POP ANNOUNCES ITS 2016-2017 UPFRONT PROGRAMMING SLATE FEATURING PREMIUM CONTENT, AWARD-WINNING TALENT AND FAN-FUELED ORIGINALS
Network Expands Distribution Footprint and Is Poised to Deliver More Than 400 Hours of Original Programming with Diverse Mix of Eight Original Shows
LOS ANGELES, CA – March 21, 2016 – Pop, a television network seen in more than 80 million homes with original programming that celebrates what fans are excited about, today announced its 2016-2017 upfront slate which showcases premium original series, award-winning talent and programming that taps into cultural trends and topics.
The network’s upfront programming line-up includes over 400 hours of original content and a diverse mix of eight original shows, including: two original scripted comedies – SCHITT’S CREEK and NIGHTCAP; a new docu-comedy spotlighting child stars of the 90’s – HOLLYWOOD DARLINGS; three returning series – SING IT ON, ROCK THIS BOAT: NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK and UNUSUALLY THICKE; a pop culture game show – EASIEST GAME SHOW EVER; and the fan-engaged, live late night after-show – BIG BROTHER AFTER DARK.
“We are heading into this upfront season with great momentum, increased distribution and a diverse portfolio of original programming that delivers on our promise of celebrating fan-driven content and exceptional talent,” said Brad Schwartz. “One year following our rebrand, Pop is defying the industry trend with growth in ratings and growth in distribution, along with a programming line-up that is uniquely poised to capture our target audience of ‘Modern Grown-ups™’ — socially engaged, passionate entertainment fans who love celebrating the good times in life.”
“Since Pop’s rebrand, we’ve added nearly 100 new blue chip advertisers and are well-positioned for this year’s upfront offering a premium cable environment at an efficient price,” said Michael DuPont, Executive Vice President, Ad Sales. “Advertisers view Pop as an attractive and more competitive alternative to other lifestyle and entertainment networks.”
Pop’s 2016-2017 upfront programming slate includes the following:
Scripted:
SCHITT’S CREEK: Recently called “one of the best new TV shows of 2015” (Los Angeles Times), SCHITT’S CREEK is a fish-out-of-water character-driven comedy that stars Emmy® award winners Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara and Chris Elliott alongside rising talent Daniel Levy, Annie Murphy and Emily Hampshire. The series follows the once wealthy Rose family who suddenly find themselves broke and living in Schitt’s Creek, a small, depressing town they once bought as a joke. SCHITT’S CREEK season two premiered on March 16 with 13 new episodes airing every Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT. The network recently announced its renewal of season three which will debut in 2017. SCHITT’S CREEK is commissioned by CBC, produced by Not A Real Company Productions Inc. and created by Eugene Levy and Daniel Levy.
NIGHTCAP: Produced by award-winning studio Lionsgate, NIGHTCAP is a clever, over-the-top culture-commentary comedy that dives into the hilarity that ensues behind-the-scenes of a fictitious late-night talk show, “The Nightcap with Jimmy.” The 10-episode original scripted comedy series stars Ali Wentworth (“In Living Color,” “Head Case,” “It’s Complicated,” “Office Space”) and features a mix of improvisational actors and real-life celebrities. Each half-hour episode covers the hectic minutes prior to a live airing of a late-night talk show, which are fraught with insanity, urgency, absurdity, laughter and lip-sync rehearsals. Produced by Ali Wentworth, Tom Brunelle and Brad Wollack, Zero Point Zero and Troy Miller/Dakota Films for Lionsgate, NIGHTCAP is set to premiere in Summer 2016.
