution of her marriage and losing the presidential nomination. Barrish relies heavily on her son Doug (James Wolk – “Lonestar,” “Happy Endings”), an ambitious politico who serves as her chief of staff, but is tormented by his twin brother’s struggles with addiction. With a philandering ex-husband who is still as much in love with her as the office he once held, she attempts to keep her family together, while simultaneously dealing with crises of the State Department and a hungry DC journalist bent on destroying her career. Through it all she knows that the only way to survive is to do things her own way, even if that means bending the rules. Brittany Ishibashi (“Parenthood,” “Fairly Legal”) also stars as Doug’s fiancée.
  CIARAN HINDS TO STAR IN USA NETWORK’S “POLITICAL ANIMALS,” OPPOSITE SIGOURNEY WEAVER, CARLA GUGINO, JAMES WOLK, SEBASTIAN STAN AND BRITTANY ISHIBASHI
  SIX-HOUR EVENT DRAMA SERIES FROM GREG BERLANTI, LAURENCE MARK AND WARNER HORIZON TELEVISION TO LAUNCH SUMMER 2012
  NEW YORK – March 22, 2012 – Acclaimed actor Ciaran Hinds (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” “The Debt,” “Munich,” “Rome”) has been set to star opposite Sigourney Weaver (“Avatar”) in USA Network’s provocative six-hour original series POLITICAL ANIMALS, from Warner Horizon Television. Hinds joins the talented cast including Carla Gugino (“Entourage”), James Wolk (“Lonestar”), Sebastian Stan (“Gossip Girl”) and Brittany Ishibashi (“Parenthood”). Slated for the network’s blockbuster summer lineup, the event drama comes from acclaimed television and film producers Greg Berlanti (“Brothers & Sisters,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Everwood”) and Laurence Mark (“Dreamgirls,” “Julie & Julia,” “Jerry Maguire”).
  Hinds will star as Bud Hammond, the jovial ex-president of the United States and ex-husband of Elaine Barrish (Weaver). A gifted politician who was once loved by the American public, Bud has struggled since his divorce from Elaine, and his out-of-office antics have caused a tumble in his popularity. President Bud Hammond is still as much in love with his ex-wife as the office he once held and is eager to take on the role of elder statesman if Elaine calls on him.
  Pulling back the curtain on persuasive public speeches and stirring campaign ads, the fictional look at a former first family exposes a dynasty fighting political adversaries while struggling with their own powerful demons. In the wake of a recent divorce from her philandering ex-husband and the loss of the presidential nomination, Barrish attempts to keep her family together while simultaneously dealing with crises of the State Department and the hungry DC journalist, Susan Berg (Gugino), who is bent on destroying her career.
  Wolk stars as Douglas Hammond, the son of Barrish and the ex-president, who serves as his mother’s chief of staff. Stan stars as T.J. Hammond, Douglas’ fraternal twin and a lost soul who struggles with addiction. And Ishibashi stars as Douglas’ fiancée, Anne Ogami.
  CARLA GUGINO TO STAR OPPOSITE SIGOURNEY WEAVER IN USA NETWORK’S SIX-HOUR EVENT DRAMA SERIES “POLITICAL ANIMALS,” FROM GREG BERLANTI, LAURENCE MARK AND WARNER HORIZON TELEVISION
  James Wolk and Brittany Ishibashi Also Star in Series Set to Launch Summer 2012
  NEW YORK – March 9, 2012 – Carla Gugino (“Watchmen,” “American Gangster,” “Entourage”), fresh off her acclaimed run on Broadway in “Road to Mecca,” is set to star opposite Sigourney Weaver (“Avatar”) in USA Network’s provocative six-hour original series POLITICAL ANIMALS, from Warner Horizon Television. Gugino will star as Pulitzer Prize–winning newspaper reporter Susan Berg, a hungry DC journalist bent on destroying the career of former First Lady and newly appointed Secretary of State Elaine Barrish (Weaver). Slated for the network’s blockbuster summer lineup, the event drama comes from acclaimed television and film producers Greg Berlanti (“Brothers & Sisters,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Everwood”) and Laurence Mark (“Dreamgirls,” “Julie & Julia,” “Jerry Maguire”) and also stars James Wolk (“Lonestar,” “Happy Endings”) and Brittany Ishibashi (“Parenthood,” FAIRLY LEGAL).
  SEBASTIAN STAN SET TO STAR IN USA NETWORK’S “POLITICAL ANIMALS,” OPPOSITE SIGOURNEY WEAVER, CARLA GUGINO, JAMES WOLK AND BRITTANY ISHIBASHI
  SIX-HOUR EVENT DRAMA SERIES FROM GREG BERLANTI, LAURENCE MARK AND WARNER HORIZON TELEVISION TO LAUNCH SUMMER 2012
  NEW YORK – March 15, 2012 – Sebastian Stan (“Captain America,” “Gossip Girl”) has been tapped to star opposite Sigourney Weaver (“Avatar”), Carla Gugino (Broadway’s “Road to Mecca,” “Watchmen,” “American Gangster,” “Entourage”), James Wolk (“Lonestar,” “Happy Endings”) and Brittany Ishibashi (“Parenthood,” FAIRLY LEGAL) in USA Network’s provocative six-hour original series POLITICAL ANIMALS, from Warner Horizon Television. Slated for the network’s blockbuster summer lineup, the event drama comes from acclaimed television and film producers Greg Berlanti (“Brothers & Sisters,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Everwood”) and Laurence Mark (“Dreamgirls,” “Julie & Julia,” “Jerry Maguire”).
  In POLITICAL ANIMALS, Stan will star as Thomas “T.J.” Hammond, the son of former First Lady/newly appointed Secretary of State Elaine Barrish (Weaver) and her ex-husband, the former President Bud Hammond. A lost soul who struggles with addiction, T.J. is the polar opposite of his brother, Douglas (Wolk), who serves as their mother’s chief of staff.
   
