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Leverage

July 20, 2010 – 11:10 pm

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For those of you who are just as excited and as anxious as I am, I am THRILLED to announce that the hit drama on TNT called Leverage has returned for  a THIRD SEASON! Sundays at 8/9c. When TNT says “We Know Drama”…they are not kidding.

I have to say, it takes a lot to get me hooked on a new show. I am pretty rigid with my TV schedule and I don’t often allow room for new TV ventures that come along to intrude on my viewing pleasure when most of them turn out to be more than a waste of my precious free time. However, I was pleasantly surprised when LEVERAGE turned out to be sofa king good!

Leverage is the rare show that combines blockbuster action with smart humor, clever storytelling, and quirky characters you can’t help but root for. The series follows a team of thieves, hackers and grifters who act as modern-day Robin Hoods, taking revenge against those who use power and wealth to victimize others.

Oscar Winner, Timothy Hutton [who I totally LOVE] plays former insurance investigator Nate Ford, a once-loyal corporate employee who had recovered millions of dollars in stolen goods for his employer. But when that employer denied his son’s insurance claims and allowed the boy to die, he realized he could no longer work for such an entity.

The gang is led by former insurance investigator Nate Ford (Hutton). His highly skilled team includes Sophie Devereaux (Bellman), a grifter who uses her acting skills to corner her marks; Eliot Spencer (Kane), a “retrieval specialist” with bone-crunching fighting skills; Alec Hardison (Hodge), a gadget and technology wizard who keeps the team informed; and Parker (Riesgraf), a slightly off-center thief adept at rappelling off buildings or squeezing into tight places.

By the end of the second season, the LEVERAGE team had scammed a hedge-fund manager who happened to be in the custody of U.S. Marshals; used Eliot’s martial arts skills to corner a corrupt fight promoter; and took over a private school to recover millions of dollars lost in a Ponzi scheme. They also went head-to-head with an almost identical team of grifters to recover a painting, took down an oppressive sweatshop owner, cornered a fake psychic, freed Nate’s ex-wife from a Ukrainian jail and thwarted a gunrunning scheme by a corrupt mayor.

But for Sophie, her conflicted relationship with Nate left her questioning if she wanted to continue working with the team. She took some much-needed time away, arranging for a friend and fellow grifter to take her place temporarily. But even though Sophie has now returned to the team, there are still some unresolved issues between her and Nate.

The third season of LEVERAGE opens with Nate in prison after having to make a tough choice on the most recent con. He could either allow his team to be arrested or simply give himself up to his nemesis Sterling, a former insurance investigator now working for Interpol. Nate soon discovers, however, that the prison is corrupt. The only way he can bring the crooked officials down is to get his team to help him stage his jailbreak.

But that’s only the beginning of Nate’s challenges. He must also contend with a shadowy intelligence agent known only as “The Italian,” played by actress and model Elisabetta Canalis, who blackmails him into helping bring down a financier. Between “The Italian” trying to control Nate and Nate trying to hold both his crew and his personal life together, it’s looking to be a challenging and twisted summer for the LEVERAGE team.

I can’t even imagine what we have to look forward to this season.

More About The Characters:

Nathan Ford

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Timothy Hutton plays; Nathan Ford: Good-looking and still sharp, despite the layers of insomnia and hangover damage he’s accumulating as fast as he can. Nate was an expert at recovering stolen items…until the insurance company he worked for (I.Y.S.) refused to pay for his 8-year-old son Sam’s “experimental” treatment. When his son died a couple of years ago, Nate went on the skids. In the pilot, Dubenich hires him as the one honest man to keep a group of thieves in check. Now, Nate leads the team to right injustices, funded by their unique take on “alternate revenue stream”. He has a long catch-and release history with Sophie, who is the only team member he selected himself.

Alec Hardison

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Aldis Hodge plays; Alec Hardison: Young, thick-shouldered, and looks like he should be playing pro ball. But Hardison’s tall good looks are counter to type; he’s actually a geek of the first order and an expert at all things electronic. And he loves orange soda!

Eliot Spencer

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Christian Kane plays; Eliot Spencer: Eliot is not a large guy, but he is deceptively dangerous. His coiled and precise movements belie his quiet cowboy charm. He doesn’t like guns and, it turns out, doesn’t need them. Despite his rep as a tough guy, he is an apparent whiz in the kitchen and known to take the occasional manly sip of tea. Delicious.

Parker

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Beth Riesgraf plays; Parker: Petite, cute, blonde… and a social pariah. Parker’s idea of fun would scare the living daylights out of most people. She has neither modesty nor fear of heights. Like Hardison, Parker grew up in the foster care system, but her tale is one of abuse and neglect. She’s insecure about only one thing: her ability to pass herself off as a normal person.

Sophie Devereaux

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Gina Bellman plays; Sophie Devereaux :Sophie has dark eyes and lips you find yourself staring at while she’s talking. Where Parker’s a stiletto, Sophie is all curves and mist. She’s a seductress capable of convincingly playing any character or nationality… as long as it’s not on an actual theatrical stage where she will overact magnificently.


And because this show is just so AWESOME? I will be holding a  LEVERAGE  GIVEAWAY CONTEST!

[Prizes are supplied by the Leverage team at TNT] And- You my dear readers will have the chance to win one of these prizes:

The Con Artist Handbook

OR

Safecracker

I will be asking you a few trivia questions about the show – and the reader who answers the questions correctly in the comment wins!

