Esquire Network Renews Car Matchmaker, Boundless and Week-long Live Event Running of the Bulls

At today’s Television Critics Association tour, Esquire Network announced the renewals of two original series, CAR MATCHMAKER and BOUNDLESS, as well as plans to once again air the RUNNING OF THE BULLS as a live, eight-day event this July. Matt Hanna, Esquire Network’s head of original programming, made the announcements prior to the network’s presentation of the April documentary series THE RUNNER-UP.

To date, Esquire Network has premiered 21 original programs and specials, garnering double-digit growth in all key demos. In 4th Quarter 2014 vs. 4th Quarter 2013 (the first quarter with year-over-year comparisons), the network increased its audience by +25% in its target demo of Men 18-49, and +31% Adults 18-49 and +21% Total Viewers (L+SD, Prime).

Returning originals have been strong performers for the network, with an average increase of +36% among Men 18-49 and +45% among Adults 18-49 vs. first seasons. Building on this success, the network announced a second 18-episode season of CAR MATCHMAKER, set to premiere in 2nd Quarter 2015. In each half-hour episode, host Spike Feresten meets buyers in need of a car and draws upon his knowledge and instinct to find the perfect choice for them. The series is produced by Ellen Rakieten Entertainment, a division of Relativity Television.

Additionally, a third season of the travel and adventure series BOUNDLESS, will enter production next month. The 10-episode season follows four elite athletes – two new to the series — who push the boundaries of human endurance by taking on some of the most challenging races in the world. From HLP and Partners, season three will premiere in 4th Quarter 2015.

Esquire Network will also bring back the eight-day event RUNNING OF THE BULLS this July, featuring LIVE coverage of one of the world’s most iconic cultural traditions. Last year, interviews included John Hemingway, grandson of Ernest Hemingway, the author who famously wrote about the event in his novels.

Season 7 of AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR, the popular heart-racing obstacle course competition produced and aired in partnership between Esquire Network and NBC, will also return in 2nd Quarter 2015.

These renewals are in addition to previously announced season three pickups for KNIFE FIGHT and BREW DOGS, both slated to return in 2nd Quarter 2015. KNIFE FIGHT, from Authentic Entertainment and Flower Films, is a gritty culinary competition series hosted by chef Ilan Hall. The 16-episode third season will be set on a new coast (New York), in a new location (The Gorbals Brooklyn) and with a new tournament-style format. BREW DOGS, from Custom-Redtail Media and hosted by Scottish craft beer renegades James Watt and Martin Dickie, will continue its quest to find the world’s best craft beer scenes over a 10-episode third season.

Esquire