• TBS Greenlights Buddy Comedy Series Men at Work TBS has greenlit the new buddy comedy series Men at Work, starring Danny Masterson (That ‘70s Show, Yes Man), James Lesure (Las Vegas), Michael Cassidy (The O.C.) and Adam Busch (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). TBS has ordered 10 episodes of the multi-camera comedy from Sony Pictures Television and Fanfare.
  Slated to premiere in summer 2012, Men at Work was created by Breckin Meyer (Robot Chicken, TNT’s Franklin & Bash), who is executive-producing with Fanfare's Jamie Tarses (Happy Endings, TNT's Franklin & Bash, TBS’s My Boys) and Julia Franz. Meyer wrote the pilot, which was directed by Mark Cendrowski (The Big Bang Theory).
  Men at Work follows the misadventures of four buddies who work together at a magazine. Masterson plays the recently dumped Milo, whose friends are determined to help him get back in the game. Lesure is Gibbs, a photographer and successful ladies man. Cassidy plays Tyler, a features writer who brings a dose of style and sophistication to the group. And Busch is Neal, a somewhat nebbish reporter and the only one in the group with a steady girlfriend. Together, the four serve as each other's wingmen as they help each other navigate work, friendship and women.
  "Men at Work is an extremely funny adult comedy that mines humor from the unique, occasionally wrong ways men behave and interact as they face the challenges of life in the 21st century," said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies. "We're thrilled to have these guys in our corner."
  TBS Sets Summer Premieres for Men at Work and Sullivan & Son
  Thursdays are about to get funnier than ever. TBS has announced its original buddy comedy Men at Work, starring Danny Masterson (That '70s Show, Yes Man), Michael Cassidy (The O.C.), Adam Busch (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and James Lesure (Las Vegas), will air Thursdays at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), beginning May 24. TBS's new workplace comedy Sullivan & Son, starring popular comedian Steve Byrne, will take over the timeslot when it premieres Thursday, July 19, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT). The announcement comes just as TBS claims an important victory as basic cable's #1 network with adults 18-34 and adults 18-49 in primetime.
  For a sneak peek at Men at Work and Sullivan & Son, click here: http://on.tbs.com/2FcxHy .
  Created by Breckin Meyer (TNT's Franklin & Bash, Robot Chicken), Men at Work follows the misadventures of four buddies who work together at a magazine. Masterson plays the recently dumped Milo, whose friends are determined to help him get back in the game. Cassidy plays Tyler, a features writer who brings a dose of style and sophistication to the group. Busch is Neal, a somewhat nebbish reporter and the only one in the group with a steady girlfriend. And Lesure is Gibbs, a photographer and successful ladies man. Together, the four serve as each other's wingmen as they navigate work, friendship and women.
  Sullivan & Son, which is executive-produced by Vince Vaughn (The Break- Up), Peter Billingsley (Iron Man) and show-runner Rob Long (Cheers), takes place in a popular bar in a working-class Pittsburgh neighborhood. Filled with locals and regulars, the establishment known as Sullivan & Son serves as the unofficial "town hall" for the neighborhood. As the series opens, Steve Sullivan (Byrne) is a successful corporate attorney from New York who brings his girlfriend, Ashley (guest star Brooke Lyons - 2 Broke Girls) for a visit just as his Irish-American father, Jack Sullivan (Dan Lauria - The Wonder Years), and Korean mother, Ok Cha (Jodi Long - Beginners), are preparing to sell the bar and retire. Upon arrival, Steve reconnects with his best friend, Owen (Owen Benjamin - The House Bunny); gets accosted by his long-suffering, under-appreciated younger sister, Susan (Vivian Bang - Yes Man); endures offensive comments from gruff barfly Hank (Brian Doyle Murray - Groundhog Day, Saturday Night Live); and gets hit on by tipsy cougar Carol (Christine Ebersole - Royal Pains, Amadeus). He even feels a rekindled romantic spark with his former sweetheart, Melanie (Valerie Azlynn - Tropic Thunder).
  It doesn't take Steve long to realize that what he really wants out of life is to return to the old neighborhood and take over Sullivan & Son, even if it means giving up a lavish Manhattan lifestyle with the gorgeous Ashley. And so begins Steve's quest for a more meaningful and rewarding life behind the bar. Sullivan & Son is from Wild West Picture Show Productions, in association with Warner Horizon Television.
   