Yes?

By Meleah | Posted in Announcements, TNT | Comments (2)

Teen Mom

July 20, 2010 – 12:00 am

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Teen Mom Season 2 premieres tonight, Tuesday, July 20, on MTV at 10pm ET/PT.

Preview Video clip HERE

MTV’s thought-provoking docu-series, “Teen Mom ” returns this summer as the four young mothers who captivated audiences in season one come back to share their stories as they enter a new chapter of motherhood. Beginning on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 10pm ET/PT, Maci, Amber, Catelynn and Farrah experience all of the heartbreak, joy, and struggles that come with raising a child when you’re still a child yourself.  Millions of viewers were along for the ups and downs each girl faced as pregnant teens on “16 and Pregnant” and the first season of “Teen Mom” – now they’ll watch as these young moms strive to give their children the best life possible while facing their toughest challenges yet – from rocky relationships and finding new love to family disputes and pregnancy scares.

As season two of “Teen Mom” returns, viewers quickly see that despite moments of joy and little ones saying “momma” for the first time, things are as difficult as ever for these teen mothers.  After breaking up with her fiancé Ryan, Maci finds herself back at home with Bentley, going to community college full-time, and in a trying battle with Ryan over child support.  It’s only when Maci falls in love with someone new that she starts to build a new life for her and Bentley – but Ryan won’t make things easy.

Following a domestic dispute with her mother, Farrah, a single mom, is forced to move out on her own and works to make ends meet without help from her family.  She focuses on school and work, and setting up a better future for her and Sophia, all while working to heal her relationship with her mother.  When she finally thinks she has a solution to her financial problems, a drastic change of events makes her realize she may not have all the answers after all.

Meanwhile, Amber is struggling to get her GED after dropping out of high school to raise Leah.  After a pregnancy scare, Amber and her boyfriend Gary find themselves getting along fine- until Gary reveals that he wants a break so he can date another girl.  Amber and Gary’s relationship quickly becomes an emotional rollercoaster, and Amber fights to keep her family together.

Although Catelynn and her fiancé Tyler know they made the right decision when they chose adoption for their daughter Carly, they’re still dealing with the grief and emotional fallout almost a year later.  A senior in high school now, Catelynn is still living at Tyler’s house.  When he asks her to move back in with her mom, she quickly realizes that he is still grieving over the adoption and needs his space.  Meanwhile, her mom, who never approved of the adoption, continues to lash out making Catelynn’s senior year of high school even tougher.  Not to mention, Catelynn and Tyler’s relationship gets rocky when he learns Catelynn lied about something in her past.

According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy , one out of every ten children in the United States is born to a teenage mother and about one quarter of all teen moms have a second child within two years, making it difficult to get an education or escape poverty. Additionally, children born to teen parents are more likely to repeat the cycle and become teen parents themselves. Despite the availability of sex education and access to contraception, the United States continues to have the highest rate of teen pregnancy and teen birth in the entire developed world.

Viewers can visit MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation’s www.itsyoursexlife.com to learn more about the realities of being a teen parent and receive expert advice on pregnancy prevention. In addition, Sex Etc. and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy will also provide information.

The first season of “Teen Mom” was MTV’s number one new series in 2009, averaging 2.4 million viewers.  Additionally, its series debut was MTV’s strongest series launch in over a year and averaged a 2.3 P12-34 rating.  During season one, “Teen Mom” ranked number one in its time period versus all television competition among F12-34 and number one compared to all cable competitors among P12-34.

“Teen Mom” is Executive Produced by Morgan J Freeman. Tony DiSanto is President of Programming for MTV. Liz Gateley and Lauren Dolgen of MTV are Executive Producers. Kenda Greenwood is Co-Executive Producer. Jessica Zalkind is Executive for MTV.  Concept by Lauren Dolgen.

Executive Producer Morgan J. Freeman (MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, Laguna Beach, Taking The Stage) made a name for himself as the Sundance award-winning writer/director of Hurricane Streets, a film centered on the trails and tribulations of teenage life. Freeman’s latest films, Homecoming, a thriller starring Mischa Barton and Jessica Stroup (90210), and Just Like The Son (Mark Webber, Rosie Perez) were recently released on DVD.

About The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy:
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization that seeks to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families. Our specific strategy is to prevent teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy so that a higher proportion of babies are born into wanted and welcoming circumstances. The National Campaign supports a combination of responsible behavior by men and women and responsible policies in the public and private sectors. Find out more at www.thenationalcampaign.org or www.stayteen.org .

About MTV:
MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 28 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries — giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV is the number one rated full-day ad-supported cable network for P12-24 and P12-34. Online, MTV.com averaged 24.5 million monthly unique visitors during the first quarter of 2010 — up +8% from Q4/2009 and up +13% year-over-year. Average video streams for the first quarter of 2010 increased +8% from the Q4/2009 and is up +6% over the same time period last year. And MTV’s successful sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving young males, music fans, and college students like no one else. 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.

