Nick@Nite/TV Land Upfront 2004

[Pavan]

F.Y.I.
CANDICE BERGEN’S HIT SITCOM MURPHY BROWN TO JOIN
NICK AT NITE LINE-UP IN JANUARY 2005

New York, NY, May 5, 2004 – Acclaimed Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Candice Bergen brings the world of broadcast journalism to Nick at Nite this January when the network launches the witty, hit comedy Murphy Brown. The show stars Bergen as a reporter for F.Y.I., a successful prime time news magazine show, whose friends and co-workers help her to find balance in her hectic life.

“Candice Bergin as Murphy Brown played one of the most original, distinctive female characters on television,” explains Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land and Nick at Nite. “The show also had one of the funniest, most-memorable teams of talent, and we are thrilled that it is joining the network.”

Created by Diane English, the comedy centers around life at F.Y.I, a weekly CBS news magazine show, and, more specifically, around Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen), a driven and sarcastic reporter who also happens to be a recovering alcoholic. Murphy’s demanding ways also play a part in a running gag on the series, as she was never able to hold on to any of her secretaries. Jim Dial (Charles Kimbrough) is the uptight senior anchor, and Frank Fontana (Joe Regalbuto) is her best friend and investigative reporter for F.Y.I. Always getting on Murphy’s nerves is Corky Sherwood (Faith Ford), a former Miss America whose primary assets are her looks and her energy, and rounding out the news team is the neurotic, young show producer, Miles Silverberg (Grant Shaud), who is not always effective in getting respect from his staff. Phil (Pat Corley) owns the neighborhood bar and is a father figure to them all, and Eldin, (Robert Pastorelli) Murphy’s eccentric house painter, is always around and somehow never seems able to finish his work. Murphy Brown ran for 10 seasons and was plagued by controversy in 1992 when Murphy became pregnant and decided to raise the child alone. Vice President Dan Quayle blasted the decision, stating that it deteriorated family values, making the program a top news story. There were a number of real-life news personalities who appeared as themselves, including Connie Chung, Larry King, Linda Ellerbee, Walter Cronkite and many more.








NICK AT NITE CROWNS WILL SMITH WHEN
THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIR JOINS
NICK AT NITE LINE-UP IN SEPTEMBER

New York, NY, May 5, 2004 – Grammy Award-winning rapper and celebrated film and television performer Will Smith settles into his throne as the Prince of Bel Air when the hilarious hit comedy, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, joins the Nick at Nite line-up beginning Monday, September 13, 2004. Amid the hilarious comedy of clashing cultures as the wealthy Banks family opens their home - and their checkbook - to their needy relative Will, the teen adapts easily to their indulgent lifestyle and reminds them that the simplest pleasures of family life can't be bought at any price.

“Will is an icon, and this “fish out of water” sitcom is completely fun and family-friendly – a perfect fit for Nick at Nite,” explains Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land and Nick at Nite.

Co-executive-produced by music legend Quincy Jones, the NBC comedy aired from 1990 to 1996 and focuses on Will (Smith), a teenager from a tough West Philadelphia neighborhood whose mother sends him to live with his wealthy relatives in Bel Air, California. It’s a tough adjustment for the teenager at first, whose streetwise ways don’t seem to fit in with their ornate mansion, luxurious cars and live-in butler. Will immediately clashes with Uncle Phillip (James Avery), a pompous, successful lawyer who was raised in a tough neighborhood much like Will’s and enjoys teaching him lessons and catching him on his crazy shenanigans. Aunt Vivian (Janet-Hubert Whitten and later Daphne Maxwell Reid) is the mediator between the two, and Geoffrey (Joseph Marcell), the always-proper butler, becomes one of Will’s closest allies. Among his cousins, Will enjoys teasing the preppy Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro) and spoiled Hilary (Karen Parsons), while taking teenager Ashley (Tatyana M. Ali) under his wing and becoming her confidante. The brood expands with the birth of Nicholas “Nicky” Banks (Ross Bagley).