• OXYGEN MEDIA PARTNERS WITH ACTV8.ME FOR "THE GLEE PROJECT" SEASON TWO
  AUSTIN, TX - March 9, 2012 - Oxygen Media announced a partnership with ACTV8.ME to power its new Social TV platform for "The Glee Project" season two, premiering this summer 2012. Oxygen will offer fans the opportunity to experience a talent-powered, relationship-driven social TV platform that connects them directly to the series contenders over the course of the entire competition. The spinoff competition series, which awards one winner a seven episode arc on "Glee," will return with 14 talented and unique contenders -- two more than season one -- additional themes and all new music. The announcement was made March 9 from the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference in Austin, Texas.
  "We had ambitious goals for pushing the boundaries of engagement and ACTV8.ME proved to be the partner and platform to deliver on them," said Jennifer Kavanagh, Senior Vice President, Digital, Oxygen Media. "The most valuable reward we can offer fans is access to the talent they love. The core of our Social TV platform is about engaging to earn experiences."
  Oxygen will utilize ACTV8's technology to power experiences that reward fans with exclusive access to contenders and the opportunity to receive on-air recognition. Throughout the season, select super fans will participate in exclusive live video chats with their favorite contenders, and one lucky fan will even get to meet their favorite contender face-to-face. Building upon the social success of "The Glee Project" season one, Oxygen and ACTV8.ME will also create a second screen experience that is essential to the series. During each episode, fans will be able to unlock new content, use their mobile devices to share their favorite moments from the show in real-time, and to participate in challenges and homework assignments issued by the contenders. Fans will also have access to exclusive synchronized content that compliments the viewing experience during the second season.
  
  

• TNT Orders Action-Packed Reality Series The Great Escape
  TNT has given the greenlight to the network's first-ever reality competition series, The Great Escape. The action-packed series comes to TNT from Fox Television Studios, Imagine Entertainment, The Hochberg Ebersol Company and Profiles Television Productions, with Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind), Brian Grazer (24), Francie Calfo (Scoundrels), Elise Doganieri (The Amazing Race), Bertram van Munster (The Amazing Race), Justin Hochberg and Charlie Ebersol serving as executive producers. TNT has ordered 10 episodes of The Great Escape, which is slated to join the network's lineup in summer 2012.
   Hosted by Rich Eisen (NFL Total Access), The Great Escape drops teams of ordinary people into the middle of their own epic action/adventure movie. Each week, three pairs of players will compete for a cash prize by escaping from such locations as a seven-story castle, a deserted island, a sinking ship or a maximum security prison. Players must use their wits, skills and whatever tools they can find to overcome obstacles, evade pursuers and make their way to freedom.
  “The Great Escape is a fast-paced series with all the heart-pounding excitement and nail-biting suspense of a summer popcorn movie,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “This is exactly the kind of fun, smart, unscripted competition show we've been looking for to complement TNT's entertaining lineup of scripted dramas.”
   

• ION Television Acquires Off-Network Rights to TNT's Top-Rated Series "Leverage"
  Acquisition Marks ION's First Deal With Successful Independent Producer Dean Devlin and Electric Entertainment
  NEW YORK, Sept. 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ION Television continues to expand its programming line-up with high-quality content with the acquisition of the popular TNT drama series, "Leverage" from Electric Entertainment. The announcement was made today by Brandon Burgess, CEO, ION Media Networks. ION Television, a top-10 rated network, has licensed the off-network rights to all seasons of "Leverage." The series will begin airing on ION Television in summer 2012.
  "We're pleased to team up with Dean Devlin's Electric Entertainment, which has distinguished itself by providing high caliber theatrical production standards for TV audiences," says Burgess. "Collaborating with both Electric and Turner to support the longevity of a popular original drama, such as 'Leverage,' furthers our strategic goal to be a viable partner for cable network productions."
  "We are thrilled to join forces with ION Television, one of the largest broadcast television station groups in the country. ION's reach of over 99 million homes in the U.S. will ensure the continuation of the show's legacy," says Electric Entertainment Founder Dean Devlin. "We're looking forward to working with such a pioneering and innovative company."
  "Leverage" follows a five-person team: a thief, a grifter, a hacker, a retrieval specialist, and their leader, former insurance investigator Nathan Ford (Academy Award Winner(R) Timothy Hutton), who use their skills to right corporate and governmental injustices inflicted on ordinary citizens. "Leverage," recently picked-up for its fifth season, is executive-produced by Dean Devlin (Independence Day, TNT's The Librarian movie series) and creators John Rogers (Transformers) and Chris Downey (The King of Queens). The series is produced for TNT by Devlin's Electric Entertainment. This season, Leverage has averaged more than 4.8 million viewers, up 10% over season three, with 1.9 million adults 18-49 (+6%) and 2.3 million adults 25-54 (+9%).
  The "Leverage" deal comes on the heels of ION's recent acquisition of cable's other hit series "Psych," "Monk" and "House," signifying ION as a viable after-market platform for cable net productions. The hit series also joins ION Television's primetime schedule of the popular off-net series "Without a Trace," "Criminal Minds," "Ghost Whisperer" and ION's first original police drama "Flashpoint."
  
  

• TCM Announces Guest Programmers for 2012, Including Jules Feiffer, Anthony Bourdain, Debra Winger, Ellen Barkin, Spike Lee, Regis Philbin and Jim Lehrer
  Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Jules Feiffer, world-renowned chef and author Anthony Bourdain, three-time Oscar® nominee Debra Winger, Emmy®-winning actress Ellen Barkin, Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Spike Lee, Emmy-winning television icon Regis Philbin and Peabody Award-winning journalist and news anchor Jim Lehrer are coming to Turner Classic Movies (TCM) in 2012 to participate in the network's popular Guest Programmer series.
  TCM's Guest Programmer showcase invites notable figures from such fields as film, television, music and books to program an entire night of their favorite films and present them on the air with TCM host Robert Osborne.
  "One of the things I enjoy doing most at TCM is sitting down with people from different backgrounds to talk about movies they love, and finding out why," said Osborne. "This year's list of Guest Programmers is an amazing mix of remarkable people who've chosen an intriguing mix of films for reasons I think TCM's audience will find, in most cases, surprising and absolutely fascinating."
   