By Meleah | Posted in Announcements, MTV | Comments (0)

My New FAVORITE Commercial

July 19, 2010 – 3:51 pm

By Meleah | Posted in commercials | Comments (3)

The Fabulous Beekman Boys, Ghost Hunters, and Martha Stewart

July 10, 2010 – 7:06 pm

Some unexpected guests make an appearance on the next episode of Planet Green’s new original series The Fabulous Beekman Boys, airing on Wednesday, July 14 at 9/8c. In addition to heading into the city for a black tie event with Martha Stewart, Brent and Josh discover that the Beekman estate, which is home to more than 80 of their goats, a diva llama and themselves,  may in fact be haunted. On the episode entitiled “The Haunting of Beekman Farm,” homeowners Josh and Brent and several of their visitors believe they hear ghosts of residents past. After their one-year anniversary in the mansion, dishes began clanking, voices started calling out and floorboards began creaking, witnessed by the boys, their guests and fellow town members. In order to set the record straight, Brent enlists the help of a ghost hunter to investigate their 200-year-old estate and identify the spirits. When the results of the hunt come in, they learn that The Beekman Mansion was at one point home to four year old Mary Beemkan, and according to the ghost hunters she has continued to live there for over 200 years.

Despite the eerie feel, the boys aren’t afraid of their visitors, and in fact, welcome the wandering spirits. But what’s unique about the Beekman – why would ghosts linger there in the first place and just who are they? Take a look at this incredible unexplainable footage, learn about the evidence, and check out the spooky sounds and ghostly images via the links below:

Do You Believe In Ghosts?

Hear The Hauntings (Audio)

Take A Spooky Estate Tour (Slideshow)

More information about The Beekman Mansion Hauntings:
Perhaps the answer lie in the history. The Beekman mansion was built between 1802 and 1804 by William Beekman, a young soldier in the Revolutionary War who later became a recognized businessman. He and his wife, Joanna, had eight children, only two of which lived to age 20. According to the tombstones in the Beekman family crypt on the mansion’s property, one child, age nine, was killed by “a sleigh going over him,” and a teenage son was “felled by a tree.” Town lore says that another child called Mary, a four-year-old, died in a barn fire. (William Beekman who died in 1845, at 78 years old, actually outlived all of his children).

A “ghost hunter” who visited Josh and Brent shortly after they moved in identified five ghosts in the Beekman: a woman who hums in the attic; a char maid who wanders between two bedrooms checking the fires late at night (who does so more often if fireplaces are being used); a man that walks, limping, by the road looking for the woman who has a salve for his leg; a man in buckskin who paces between the kitchen and dining room; and Mary – who stands on her tiptoes in the doorways pointing at Brent and Josh, laughing.
Of all the spirits that visit, the boys feel closely tied to Mary, the name carved under the floorboards of the center hall. Despite the array of pacing men and humming women walking around their home, the boys aren’t spooked.

“Any presence we’ve felt seems completely benign. In fact, if I’m alone in the house, I often feel comforted by the activity rather than frightened. It just feels like a ‘full house…. I think all of our spirits are peaceful…regardless of how they died,’” Josh says.
Though the boys may be at ease with the spirits, there’s one room Josh’s mom, Jackie Purcell, avoids.
“There is one room in the house, the bedroom over the dining room that I am not at all comfortable being in. As foolish as it is, when I sleep in an adjoining bedroom, I lock the door,” Jackie says. Instead sensing a sinister presence, Jackie actually feels a profound sadness in the room and doesn’t wish to be too close to it.

Bedroom over the dining room aside, the boys and their visitors simply feel the comings and goings of their spirit roommates – family activity of pot lids clanking and spoons stirring. Usually these occur at night, Josh says, but perhaps it’s because the boys are simply too noisy to pay attention during the day. The sounds last for a minute or more, and Josh says they seem “to be coming from everywhere and nowhere at once.” The ghost hunters captured the ghosts saying distinct things: names and phrases, along with presences moving about the house. “There is one floorboard near the stairs that has a very distinctive creak when stepped upon. I hear that creak very often,” Josh says.

By Meleah | Posted in Announcements | Comments (0)

“If You Really Knew Me”

July 10, 2010 – 7:02 pm

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MTV’s new docu-series “If You Really Knew Me” goes inside high schools across the country to discover what can happen when students peel back their public personas, break out of their cliques and show their peers who they really are. Premiering on Tuesday, July 20, at 11pm, each episode visits a different school, following five students as they tear down the walls that divide them through a transformative one-day program, “Challenge Day .”  Reminiscent of the film “The Breakfast Club,” this real life series goes beneath the surface and behind the labels, ultimately uniting these students as they surprise each other with illuminating yet sometimes difficult truths about their lives.

‘If You Really Knew Me’ is an incredibly authentic and compelling docu-series that takes us on a 24 hour journey through a high school’s social transformation. It shows us what happens when kids from various cliques decide to break down the walls that divide them and commit to change,” said Tony DiSanto, President of Programming for MTV. “It’s an intense and dramatic experience, but ultimately uplifting and universally relatable for all of us who have gone through high school or are about to.”

 Each episode takes place at a different high school with its own set of issues and its own unique set of cliques.  In the series premiere, viewers go inside a Northern California school divided by race and cliques, a symptom of a newly-diverse student body that has grown from 500 to 2,400 students in just 10 years.  As the season progresses, the show profiles a variety of schools struggling with everything from cyberbullying to small town rumor mills.  Viewers learn that all of the young people profiled are striving to make the best of their high school years, while experiencing many of the same doubts and fears that are part of being a teenager.   Deep down, all of these students want to be accepted for who they really are.