Music:
ROCK THIS BOAT: NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: The multi-platinum, fan-fueled boy band—New Kids of the Block (NKOTB)—turns the cameras around on themselves in the second season of ROCK THIS BOAT. The eight episode series gives fans unprecedented access inside on the band’s annual sold-out cruise as cameras are placed inside each band member’s cabin, as well as backstage to capture their real interactions, banter and private moments. All five members of NKOTB – Donnie, Joey, Danny, Jordan and Jonathan – will jump on-board for the ultimate fan voyage on the high seas. Produced by Jarrett Creative Group in association with Donnie D. Productions, the second season of ROCK THIS BOAT: NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK is scheduled to premiere in Summer 2016.
Live:
BIG BROTHER AFTER DARK: The late-night companion to CBS’ “Big Brother,” BIG BROTHER AFTER DARK is a live look inside the house that airs all summer long. BIG BROTHER AFTER DARK returns on Pop in Summer 2016.
Documentary:
SING IT ON: From John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co. and Sharp Entertainment comes the second season of SING IT ON, an eight-episode docu-series following the real-life journey of the country’s most dynamic collegiate a cappella groups. This season, SING IT ON follows five new collegiate a cappella teams competing in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA): Faux Paz (University of Maryland), Off The Beat (University of Pennsylvania), One Note Stand (The University of Texas at Austin), S#arp Attitude (University of Massachusetts), and Hexachords (University of Massachusetts). Each of these talented groups have their own obstacles to overcome, but they all share the same goal: to win the coveted Championship Title at this year’s ICCA Finals. The second season of SING IT ON is scheduled to premiere in Fall 2016.
Reality:
HOLLYWOOD DARLINGS: Three fan favorite child stars of the ‘90s – Jodie Sweetin (“Full House,” “Fuller House”), Christine Lakin (“Step By Step”) and Beverley Mitchell (“7th Heaven”) – are set to star in a new unscripted docu-comedy HOLLYWOOD DARLINGS. The series will follow three lifelong friends who grew up together in “the business,” became household names and now take on even bigger roles as moms, wives and businesswomen. Produced by Objective Productions USA and All3Media America, HOLLYWOOD DARLINGS is scheduled to premiere in 2017.
UNUSUALLY THICKE: A reality sitcom starring the real life modern family – Alan Thicke (“Growing Pains”) along with his sassy wife Tanya and fun-loving teenage son Carter – will return on Pop in Fall 2016. Season two of UNUSUALLY THICKE will include 14 episodes featuring buzzworthy storylines and appearances from Alan’s celebrity friends, including Lou Ferrigno, Wayne Brady, Cedric the Entertainer, Lance Bass, Russell Peters, Kato Kaelin, Jon Dore, Dave Foley, Alex Trebek, Cat Cora and Robin Thicke. UNUSUALLY THICKE is produced by Peacock Alley Entertainment.
Game:
Hosted by quick-witted comedian and actor Michael Ian Black (“The Jim Gaffigan Show,” “Wet Hot American Summer,” “The State”), EASIEST GAME SHOW EVER is a pop culture, trivia-based game show that puts a new twist on “True or False?” and gives contestants the opportunity to win up to $100,000 cash per episode. EASIEST GAME SHOW EVER is executive produced by Nigel Lythgoe (“American Idol,” “So You Think You Can Dance”) alongside Gail Berman (“Cooper Barrett’s Guide to Surviving Life”) via The Jackal Group, with executive producers Barry Poznick (“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”) and Eric Levy.
In Development:
As previously announced, Pop is in development on its third original scripted comedy series, THE JOEY MCINTYRE PROJECT (working title). The network has completed a half-hour pilot starring Joey McIntyre as a fictionalized version of himself. The show catches up with Joey in an attempt to branch out from his New Kids on the Block fame and continue towards his goal of becoming a serious actor. THE JOEY MCINTYRE PROJECT is produced by T Group Productions and executive produced by Donnie Wahlberg (“Boston’s Finest,” “Donnie Loves Jenny”), Jenny McCarthy (“Dirty, Sexy, Funny,” “Donnie Loves Jenny”), Joey McIntyre, Jenny Daly, Paul Greenberg and Tim Gibbons (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”).
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