• TNT Greenlights New Series DALLAS
  TNT to Unveil Special Sneak Preview of DALLAS Monday During Season Premieres of THE CLOSER and RIZZOLI & ISLES
  New DALLAS Stars Josh Henderson, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Julie Gonzalo and Brenda Strong, Along with the Return of TV Icons Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray
  TNT has given the greenlight to DALLAS, an all-new series based upon one of the most popular television dramas of all time, about the bitter rivalries and family power struggles within a Texas oil and cattle-ranching dynasty. Famous for its ratings-grabbing cliffhangers, the original series was known for its wealth, seduction, scandal and intrigues. Set in the big state of Texas, TNT¹s new DALLAS ‹ from Warner Horizon Television ‹ also lives life large and in the fast lane and brings a new generation of stars together with cast members from the original drama series. The new DALLAS stars Josh Henderson (90210), Jesse Metcalfe (John Tucker Must Die), Jordana Brewster (Fast & Furious), Julie Gonzalo (Veronica Mars) and Brenda Strong (Desperate Housewives), and they will be joined by iconic stars Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray and Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing. TNT has ordered 10 episodes of DALLAS, which is slated to premiere in summer 2012. TNT is unveiling today a website dedicated to the new DALLAS series, where fans can view an online photo gallery that features a first look into the show¹s new and returning cast. Fans can visit the new site, http://www.dallastnt.com , to watch sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes videos. The website will be periodically updated with new materials.
  A first-look photo featuring the cast of DALLAS Another Photo
  Update: Battle for Energy, Power, Love and Money Rages Again as TNT Starts Production on New Series Dallas
  TNT began production this week on the first season of the eagerly anticipated new series Dallas, from Warner Horizon Television. J.R., Bobby and Sue Ellen Ewing are all back at Southfork, with plenty of secrets, schemes and betrayals in mind. This time, they’re joined by the next generation of Ewings, who take ambition and deception to a new level. The battle for power, love and the control of Southfork will erupt again when TNT premieres the new Dallas next summer.
  To launch the start of production, cast members will provide Twitter updates using the hashtag #tntbackontheset.
  TNT's Pilot of Updated Dallas to Feature Returns of Original Series Stars Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray
  Cast of Younger Dallas Generation to Include Jordana Brewster and Josh Henderson
  Three iconic stars who played pivotal roles in the original version of Dallas have joined two next-generation talents in the cast for TNT's pilot of an update of the famed series.
  The original Dallas ran from 1978 to 1991 and followed the Ewing family of Southfork. The modern story of Dallas focuses on the Ewing offspring - J.R. Ewing's son, John Ross, and the adopted son of Bobby and Pam Ewing, Christopher - as they clash over the future of the family dynasty.
  The updated Dallas will include original series stars Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray. Hagman gained worldwide fame for his portrayal of oil baron J.R. Ewing. Gray played J.R.'s wife, Sue Ellen Ewing, while Duffy portrayed J.R.'s younger brother Bobby. In the pilot for the new Dallas, Josh Henderson (Desperate Housewives) will play John Ross. Jordana Brewster (Fast & Furious) will play Elena, who is involved in a love triangle with Christopher and John Ross.
  
  

• FOX AND GORDON RAMSAY CHECK INTO “HOTEL HELL” (working title)
  One Potato Two Potato Inc. to Produce New Unscripted Series
  FOX and Chef Gordon Ramsay have checked into HOTEL HELL (working title), a new unscripted series from Ramsay’s One Potato Two Potato Inc.
  After over a decade of running restaurants in some of the top hotels around the world, traveling the globe and running an award-winning boutique hotel in London, Ramsay knows firsthand the crucial importance of surpassing guests’ highest expectations. In the series, Ramsay and a team of hospitality experts will travel across the country to fix struggling hotels, mediocre motels and just plain bad bed & breakfasts.
  From dirty bedrooms and mold-ridden bathrooms to incompetent staff or customer service that’s not up to par, Ramsay and his team will work with the hotel employees to turn these hapless establishments around. As he tries to turn these “No”-tels into successful hotels, Ramsay – in his own inimitable style – will go head-to-head with the owners and staff, raising the tension to maximum capacity. With reputations on the line, one thing is certain: if they can’t meet Ramsay’s high standards, they will never check out of HOTEL HELL.
  
  

• BET EXCLUSIVE DETAILS: Gabrielle Union has been tapped for the lead in Single Black Female, BET's hourlong pilot from Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil, the husband-and-wife duo behind the cable network¹s hit comedy series The Game. Written by The Game creator Mara Brock Akil, Single Black Female chronicles the work, social and family life of a Black woman (Union) Who is the host of a popular 24-hour cable news network in the vein of Anderson Cooper 360. Single Black Female is an opportunity to explore the life of a statistic often reported but never explored. This new Hour drama is the first to fall under the mega production pact Akil Productions signed with BET back in May. In addition to producing alongside his wife, Salim (The Game, Jumping The Broom) will direct. The Akils, repped by ICM and Stephen Barnes, also is the team behind the much anticipated Sony movie, Sparkle, which is set to debut this August.
   