“Of all the programs I’ve ever filmed that help young people, Challenge Day is the most impressive and effective,” said Arnold Shapiro of Arnold Shapiro Productions. “Bringing MTV and Challenge Day together for this life-changing series has resulted in some of the most rewarding, amazing and uplifting hours I’ve ever produced.”

“‘If You Really Knew Me’ illuminates the power and strength that young people have when they share and connect in a vulnerable and authentic way,” said Jaime Polson, Chief Executive Officer of Challenge Day. “We truly believe that this series has the power to transform people’s lives, and by working with MTV and Arnold Shapiro Productions, we’re able to bring Challenge Day to even more people across the country.”


Online at MTV.com viewers can find exclusive content and updates on students featured in the series, sound off in an interactive discussion forum, and locate information and resources on issues touched on in the show.  Fans tweeting about the show can use the official series hash tag #IfYouReallyKnewMe. Additionally, educators, organizations and individuals will be able to access information on Challenge Day, including weekly discussion guides that can be used as a resource to open up a dialogue and apply some of the training used by Challenge Day in the show.

As the series progresses, “If You Really Knew Me” touches on a number of issues young people struggle with today, from mental health to cyberbullying. On-air and online, MTV will connect viewers to information and resources for many of the topics addressed in the show, often integrating the network’s core public education initiatives including A THIN LINE , which aims to empower young people to stop the spread of digital abuse; Half of Us , mtvU’s Peabody Award-winning campaign to fight stigma around mental health; and It’s Your (Sex) Life , MTV’s Emmy and Peabody-winning partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation to encourage young people to make responsible decisions about their sexual health.

“If You Really Knew Me” is Executive Produced by Arnold Shapiro and Paul J. Coyne of Arnold Shapiro Productions, and Angie Day for MTV.  Tony DiSanto is President of Programming for MTV, Liz Gateley is Senior Vice President of Production Development for MTV, and Tamar Zohar is Senior Director of Series Development for MTV.  Concept by Arnold Shapiro.

About MTV:
MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 28 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries — giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV is the number one rated full-day ad-supported cable network for P12-24 and P12-34.  Online, MTV.com averaged 24.5 million monthly unique visitors during the first quarter of 2010 — up +8% from Q4/2009 and up +13% year-over-year. Average video streams for the first quarter of 2010 increased +8% from the Q4/2009 and is up +6% over the same time period last year.  And MTV’s successful sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving young males, music fans, and college students like no one else. 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.

About Arnold Shapiro Productions:
Best known for his Oscar and Emmy Award-winning documentary, “Scared Straight”, and the CBS series, “Rescue 911,” hosted by William Shatner, Arnold Shapiro Productions– for more than 30 years– has been committed to documentaries and reality series aimed at helping young people get from childhood to adulthood without getting killed, dropping out, becoming addicted, pregnant, suicidal, or depressed.  ”If You Really Knew Me” addresses all these issues and more.  ASP has produced 31 series and over 100 documentaries for every broadcast network and 14 cable channels, garnering 16 Emmys, the Peabody Award, and an Academy Award.

About Challenge Day:
Challenge Day’s vision is that every child lives in a world where they feel safe, loved and celebrated.  Additionally, the Challenge Day mission is to provide youth and their communities with experiential programs that demonstrate the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth, and full expression.

By Meleah | Posted in Announcements, MTV | Comments (0)

“The Real World: New Orleans”

June 30, 2010 – 9:58 am

THE ‘BIG EASY’ GETS A TASTE OF MTV AS THE NETWORK PREMIERES “THE REAL WORLD: NEW ORLEANS” ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30 AT 10PM ET/PT

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Los Angeles, CA (June 17, 2010) – MTV heads back to the Bayou in the height of Mardi Gras madness and Super Bowl mania, with the network premiere of “The Real World: New Orleans” on Wednesday, June 30 at 10PM ET/PT. Once again, eight diverse strangers come together in the “Who Dat Nation” to experience life, love, and the 24-hour party that is New Orleans, while also discovering a passion for the city’s legendary food and music. The premiere episode opens up with the roommates in the middle of The French Quarter, where they quickly find out first impressions are not always what they seem.

This season, “The Real World” goes inside the beautiful, resilient city of New Orleans and enters territory that the franchise has never embarked on before including a housemate recovering from an addiction to pain killers, a Muslim American liberal away from her family for the first time, a and a Mississippi party girl haunted by an abusive past relationship. From walking around on Bourbon Street to living in an over the top funky Southern style home, the roommates’ journey is not all about chasing beads and drinking Hurricanes.
“It’s been 10 years since ‘The Real World’ first visited the great city of New Orleans and I’m happy to report that the city, known for its tolerance and party spirit, is still an ideal location for a show about a group of young people figuring themselves out,” said Creator and Executive Producer Jon Murray.

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Meet the New Orleans cast:

Knight, Age: 23 – Kenosha, WI

Knight is a 23-year-old Wisconsin native who has lived and breathed hockey for as long as he can remember. Recently his life was turned upside down after a severe shoulder injury that cost him his athletic/academic scholarship at Arizona State University and left him unable to play the sport. During recovery he became addicted to painkillers, and now everyday is a battle to remain clean. Reclaiming his life, Knight is currently teaching hockey clinics to children and pursuing his marketing degree at the University of Milwaukee. Although he’s known for his promiscuity, he’s not afraid to show his romantic side when he finds the right girl, which just might happen to be a fellow roommate. Knight is most excited to move to New Orleans so that he can get away from all the negative influences in his life back home. But will the city, best known for its twenty-four hour party life, distract Knight from all of the positive progress he has made?