Other regulars on the hit show throughout its run are: Jazz (Jeff Townes{D.J. Jazzy Jeff}), Will’s off-beat best friend who brings a little soul into the Banks’ mansion; Jackie (Tyra Banks), Will’s ex-girlfriend from Philadelphia who complicates his life when he gets to college and Lisa (Nia Long), Will’s girlfriend to whom he is shortly engaged.









TV LAND UNVEILS ORIGINAL SPECIALS AND
SERIES THROUGHOUT SUMMER 2004

New York, NY, May 5, 2004 – Following the launch of the critically-acclaimed series, TV Land Moguls, TV Land will continue to roll out a slate of original specials and series throughout the summer, it was announced today by Sal Maniaci, Vice President, Development and Production, TV Land. Additional series and specials launching on the network include ALF’s Hit Talk Show, TV Land Convention Special, a partnership with TV Guide entitled TV Land’s Most Memorable Moments, Living In TV Land, TV Land Landmarks and TV Land’s Top 10. Other series and specials to follow at a later date. TV Land announced their first ever slate of original shows and specials in December 2003.

“TV Land is becoming a destination for original programming,” said Maniaci. “Our viewers seem to have an appetite for this format and our goal is to develop strong long form shows that will complement the network’s already successful acquired programming.”

Following is a list of original shows scheduled to debut (all times ET/PT):

- TV Land Moguls – Merv Griffin hosts this series that chronicles a group of television’s pioneering producers -- from the 50’s Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball to 80’s Aaron Spelling and 90’s David E. Kelly. Presented in six one-hour installments, TV Land Moguls is produced by CBS News Productions. Premiered: April 21 at 9 p.m.
Airs every Wednesday through May 26 at 9 p.m.

- TV Land’s Top Ten: TV Dads – In celebration of Father’s Day and the launch of Nick at Nite’s new, original animated series, Fatherhood, TV Land takes a look at favorite dads from television history, from Fred Flinstone to Dr. Huxtable.
Produced by Robert Small.
Premieres: June 16

- ALF’s Hit Talk Show – TV’s popular alien makes his triumphant return to prime time, this time as host of a half-hour television talk show. Premiere episode guests include Drew Carey and Dennis Franz. Executive Producers are Paul Fusco (ALF), Burt Dubrow (The Tom Green Show, The Christopher Lowell Show, Jerry Springer).
Premieres: July 7

- TV Land Real Characters: Barney Fife -- A biography of the famous character on The Andy Griffith Show played by the legendary Don Knotts.
Premieres July 14

- TV Land’s Top Ten: The Andy Griffith Show – In this half-hour installment, stars reveal some of their favorite episodes from The Andy Griffith Show.
Premieres: July 21

- TV Land Convention Special – Get a behind the scenes look at the 1st Annual TV Land Convention. The star-studded event, taped last August, includes some of classic television’s biggest names – Tim Conway, Larry Hagman, Carl Reiner and Larry Thomas (Seinfeld’s “Soup Nazi”). A Laugh-In reunion and other special appearances make this a must-see.
Premieres: August 4

- Living in TV Land: Dick Van Patten – This half-hour special takes viewers away from the roles that made television stars household names and brings them into the daily lives of noted actors for a snapshot of their personal lives. This show centers around veteran actor Dick Van Patten as he goes to the track with Jack Klugman and Tim Conway, spends the day playing tennis with Alan Thicke and Bernie Koppell and attends a Classic TV Poker Tournament with classic TV stars including Barry Williams, Susan Olsen, Ted Lange, Jeff Conway. The series is developed and executive produced for TV Land by TV Land executive Sal Maniaci, and is being produced by Craig Nevius (Black Scorpion) of Windmill Entertainment.
Premieres: August 18

- TV Land’s Top Ten: TV Cars – This TV Land original special highlights some of the most unique and fascinating automobiles in television history. From Batman’s “Batmobile” to The Dukes of Hazzard’s “General Lee,” TV Land shows have some of the coolest cars around.
Premieres: August 25

TV Land’s Most Memorable TV Moments – In partnership with TV Guide, TV Land takes a comprehensive look at the extraordinary moments experienced only through television from Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon to Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk to Dallas: Who Shot J.R? Presented in six one-hour installments, TV Land’s Most Memorable TV Moments is produced by Gay Rosenthal Productions (Behind The Music, Inside TV Land)
Premieres: December 1

For more information about TV Land’s original Wednesday night line-up, visit www.tvland.com .