• TNT Orders Second Wave of Falling Skies, Cable's #1 New Series
  Epic Series from DreamWorks Television and Executive Producer Steven Spielberg, Starring Noah Wyle, Scores as Major Hit in U.S. and Abroad
  TNT has renewed Falling Skies, cable's #1 new series, for a second season. The epic saga about the aftermath of an all-out invasion by an alien military force has been a tremendous hit both domestically and internationally. Falling Skies, which airs Sundays at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), stars Noah Wyle and comes to TNT from DreamWorks Television and executive producer Steven Spielberg. TNT has ordered 10 episodes for the second season, which is slated to air in summer 2012.
  "Falling Skies is a true standout series, from its ambitious storytelling, high-profile cast and production team to its phenomenal success when it comes to international and time-shifted viewing," said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). "We're reaching new audiences with Falling Skies and look forward to seeing where this fascinating and exciting series takes us next."
  
  

• TNT Starts Production on Second Season of Hit Buddy-Lawyer Drama Franklin & Bash
  Season Two Guest Stars include Cybill Shepherd, Eric Mabius and Rick Fox
  TNT began production this week on the second season of its hit buddy-lawyer series Franklin & Bash, starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer as two young street lawyers who cause a seismic culture clash when they join a legendary, button-down law firm. The second season of Franklin & Bash will premiere as part of TNT’s summer 2012 lineup. To launch production on the second season, cast members will provide Twitter updates all week using the hashtag #tntbackontheset.
  TNT Summons Hit Series Franklin & Bash for Second Season
  TNT has summoned Franklin & Bash back to the stand for a second season of the hit legal drama starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer. Currently airing Wednesdays at 9 p.m. (ET/PT), Franklin & Bash ranks as one of basic cable’s top new series of the summer. Franklin & Bash is produced by Four Sycamore Productions, Left Coast Productions and FanFare Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television, with Jamie Tarses, Kevin Falls and Bill Chais serving as executive producers. TNT has ordered 10 episodes for the second season. “This summer, Franklin & Bash has broken out as a hugely entertaining series with great characters, sharp writing and a terrific cast,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming, for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies. “We’re thrilled that the show has drawn such a remarkably strong following and look forward to bringing it back next summer.”
  TNT Starts Production on Second Season of Hit Buddy-Lawyer Drama Franklin & Bash Season Two Guest Stars include Cybill Shepherd, Eric Mabius and Rick Fox
  TNT began production this week on the second season of its hit buddy-lawyer series Franklin & Bash, starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer as two young street lawyers who cause a seismic culture clash when they join a legendary, button-down law firm. The second season of Franklin & Bash will premiere as part of TNT’s summer 2012 lineup. To launch production on the second season, cast members will provide Twitter updates all week using the hashtag #tntbackontheset.
  In Franklin & Bash, Meyer plays Jared Franklin, who loves sticking it to authority every chance he gets. Gosselaar is Peter Bash, who has a knack for connecting with judge and jury. The series also stars Malcolm McDowell  as Stanton Infeld, a Renaissance man and the patriarch of the law firm. Also starring are Dana Davis, Kumail Nanjiani, Reed Diamond and Garcelle Beauvais.
  Three-time Golden Globe® winner Cybill Shepherd, Eric Mabius and Rick Fox will guest star in an episode of the upcoming season. In the episode, Peter and Jared will be assigned to defend one of Infeld’s many ex-wives. To do so, they will have to face off against Jango & Rossi, the B-list version of themselves.
   

• TNT Acquires Hit Crime Drama Castle
  In its latest high-profile acquisition, TNT has secured the exclusive off-network cable rights to the hit series, Castle, from Disney-ABC Domestic Television. Castle, which just completed its third highly rated season on ABC, is a crime drama starring Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Desperate Housewives) and Stana Katic (Quantum of Solace, TNT’s The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice). Castle (seasons 1 & 2) will begin airing on TNT in summer 2012. As part of TNT’s TV Everywhere rollout, Castle will also be available for online viewing through mobile phones, tablets, computers and other devices.
  “With the addition of Castle, TNT continues to build a collection of hit shows that will perfectly complement our high-profile original series,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM).
  TNT’s deal for Castle follows on the heels of the network’s recent acquisition of Hawaii Five-0, which will join the TNT lineup in 2014. TNT has also landed the popular series The Mentalist, which recently enjoyed a strong opening in its Wednesday 7-9 p.m. timeslot.
  Castle centers on the life of Richard Castle (Fillion) – a famous mystery novelist and divorced father raising his teenage daughter, while being kept grounded by his Broadway diva mother. He was creatively blocked until the NYPD questioned him in connection with a series of murders staged to imitate crime scenes from his books. Castle found inspiration in NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, a bright and aggressive homicide detective with a fascination for odd and offbeat cases stemming from the years-old unsolved murder of her own mother. Though they instantly clashed, sparks of another sort began to fly, leading both to danger and a hint of romance as Castle stepped in to help find the copycat killer. Once that initial case was solved, Castle and Beckett continued to investigate strange homicides in New York, combining Castle’s writer intuition and Beckett’s creative detective work.
  
  