Jemmye Age: 21 – Starkville, MS

As vocal supporter of gay marriage and legalization of marijuana, Jemmye doesn’t necessarily come off as someone from a conservative Mississippi hometown. She enjoys casual sex with no commitment, and she has a preference for black men (until she meets fellow roommate, Knight), which is about as scandalous as it gets in her heavily Southern Baptist community. Jemmye is recently free of an abusive relationship. Her mother Alice is her best friend and they have no secrets from one another, to the point where Jemmye frequently discusses the intimate details of her sex life with her mom. But one secret she hasn’t told her mom is about the past relationship that haunts her to this day. For most people, Mardi Gras is a one day affair, but something tells us Jemmye will be collecting beads all season.

Eric Age: 24 – Arlington, VA

It’s not often that you meet a Real World roommate who’s a stand-up comic AND holds a job at the State Department, traveling the globe briefing foreign service personnel on American policy. Far from Mr. Serious, Eric’s true passion is comedy, and he’s already made significant progress in his career, performing regularly and winning several competitions. Eric, known for his dreamy eyes is a handsome ladies’ man and has perfected the art of juggling various girls at one time. We’re pretty sure Eric will be getting into a bit more than just Hurricane Katrina relief.

Sahar Age: 21 – Dearborn, MI

Sahar grew up in a conservative Arab community in Dearborn, MI. It would be easy to assume that because of that she’s a submissive, conservative girl. But that would not be the case. She’s a strong-willed, liberal Muslim who is not easily intimidated. Expect her to speak her mind. Sahar was fortunate to have parents who allowed her a bit more space to be herself; however, there are still things that she was forced to hide from her community, like her virginity… or lack thereof. Although in a vague long-distance relationship, Sahar is used to turning heads and is constantly crushing on boys– but just wait until she meets roommate Eric! A budding singer/songwriter, Sahar looks to explore more of this career in New Orleans, no matter what anyone in her conservative community thinks.

Ashlee Age: 22 – South Boston, MA

Coming to New Orleans fresh out of a rocky break up, Ashlee is anxious to explore new opportunities. That could include pursuing her ultimate dream job of being a sideline sports reporter. Or it might just mean partying hard in the Big Easy. Ashlee grew up in a small New Jersey suburb, where it was easy for her to cement herself as the top athlete of her high school. She continued her successful athletic career at Northeastern University, where she was the captain of her Division 1 basketball team—a position she likened to being a “babysitter.” The fact that she’s an athlete doesn’t make Ashlee a tomboy; she can transform into a girly girl at the drop of a hat. And yes, her lips ARE natural. She may seem like the perfect roommate in New Orleans, but one thing is for sure: Ashlee is a bit of an instigator, and is no stranger to stirring the pot.

Preston Age: 22 – Boston, MA

Preston’s first childhood memory is of crying in the back seat of the car while his mother went to score crack. Needless to say, his family life was anything but ideal. When he was 17, his mother essentially abandoned him, leaving Preston to fend for himself. Despite a rough childhood, he’s somehow managed to grow into a carefree individual who walks to the beat of his own drum. As a proud, young, gay, black man, Preston strives to be the center of attention. He has no filter, but what he does have is a bitchy side, which he’s not afraid to show. In fact, he encourages confrontation, happily putting you in your place if need be. But be careful. If you push Preston too far, something is bound to get thrown in the toilet. Known for his outlandish antics and urge to mingle, we’re sure Preston will be getting his fill on the New Orleans strip.

McKenzie Age: 21 – Jupiter, FL

Twenty-one-year old McKenzie is a down to earth sorority girl attending the University of Central Florida and majoring in psychology. Raised on Florida’s beaches with her three siblings and happily married parents, McKenzie’s childhood was pretty idyllic. As a practicing Catholic who experiences her beliefs on a deep and emotional level, McKenzie is nonetheless quite liberal. Just when you think she’s the picture-perfect example of a good girl, she whisks you away to the bar to pound shots — all the while playing up her innocent side. But don’t let that image fool you; she knows exactly how to use her sexuality to get what she wants. Known to party a little too hard, she often finds herself in very compromising situations totally unaware of what a flirt she is. No stranger to philanthropy, New Orleans is the perfect setting for this natural born leader looking to make a difference in the world. Hurricane Relief by day and pounding hurricane cocktails by night…sounds like McKenzie will fit right in.

Ryan Age: 21 Tempe, AZ

One part: unpredictable, two parts: ADHD and OCD, twenty-one year old Ryan is one of the most bizarre roommates in New Orleans. Whether it’s his fascination with cold ears or his tendency to chase his roommates around the house naked, Ryan’s high energy makes him the life of the party and chief instigator of the group. A legit hairstylist, Ryan is never far from his shears and blow dryer and is known to blow himself dry rather than use a towel. He ultimately wants to cut hair for rock stars and celebrities. Entirely unconcerned with how others perceive him, Ryan is in touch with his emotions and feminine side. He is charismatic, creative, and fun loving, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. This after battling with a variety issues, including both a rocky relationship with his father and depression. Extremely opinionated and unafraid to fight for the last word, Ryan will no doubt be at the front and center of any controversy in New Orleans.