[JT]

Wow...all of TVLand's shows will be airing simultaneously? Meaning: will they all create new episodes on a daily/weekly basis at the same time? If they do, that's horrible. The "TVLand Real Characters" and "Living in TVLand" things, will they be like "Inside TVLand" and only air on special occaision (like the show's anniversary)?

"ALF's Hit Talk Show" would be better suited for VH1 or maybe even E! I don't like the guests for the first two episodes (I thought it'd be interviews with classic TV stars...)

The TV cars special sounds interesting. I'm looking forward to it.

The Memorable Moments thing sounds GREAT. I'm definatly looking forward to that!

"Murphy Brown" and "Fresh Prince" are right up NAN's alley it seems, and I like FP so that's good. Not too interested in MB though.

I do have one question though....is TVLand even planning on acquiring anymore reruns throughout the Summer/Fall/Winter/2005 period? Last year's upfront post was filled with surprises (Fantasy Island, Carol, Green Acres, Flip) and I was shocked to see that all we have in this one is information on the original series and specials. Have you gotten any info on reruns and classic TV coming to TVLand yet?

[Pavan]

Originally posted by JT
Wow...all of TVLand's shows will be airing simultaneously? Meaning: will they all create new episodes on a daily/weekly basis at the same time? If they do, that's horrible. The "TVLand Real Characters" and "Living in TVLand" things, will they be like "Inside TVLand" and only air on special occaision (like the show's anniversary)?

"ALF's Hit Talk Show" would be better suited for VH1 or maybe even E! I don't like the guests for the first two episodes (I thought it'd be interviews with classic TV stars...)

The TV cars special sounds interesting. I'm looking forward to it.

The Memorable Moments thing sounds GREAT. I'm definatly looking forward to that!

"Murphy Brown" and "Fresh Prince" are right up NAN's alley it seems, and I like FP so that's good. Not too interested in MB though.

I do have one question though....is TVLand even planning on acquiring anymore reruns throughout the Summer/Fall/Winter/2005 period? Last year's upfront post was filled with surprises (Fantasy Island, Carol, Green Acres, Flip) and I was shocked to see that all we have in this one is information on the original series and specials. Have you gotten any info on reruns and classic TV coming to TVLand yet?

No, these shows/specials are airing at those dates only (encores are possible at other times during the week which they air). I have no idea if TV Land plans on more than just one episode of ALF's Hit Talk Show, but for now it is just one episode of each of those. So almost every Wednesday at 10PM we get something different. Does that clear everything up?

Actually, the ALF's Hit Talk Show special also has two other guests, and they are classic TV: Henry Winkler and Ed McMahon. No idea why the press release didn't mention them! Maybe Ed will co-host with ALF for that special?

There is one drama coming to TV Land in January, but I'm not allowed to say what it is yet. Maybe they'll announce it in July, when TV Land and Nick@Nite do their summer TCA tour. It's sort of odd that the upfront presentation didn't mention Addams Family for June, I hear it's only a one year deal though, as is Who's the Boss? for Nick@Nite. And no mention this year of Flip Wilson, that starts in July.

[tvparadise]

Is there any Upfront information for Spike TV? It seems as if they are really moving away from aquired series on that channel.

[Pavan]

Originally posted by b&tcfan
Is there any Upfront information for Spike TV? It seems as if they are really moving away from aquired series on that channel.