• THE CW ORDERS THREE NEW REALITY SERIES TO JOIN ITS BIGGEST SUMMER SCHEDULE EVER
  New Series "The Star Next Door," "Breaking Pointe" and "The Catalina" Join "Oh Sit!" on The CW's Summer Slate
  March 5, 2012 (Burbank, CA) - The CW Network today ordered three new original reality series for summer 2012: The Star Next Door, a nationwide music competition series from Queen Latifah; Breaking Pointe, an inside look at the competitive world of ballet; and THE CATALINA, which follows the employees and guests at a rocking Miami hotel. These three new shows will join the previously announced game show OH SIT! on The CW's most aggressive summer slate ever. Premiere dates and times will be announced at a later date.
  "One of my first goals here at The CW was to increase the number of hours of original programming, both throughout the season and during the summer. With these four new reality series, we're launching our biggest summer schedule yet which will boost our circulation during the summer months and provide us with a promotional platform for our fall launch," said Mark Pedowitz, President, The CW.
  From executive producer and hip-hop icon Queen Latifah and executive producer Dave Broome ("The Biggest Loser"), THE STAR NEXT DOOR will go on a nationwide search for undiscovered artists on the verge of stardom. In this new take on the music competition genre, superstar mentors, including pop legend Gloria Estefan and country star John Rich, will travel to where the talent is, immersing themselves in the lives and towns of these local performers and preparing them for the chance to represent their home city on stage, live, in front of America. THE STAR NEXT DOOR is produced by CBS' Raquel Productions, 25/7 Productions and Flavor Unit Entertainment. Additional mentors and host will be announced at a later time.
  BREAKING POINTE goes behind the stage curtain for an intense, unfiltered look at one of the most competitive ballet companies in the country, Ballet West, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Beneath the beauty and glamour of the dance and costumes is a gritty dog-eat-dog world of extreme athleticism, focus, dedication, passion, pressure and, of course, the hunt for the unattainable...perfection. Kate Shepherd ("Big Brother: According to Russell Brand") and Bill Langworthy ("The City") are executive producers. Izzie Pick Ashcroft and Jane Tranter are executive producers for BBC Worldwide Productions. BREAKING POINTE is from BBC Worldwide Productions.
  With a nightlife as hot as the sun-soaked beaches during the day, THE CATALINA centers on the young, wild staff of The Catalina hotel in Miami's South Beach. The fun-loving group, who form their own dysfunctional family unit, run a glamorous destination hotel while partying even harder than their guests. Eric Bischoff ("iMPACT Wrestling," "Confessions of a Teen Idol") and Jason Hervey ("iMPACT Wrestling," "Confessions of a Teen Idol") are executive producers. THE CATALINA is from Bischoff Hervey Entertainment.
  OH SIT! is a fun, high-stakes, high-octane musical chairs competition, in which 20 thrill-seeking daredevils race head-to-head through five physically demanding, obstacle course-style eliminations as they each compete to claim a chair, to the sounds of a live band. At the end of the hour, only one contestant will be left sitting triumphant to seize the cash prize. OH SIT! is created and executive produced by Phil Gurin ("The Singing Bee," "Shark Tank," "The Weakest Link"), Richard Joel and Deena Dill. The series is from The Gurin Company and 405 Productions.
  
  

• NIGEL LYTHGOE ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCTION COMPANY FIRST SLATE OF DEVELOPMENT DEALS ALREADY IN PLACE
  Los Angeles, CA - September 2011 - Nigel Lythgoe, Executive Producer of "American Idol" and Co-creator, Judge and Executive Producer of "So You Think You Can Dance," announced today that he has changed the name of his production company to Nigel Lythgoe Productions (NLP). NLP is the successor to his previous production entity, Big Red 2 Entertainment, whose credits include "CMT's Next Superstar" and "Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special."
  A joint venture with 19 Entertainment, NLP already has a slate of unscripted and scripted projects in place, with two presentations at E!, negotiations ongoing at numerous networks including truTV, and a pilot at CBS called "Secret Fortune," which is an American version of the popular U.K. format and features iconic entertainer Donny Osmond as host. NLP has a family-centered competition show, "We Are Family," at The CW, in conjunction with Dick Clark Prods. The company is also developing multiple unscripted projects, including with heavy metal icon Alice Cooper, as well as Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin and executive producer Kim Kardashian, and leading sex and relationship expert Dr. Laura Berman. "CMT's Next Superstar," a co-production with Legacy Prods., has been picked up for a second season, set to air in June 2012.
   

• TNT Begins Production on Perception, New Drama Series Starring Emmy® Winner Eric McCormack
  TNT began production this week on its intriguing new original series Perception, starring Emmy® and Screen Actors Guild Award® winner Eric McCormack (Will & Grace, Who Is Clark Rockefeller?). The series about an eccentric neuroscientist who helps solve complex criminal cases also stars Rachael Leigh Cook (She’s All That), Arjay Smith (The Day After Tomorrow) and Kelly Rowan (The O.C.). TNT has ordered 10 episodes of Perception, which will join the network’s lineup in summer 2012.
  In Perception, McCormack plays Dr. Daniel Pierce, a neuroscientist and professor recruited to help the federal government crack difficult cases. His intimate knowledge of human behavior and masterful understanding of the mind give him an extraordinary ability to read people, but his eccentric view of the world and less-than-stellar social skills can often interfere with his work.
  Cook co-stars as FBI agent Kate Moretti, Pierce’s former student and the person responsible for recruiting him to work for the government. Smith plays Max Lewicki, the teaching assistant whose primary job is to keep Pierce in line and on task. Rowan is Natalie Vincent, Pierce’s best friend and every bit his intellectual equal. In addition, award-winning actor LeVar Burton (Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation) will play a recurring role as Paul Haley, a dean at the university.
  Perception, which comes to TNT from ABC Studios, was created by executive producer Kenneth Biller (Star Trek: Voyager, Smallville) and co-executive producer Mike Sussman (Star Trek: Enterprise), with McCormack serving as producer. Alan Poul (Six Feet Under) directed and served as executive producer for the pilot. David Eagleman, a professor at Baylor School of Medicine and author of the New York Times Top 10 bestseller Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain, serves as a technical consultant on the series.