“The Real World” was created for MTV by Jon Murray and Mary-Ellis Bunim of Bunim-Murray Productions. Jon Murray and Jim Johnston serve as Executive Producers of “The Real World: New Orleans.” Jacquelyn French is the MTV executive overseeing the project.

*Here are the preview clips from the premiere episode – including the first fight of the season!:

Ryan’s Kiss
Ryan and Preston Fight

About MTV:
MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 28 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries — giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV is the number one rated full-day ad-supported cable network for P12-24. Online, MTV.com averaged 24.6 million monthly unique visitors during the first quarter of 2010 — up +9% from Q4/2009 and up +13% year-over-year. Average video streams for the first quarter of 2010 increased +19% from the Q4/2009 and is up +18% over the same time period last year. And MTV’s successful sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving young males, music fans, and college students like no one else. 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. Wanna know more? Come on in… www.mtvpress.com

About Bunim-Murray Productions
Bunim-Murray Productions is the leading producer of innovative entertainment content. The company is widely credited with creating the reality television genre with its hit series The Real World (now in pre-production on 25th season on MTV). BMP continued to innovate with the first reality game show, Road Rules, in 1995, the first reality sitcom, The Simple Life, in 2003, and the first reality soap opera, Starting Over, in 2003. Bunim-Murray’s current programming includes The Bad Girls Club and Love Games: Bad Girls Need Love Too (Oxygen), Keeping up with the Kardashians, Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami and The Spin Crowd (E!), The Real World/Road Rules Challenge (20th season on MTV), and Project Runway and the Models of the Runway (Lifetime). Launched in 2006 to better reach the Digital Generation, Bunim-Murray’s M Theory Entertainment is a spin-off entity focusing on new media initiatives. In 2007 Bunim-Murray launched BMP Films, a film division, which premiered its first documentary, Autism: The Musical, at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival, and its first scripted film Pedro, at the 2008 Toronto Film Festival, which made its television debut on April 1 on MTV. Autism: The Musical premiered to rave reviews on HBO on March 25, 2008 and won 2 Primetime EMMY awards. The company’s second documentary, Shadow Billionaire, premiered at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival. In 2008 Bunim-Murray Productions formed M Music, a music management division, with its first band, A Cursive Memory, signing with Vagrant Records. Bunim-Murray Productions is based in Van Nuys, CA. It was founded in 1987 by Jonathan Murray and the late Mary-Ellis Bunim and joined Banijay Entertainment in 2010.

By Meleah | Posted in Announcements, MTV | Comments (0)

“Hot in Cleveland”

June 29, 2010 – 12:06 pm

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** Tune In to an All New Episode of “Hot in Cleveland” Featuring Carl Reiner This Wednesday June 30th 2010 At 10 PM**

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When the ladies set each other up on blind date to celebrate their collective birthdays , its love at first sight for Elka and Max (Carl Reiner), but it’s no match made in heaven when Melanie turns out to be a dead-ringer for her date’s lost love. Meanwhile, Victoria waits until the last minute and fixes up Joy with a potentially “killer” date.

Hot in Cleveland” Propels Network To Score Highest-Rated And Most-Watched Month In Primetime Since January 2008

New York, NY, June 29, 2010 – Buoyed by hit acquisitions and the premiere of the hugely successful “Hot in Cleveland,” TV Land scored impressive, double-digit gains in primetime for second quarter 2010, according to The Nielsen Company (March 29th-June 27th). Additionally, TV Land scored significant increases for the month of June as the highest-rated and most-watched month in primetime since January 2008.

The month of June was very successful for TV Land in primetime as the network posted a 0.4/393,000 among Adults 25-54, up +37% in rating and +36% in delivery. The network attracted an average of 904,000 total viewers for the month. Among Women 25-54, TV Land scored a 0.4/232,000 up +43% in rating and +45% in delivery. The first two episodes of the fiery hit “Hot in Cleveland” propelled TV Land to its highest-rated and most-watched month in prime since January 2008 with a 2.3 rating and 2.4 million A25-54 viewers. The sitcom is averaging over 5 million total viewers and is also a smash with Women 25-54, pacing at a 2.9/1.6 million viewers.

For the quarter in primetime, TV Land posted a 0.3/360,000 among its target demo of Adults 25-54, up +21% in both rating and delivery over YAGO. Among Women 25-54, TV Land scored a 0.4/210,000, up double-digit gains of +34% in rating and +35% in delivery over last year. In addition to the huge premiere of “Hot in Cleveland” in June, regularly scheduled programming such as “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Roseanne” remained strong performers among Adults 25-54 for the quarter with “Raymond” posting a 0.4/415,000 and “Roseanne” scoring a 0.3/341,000. Additionally, the original series “How’d You Get So Rich?” starring Joan Rivers also performed well with a 0.3/341,000 among A25-54.

About TV Land PRIME and TV Land

TV Land PRIME is TV Land’s programming destination designed for people in their forties and the exclusive home to the premieres of the network’s original programming, contemporary television series acquisitions and movies. TV Land PRIME is part of TV Land, a network dedicated to presenting the best in entertainment on all platforms for Adults 25-54. Consisting of original programming, acquired shows, hit movies and full-service Web site, TV Land is now seen in 98 million U.S. homes.