Yes, they announced a lot of stuff too. Mainly original stuff. Read about it here: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...2167705&EDATE=

[barwars]

Looking forward to both Fresh Prince and Murphy Brown

I also want to see ALL of the original programming, especially....

- ALF’s Hit Talk Show
- TV Land Real Characters: Barney Fife (I hope they do more characters as well.)
- TV Land Convention Special
and
-TV Land’s Most Memorable TV Moments

[Pavan]

FATHERHOOD, NICK AT NITE'S FIRST ORIGINAL
ANIMATED SERIES, PREMIERES ON FATHER'S DAY, JUNE 20

Blair Underwood to Star in Animated Version of
Bill's Cosby's Best Seller, "Fatherhood"

New York, NY, May 5, 2004 - Nick at Nite's first original, animated series, Fatherhood, based on Bill Cosby's best selling book, "Fatherhood" will premiere on the network on Father's Day, June 20 at 9 p.m. (all times ET/PT). Starring Blair Underwood, the series will be executive produced by Cosby for Nick at Nite along with Charles Kipps (Little Bill, Cosby Mysteries) and David Brokaw (Little Bill). The series will then take its place in its regularly-scheduled timeslot of Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT beginning Tuesday, June 29 at 9 p.m. and repeat on Saturday at 10 p.m.

"We are thrilled and honored to join forces with America's most beloved and creative funnyman for the network's first original project," states Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "We've been looking for an original property much like The Cosby Show that truly fits Nick at Nite's fun, family viewing brand. What better way to launch our first original series than with an original Cosby gem."

Each half-hour episode of the animated series will be a comedic yet insightful journey that features the challenges, life lessons and comical confusions of family life. Underwood will star as the voice of "Dr. Bindlebeep," a high school teacher, loving husband and father of three. Sabrina LeBeauf (The Cosby Show) stars as his wife, Norma. Jamie Mitchell is Supervising Producer and Director of the animated series. Serge Michaels serves as Art Director and Production Designer; Michele Weiss is Executive in Charge. Sal Maniaci, Vice President, Development & Production, TV Land and Nick at Nite is overseeing the project.

Underwood's work in film, television and on the stage has earned him critical acclaim as well as numerous awards including several NAACP Image Awards as Outstanding Actor. He starred in the feature films Full Frontal, Malibu's Most Wanted, Rules of Engagement and Deep Impact, as well as the hit television series Sex & the City. He will soon be seen starring in the independent feature film How Did It Feel? Written and directed by Daniel Faraldo, the character driven drama is based on his award-winning play of the same name and also stars Natasha Gregson Wagner.

"Fatherhood" (Doubleday/Dolphin) was published in May 1986 and became the fastest-selling hardcover book of all time. It remained for over half of its fifty-four weeks on The New York Times Best Seller List as #1. It has sold 2.6 million hardcover copies and 1.5 million paperbacks (published by Berkeley).



The following is the schedule of episodes for Fatherhood (all times ET/PT):

#1 "Take My Daughter Please..."
Premieres: Sunday, June 20 at 9 p.m.
Encores: Tuesday, June 22 at 9 p.m.

Dr. Bindlebeep and Norma are awakened in the middle of the night by a bear in their garage. As animal control officers set about removing the bear, they realize their car is gone. But just after reporting the car stolen, the two discover that their daughter Angie is missing from her room. The mystery is solved moments later when police officers return Angie to the house. It seems that high school lothario James had talked Angie into slipping out and taking the car. The incident propels Dr. Bindlebeep and Norma into a bout of parent peer pressure as they wonder whether their kids are doing as well as other kids.


#2 "It's A Dad, Dad World"
Premieres: Tuesday, June 29 at 9 p.m.

When Dr. Bindlebeep, Norma, and the kids go to visit Dr. Bindlebeep's father Lester and mother Louise, Dr. Bindlebeep quickly slips back into the role of his father's son. Worse yet, the elder Bindlebeep is a health and exercise fanatic who is in better shape that Dr. Bindlebeep will ever be. But then Dr. Bindlebeep's father is injured during a game of touch football. Faced with a father who is now acting like a child, Dr. Bindlebeep must once again assume the role of a father, this time to his own father.