FALL

• CBS "THE AMAZING RACE" TO MAKE ITS 20TH TREK AROUND THE GLOBE
  Season 19 of the Multi-Emmy Winning Series Will Premiere this Fall on CBS; Season 20 Will Air in Spring 2012
  CBS has ordered the 20th installment of the seven-time Emmy Award-winning reality series, THE AMAZING RACE, hosted by Phil Keoghan, for broadcast during the 2011-2012 season.
  THE AMAZING RACE concluded its 18th installment, "Unfinished Business," on May 8, 2011, which featured former fan favorites returning for a second shot at the one million dollar prize. During the season finale, sisters LaKisha Hoffman and Jennifer Hoffman narrowly ousted Herb Lang and Nate Lofton (the Harlem Globetrotters) to win the Race.
  

• Starz Commands Second Season for New Original Drama Series "Boss" Prior to October 21 Series Premiere Cast Photos
  BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Starz Entertainment has ordered a 10-episode second season of the much-anticipated original drama series, "Boss," prior to the series premiere on October 21 at 10PM ET/PT on STARZ. Produced by Lionsgate Television and created by Farhad Safinia (Apocalypto), the drama stars Emmy and Golden Globe-winner and television icon Kelsey Grammer headlining his first dramatic series. The premiere episode also marks the television directorial debut of acclaimed filmmaker Gus Van Sant. Over the course of its eight-episode first season, "Boss" follows Chicago Mayor Tom Kane (Grammer), who holds sway over just about everything in his city. When faced with a terrible secret that threatens to topple his power, his true character is revealed: it's not power that drives Tom Kane, but his fear of losing it.
  Production on the second season of "Boss" is expected to begin early 2012.
  "The first time we read Farhad's script, we knew we had to make 'Boss,'" said Starz President and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Albrecht. "With each episode, the story grew richer, and the cast continued to turn in breakthrough performances. Led by Kelsey and Farhad, this creative team is giving us dramatic storytelling at its very best. For our viewers, we felt it important to start working on the next season as soon as possible."
  "This early vote of confidence from our partners at Starz is extremely gratifying and reflects the tremendous work of all those involved with 'Boss' on both sides of the camera," said Kevin Beggs, president of Lionsgate Television Group. "Kelsey's dramatic turn in this series is a powerful and radical departure from his previous television roles and we can't wait for viewers to be drawn into his fascinating world."

2013
 

• TBS Puts Fanboys & Physicists to the Test In New Unscripted Competition Series King of the Nerds
  TBS, which has basked in the glory of nerd-dom with the enormously popular acquired sitcom The Big Bang Theory, is now ready to take things to the next level. TBS has greenlit the new unscripted competition series King of the Nerds, hosted by two of the stars of the movie blockbuster Revenge of the Nerds, Robert Carradine and Curtis Armstrong.
  TBS has ordered eight episodes of King of the Nerds, which is being executive-produced by Ben Silverman (The Biggest Loser, The Office) and Jimmy Fox (Mob Wives) of Electus, Rick Ringbakk (The Amazing Race), Tod Mesirow (MythBusters) and Craig Armstrong (Survivor) of 5X5 Media, as well as Carradine and Armstrong. The show is slated to premiere in early 2013. Electus International, the global distribution arm of Electus, will distribute the series internationally.
  King of the Nerds is primed to become television's ultimate nerd-off. The show invites competitors spanning the full nerd spectrum to come together to face challenges that will test their intellect, ingenuity, skills and pop-culture prowess. The nerds will first compete as teams before moving on to individual challenges, all with the goal of being named the quintessential master of all things nerdy.
   

• THE POWER BEHIND THE PRESIDENCY, HISTORY IN THEIR OWN WORDS 'THE GATEKEEPERS' BREAK THEIR SILENCE EXCLUSIVELY TO DISCOVERY A World Premiere Television Special Event Coming 2013
  (Silver Spring, Md.) There's the power of the presidency and then there's the power of the men behind the president. Discovery lifts the curtain for the extraordinary behind the scenes history of the White House Chiefs of Staff in THE GATEKEEPERS, a world premiere television special event coming in 2013.
  From the acclaimed filmmaking team of brothers Gedeon and Jules Naudet (9/11, In God's Name) and Peabody Award-winning news producer Chris Whipple (60 Minutes, ABC News), comes an unprecedented series looking at the key moments, the quiet conversations, back room bargains and heated debates that made history and have never been heard before until now. In addition, Pulitzer Prize winning White House photographer David Hume Kennerly serves as producer of THE GATEKEEPERS, lending his extraordinary body of work to tell this rich, untold history.
  "When Discovery does history it's about great storytelling. That's why I am so excited about THE GATEKEEPERS. We are working with the best filmmakers in the business, offering the ultimate insider's guide to the modern presidency," said Eileen O'Neill, Group President of Discovery and TLC Networks.
  
  

• SETH MACFARLANE TO LAUNCH “COSMOS: A SPACE-TIME ODYSSEY” IN 2013 ON FOX
  New 13-Part Docu-Series Pays Homage to Carl Sagan’s Award-Winning Scientific Masterpiece
  National Geographic Channel to Air Same-Night Encores
  More than three decades after the debut of “Cosmos,” Carl Sagan’s stunning and iconic exploration of the universe as revealed by science, FOX sets off on a voyage for the stars with COSMOS: A SPACE-TIME ODYSSEY. Seth MacFarlane (FAMILY GUY, AMERICAN DAD) has teamed up with Sagan’s original creative collaborators – writer/producer Ann Druyan and astrophysicist Steven Soter – to conceive a 13-part “docu-series” that will serve as a successor to the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning original series.
  Hosted by renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, COSMOS: A SPACE-TIME ODYSSEY will blast off on the FOX schedule in 2013.
   