By Meleah | Posted in Announcements | Comments (1)

She’s Got The Look

June 28, 2010 – 4:24 pm

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NEW SEASON OF TV LAND’S “SHE’S GOT THE LOOK” PREMIERES ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25th WITH NEW HOST BROOKE BURKE AND TEN WOMEN OVER THE AGE OF 35 COMPETING FOR A SECOND CHANCE AT THEIR DREAMS

Six-Part Reality Series Which Taped in Los Angeles For The First Time

Features New Judge – Supermodel and Runway Icon Roshumba Williams

New York, New York, June 28, 2010 – TV Land’s competition reality series “She’s Got The Look” has a whole new look when it returns for its third season on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 10PM ET/PT as the series introduces a new host – Brooke Burke (“Dancing With The Stars, “Wild On”); a new city – Los Angeles; a new judge – supermodel Roshumba Williams and ten new finalists all over the age of 35 competing for a second chance at their dreams. The TV Land PRIME original series is a collaboration with Wilhelmina Models, Inc. and sets out to discover a beautiful, sophisticated and confident woman over the age of 35 who has the potential to transform herself into a model, representing some of the most high-profile brands and highly-coveted campaigns in the fashion and beauty industries. The winner of the series receives a contract with Wilhelmina Models, Inc. and a photo spread in SELF Magazine. Also joining Roshumba Williams are returning judges, celebrity stylist Robert Verdi and Wilhelmina president Sean Patterson. Emmy® Award-Winner Allison Grodner (“Big Brother,” “Blowout”) returns as executive producer and has joined forces with executive producer Rich Meehan (“Big Brother”) under their new banner, Fly On The Wall Entertainment.   Rachel Tung is also executive producer. RoC® Skincare is the presenting sponsor of “She’s Got The Look.”

“She’s Got The Look” chronicles a nationwide model search resulting in 10 contenders coming to live together in Los Angeles as they compete in photo shoots, a video shoot and high fashion runway shows. The series is now playing in over 70 countries, with the first three seasons sold around the world. It can be seen in France, Italy, Israel, Australia, Israel, Thailand, Korea, Holland and South Africa. “She’s Got The Look” is distributed worldwide by Fremantle Media.

Throughout the past three seasons of “She’s Got The Look,” contestants have ranged from the ages of 35 to 72-years-old.  The exposure and success from the series has secured a variety of top-tier bookings for many of the show’s alumni with clients such as: Kmart, Verizon, AT&T, Nicole Miller Cosmetics, Hallmark, Microsoft, Toyota, Volvo and many more.  These achievements illustrate the shows premise that beauty is timeless.

From a certified bus mechanic to a trial lawyer to an Olympic trial swimmer to an insurance agent from Michigan and a grandmother of six, this season’s finalists are all accomplished and diverse women with unique life stories competing for the grand prize.

“This season of ‘She’s Got The Look’ is even more exciting with a new host, new judge, new city and another amazing group of finalists, all 35 and older,” states Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. “The series is filled with transformations on the inside AND the outside and our viewers will be able to witness the amazing mentoring between the contestants and our judges.”

Sean Patterson, president of Wilhelmina Models, said, “We never thought we would be able to top the amazing cast of women in seasons 1 and 2, but somehow we did. The depth of life-experience, the willingness to learn and the beauty that we unearthed in the women combined for the most compelling season for the show so far.”

“SELF’s message to our 6.7 million readers that beauty starts from the inner self matches the objective of ‘She’s Got the Look’ – uncovering inspiring women who are their happiest, most confident and beautiful selves at any age,” states Lucy Danziger, SELF Magazine Editor-in-Chief. “SELF encourages all women to continually challenge themselves to meet new goals and be their all around best, inside, outside and in the world. We call it being SELFy, and it’s exciting and fun!”

“She’s Got The Look’s” Ten Contestants Are:

Marilin Archie, 38 Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

One would never guess that this mother of two is a certified bus mechanic for the Los Angeles Metro. Born and raised in South Central, Marilin experienced a rough childhood but describes herself as relatable and adaptable. With an atypical model body type, Marilin believes her exotic beauty and competitiveness will take her far in modeling.

Annie Batista, 35 Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

A tried and true New Yorker, Annie manages a health club and works out religiously. One of four sisters, this Dominican-American has always been considered the taller, skinnier and more awkward one in the family. She’s out to prove them wrong.

Diane Capozzi, 39 Hometown: Natick, MA

A top ten finalist after trying out three times for “She’s Got The Look,” Diane has always considered herself an outcast. She was the only African American daughter adopted into a white family and was a tomboy at an early age, but Diane found strength in her athleticism. As a competitive swimmer, she even went on to qualify for the Olympic trials!

Regina “Nina” Cash, 43 Hometown: Long Beach, CA

Nina grew up in a very traditional Catholic military family and describes her ethnic background as a “Heinz 57 mix” – she is of Filipino, Spanish, German, Japanese and Native American descent. Briefly working as a model at 25, she found herself pregnant and put her career aside to raise her child. Now Nina wants to pick up where she left off twenty years ago!

Rachelle Love, 35 Hometown: Memphis, TN

A self-described country girl, Rachelle did some modeling in her teens in the Dallas market but turned down a chance to go to Milan because she was homesick. This now more confident and mature phone operator and mother of two isn’t going to let this second chance at modeling pass her by.

Julie Love-Templeton, 36 Hometown: Tuscaloosa, AL

A true Southern Belle and former “Mrs. American,” Julie is the youngest of 10 children. Wanting to impress her father, she followed in her parents’ footsteps and became a trial lawyer. When her father passed away, she realized that she enjoyed being a lawyer only because it brought her closer to him. Even though Julie describes herself as a “bull in a china shop,” she’s always had the modeling bug.

Kim Maier, 37 Hometown: Highland, MI

Kim left her small Michigan hometown early to attend the Art Institute in New York City for photography. Her interest in modeling was fueled through photography, often finding herself in front of the lens. Despite her statuesque six-foot height, Kim refers to herself as quirky and a shy “shrinking violet.”

Susan Master, 54 Hometown: Worthington, OH

Susan may be the oldest of the competitors but this grandmother of six has the energy of girls half her age. She’s modeled on and off in and around Columbus, OH for 30 years but always wondered if she could make it on a national level. At home, Susan is the bridge between generations, simultaneously taking care of her 93-year-old mother and her 7-year-old grandsons.

Kathleen Neumann, 41 Hometown: Livonia, MI

This petite 5’5” insurance agent knows she is not average model height, but that’s not stopping her from pursuing her dream. Although Kathleen has never made it out of her hometown, this small town girl who is a single mom knows she’s photogenic and has a shot in the industry.

Jocelyn Williams, 40 Hometown: Round Rock, TX

This mother of three who married her high school sweetheart co-owns a security business but knows her true calling was to be a model. Jocelyn was once scouted while vacationing in NYC to be in a family magazine and was asked to play the part of a mother – ten years younger than her actual age! She believes that she’s only gotten more striking over the years!

Marco Bresaz, Keith Cox and Sal Maniaci serve as executive producers for TV Land; Sean Patterson and Corey Preston are executive producers from Wilhelmina.

About TV Land PRIME and TV Land

TV Land PRIME is TV Land’s programming destination designed for people in their forties and the exclusive home to the premieres of the network’s original programming, contemporary television series acquisitions and movies.  TV Land PRIME is part of TV Land, a network dedicated to presenting the best in entertainment on all platforms for Adults 25-54.  Consisting of original programming, acquired shows, hit movies and full-service Web site, TV Land is now seen in over 98 million U.S. homes.

By Meleah | Posted in Announcements, TV Land | Comments (0)

Celebrate America’s Birthday with TV Guide Network and America Ferrera

June 28, 2010 – 4:20 pm

“Ugly Betty” Marathon beginning Sunday, July 4 at 11:00 a.m. ET/PT

WHAT: Spend USA’s 234th birthday with everyone’s favorite America, “Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera. TV Guide Network will air nine fan favorite episodes of “Ugly Betty” as well as “The Fashion Team: Ugly Betty Style” and “Look-A-Like: America Ferrera” Sunday, July 4th beginning at 11am ET/PT.

During the America the Beautiful marathon, join Betty as she overcomes obstacles and finds success while working at the high-end fashion magazine, Mode. Follow her as she takes part in New York City Fashion Week, receives her first writing assignment, and faces more than one romantic dilemma.

Daphne Brogdon and Lawrence Zarian cover the fashion evolution of “Ugly Betty” and its characters while counting down the top trends from the show on “The Fashion Team: Ugly Betty Style.” They also take a look at the cast’s real-life style. Then on “Look-A-Like: America Ferrera,” the Look-A-Like Style Team takes a typical girl and transforms her into America.

Not enough “Ugly Betty” during the marathon? Tune in weeknights at 5 p.m. ET/PT starting Monday, July 5th for back-to-back “Betty” episodes.

WHO: “Ugly Betty” stars America Ferrera, Eric Mabius, Vanessa Williams, Ana Ortiz, Tony Plana, Becki Newton, Mark Indelitcato, Michael Urie, and Judith Light.

WHEN: “Ugly Betty” Marathon beginning Sunday, July 4 at 11:00 a.m. ET/PT on TV Guide Network.
“Ugly Betty” Monday-Friday at 5:00 & 6:00 p.m. ET/PT starting July 5th on TV Guide Network.

WHERE: TV Guide Network. Check local listings for availability and channel number.

*Let’s revisit “Ugly Betty” from the beginning, or to check it out for the first time, click HERE for a preview clip from Season 1, Episode 1 that embodies “Ugly Betty” to the fullest!

By Meleah | Posted in Announcements, TV Guide | Comments (0)

Kathy Griffin : My Life On The D-List

June 15, 2010 – 7:53 pm

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I absolutely love me some K-Griff. She is one of my all time favorite comics. Because anyone willing to showed off her vagina bedazzling, aka vagazzling, is alright in my book.

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And, I love her because she has made me laugh a lot over the years.

I could NOT have been happier watching the 6th Season Premiere this evening. I could feel all of her anxiety facing a big guest-starring role on Law & Order SVU. But that didn’t stop me from cracking up uncontrollably!

In a shocking turn of events, this year she’s almost completely un-banned from most talk shows! *shocking*

Im so happy she’s back for another Summer. Finally, I have something to look forward to on Tuesday Nights!

By Meleah | Posted in Announcements, BRAVO | Comments (3)
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