• Sometime in the future--Dynasty Set To Return on Big Screen
  TV Series Creators Plan Movie Reboot
  Somewhere in the world there is an episode of Dynasty airing right now.
  More than 30 years after its creation, the iconic nighttime soap opera still resonates with audiences, so show creators Richard and Esther Shapiro are following the trend set by the big screen remakes of series like Sex and the City, The A-Team, Charlie’s Angels, Starsky & Hutch and the planned 21 Jump Street film by rebooting Dynasty as a new film franchise.
  “The time is right,” said Esther Shapiro, co-creator of the series with her husband Richard. “Nostalgia has always been big, but we want to take it a step further. We want to go back to the beginning with these characters and use the film to trace their roots. We’re taking Blake Carrington back to his young manhood and when he met Alexis, and setting the movie in the Mad Men era of the 1960s. It will give us the opportunity to start fresh, without the constraints that television placed on our characters in the series.”
   

• FASHION WAITS FOR NO ONE!
  LIFETIME WORKS IT BY GREENLIGHTING NEW UNSCRIPTED SERIES 24 HOUR CATWALK FEATURING FASHION LUMINARIES ALEXA CHUNG, CYNTHIA ROWLEY, DEREK BLASBERG AND JAMES LaFORCE
  10 EPISODES ORDERED FOR NEW FASHION COMPETITION SERIES
  LOS ANGELES, CA (September 13, 2011) - On the heels of Lifetime's success with its Emmy(r) Award nominated Project Runway, the network has picked up the all-new unscripted competition series 24 Hour Catwalk, it was announced today by Nancy Dubuc, President and General Manager of Lifetime Networks.
  Hosted by television personality Alexa Chung, each episode of 24 Hour Catwalk gives four talented designers the chance to compete to create their own collection...in just one day. After a first cut challenge and elimination that will test their innovation and aesthetic, the competition whittles down to two, each tasked with creating a themed collection for their own star-studded runway show. Contestants will be on pins and needles when they, along with help of 24 Hour Catwalk's talented and opinionated sewing team, must prepare to showcase their three-piece collection to the program's judges, including renowned designer Cynthia Rowley, New York Times best-selling author and fashion editor Derek Blasberg and power publicist James LaForce. As the clock ticks down, 24 Hour Catwalk will find out who has the vision, the talent and the endurance to put it all on the line in hopes of winning a cash prize and the chance to become the next "it" name in fashion.
  Lifetime has ordered ten one-hour episodes of 24 Hour Catwalk, which will be produced by Jane Street Entertainment with Linda Lea and Donna Macletchie, and Rob Sharenow, Gena McCarthy and Colleen Conway of Lifetime executive producing.
  
  

• USA NETWORK EXPANDS ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING WITH TWO NEW COMEDY PILOTS
  DOUGLAS McGRATH PROJECT and PAGING DR. FREED Are Network’s Foray Into Half-Hour Comedy
  NEW YORK – September 13, 2011 – As USA closes out its biggest summer ever with a sixth straight win as #1 in cable, the network delivers on its commitment to expand its ambitious programming slate with the cast-contingent green light of two comedy pilots, the UNTITLED DOUGLAS McGRATH PROJECT and PAGING DR. FREED. Announced today by USA Co-Presidents Chris McCumber and Jeff Wachtel, the two pilots, from diverse auspices including Nathan Lane, Douglas McGrath, Michael Feldman and Katy McCaffrey, mark the network’s foray into half-hour comedy.
  “The pick up of these half-hour comedy pilots underscores our commitment to broadening the appeal of USA’s entertainment brand,” said McCumber and Wachtel. "We're excited to be collaborating with some of the most distinct voices in the business as we open up to new genres.”
  UNTITLED DOUGLAS McGRATH PROJECT (aka ON WE GO) is a half-hour single camera comedy about an unlucky actor whose Broadway aspirations must be put on hold when he returns to his Texas hometown upon his father's health taking a turn for the worse. Two-time Emmy® winning actor Nathan Lane (“The Birdcage,” “The Producers”) will serve as executive producer and is in negotiations to star. Academy Award®-nominee Douglas McGrath (“Bullets Over Broadway,” “Emma,” “I Don’t Know How She Does It”) will write and executive produce the pilot from Universal Cable Productions.
  PAGING DR. FREED is a half-hour comedy about two brothers who take over the reins of their father's medical practice after his untimely death. From Fox 21, Michael Feldman (“That’s So Raven,” “Everybody Loves Raymond”) will write and executive produce. Katy McCaffrey and Brad Johnson will serve as producers.
  
  

• FLINTSTONES! MEET "THE FLINTSTONES" ON FOX
  Modern Stone-Age Family Returns to Television in New Animated Series from Seth MacFarlane, 20th Century Fox Television and Warner Bros. Television
  Yabba dabba doo! FOX has picked up THE FLINTSTONES, a 21st century version of the classic animated comedy from executive producer Seth MacFarlane. In a cross-studio collaboration, THE FLINTSTONES will be produced jointly by 20th Century Fox Television and Warner Bros. Television. Warner Bros. is home to THE FLINTSTONES via its ownership of the Hanna-Barbera collection of animated titles. Dan Palladino ("Gilmore Girls") and Kara Vallow (FAMILY GUY) will also serve as executive producers. THE FLINTSTONES will begin production in fall 2011 and will be set in stone on the FOX schedule in 2013.