#3 "There Goes the Neighborhood"
Premieres: Tuesday, July 6 at 9 p.m.

Dr. Bindlebeep gives great fatherly advice about not judging others and giving them a chance. However, when a new neighbor moves next door he just can't seem to hear his own guidance. Dr. Bindlebeep spies on the prospective neighbors and offers tainted information about the neighborhood.


#4 "The Lyin' King"
Premieres: Tuesday, July 13 at 9 p.m.

Dr. Bindlebeep prepares to give a speech about truth in the media that evening and uses his captive family audience at the breakfast table to practice the speech and to preach about truth in general. (Of course, Dr. Bindlebeep leaves out the fact that he sneaks donuts during his morning walks and therefore often lies to Norma by omission). In any event, the family is sent off with a lecture on telling the truth, but Roy apparently doesn't listen. Driven by his desire to see a PG-13 movie, the twelve year-old tells a series of lies that sink him deeper and deeper into deception. While he does manage to see the movie, he realizes the consequences of lying can be far greater than it might seem.


#5 "Privacy"
Premieres: Tuesday, July 20 at 9p.m.

Dr. Bindlebeep looks forward to a Saturday alone and some golden "privacy". However, all plans are disrupted when the Wrangler comes by to catch a pesky rodent, Elkins the noisy neighbor barges in to watch his NASCAR racing, Katherine comes home with her little friend Molly and Angie and her friends decide to practice 'singing' in the living room Dr. Bindlebeep erupts and demands everyone out of his house.



#6 "Dad's Birthday"
Premieres: Tuesday, July 27 at 9 p.m.

It's Dr. Bindlebeep's birthday and just to make sure he gets something nice, he slips each of the kids a little extra money for his gift. All seems well as the family heads off to the mall to shop for Dr. Bindlebeep's presents. But just as Angie is about to buy her father a very nice fountain pen to add to his pen collection, James -- the most popular guy in high school -- strolls into the store and says he'll take Angie to a concert that night if she buys the tickets. But Angie doesn't have enough money for a nice present and concert tickets. What a dilemma!

[barwars]

Fatherhood is sounding good.
And not just because Im a fan of Bill Cosby.

[factsoflife]

Glad to see Murphy Brown is getting a home somewhere, i love that show! can't wait to see it.

[EmoJoe]

How is Nick@Nite going to fit all of these shows in one night, it only airs 9 hours a night.

[Czas na Zywiec]

Originally posted by Rurry007
How is Nick@Nite going to fit all of these shows in one night, it only airs 9 hours a night.

It's possible. If they were smart, like this. (Well if they were smart, they'd get rid of Full House altogether since it's ABC Family's most prized posession) But here's a good schedule using the shows they'll have in January of next year.

9:00PM Fresh Prince
9:30PM Full House
10:00PM Who's The Boss
10:30PM The Cosby Show
11:00PM Murphy Brown
11:30PM Roseanne
12:00PM Cheers
12:30PM Wings
1:00AM Fresh Prince
1:30AM Full House
2:00AM Who's The Boss
2:30AM The Cosby Show
3:00AM Murphy Brown
3:30AM Roseanne
4:00AM Cheers
4:30AM Wings
5:00AM
5:30AM

You could just rotate that ninth hour, or add another two repeats of two shows until you get a new show.

But knowing Nick@Nite, this will probably be their schedule by next January.

9:00PM Fresh Prince
9:30PM Full House
10:00PM The Cosby Show
10:30PM The Cosby Show
11:00PM Murphy Brown
11:30PM Roseanne
12:00PM The Cosby Show
12:30PM The Cosby Show
1:00AM Cheers
1:30AM Cheers
2:00AM Roseanne
2:30AM Roseanne
3:00AM Who's The Boss
3:30AM FreshPrince
4:00AM Murphy Brown
4:30AM Wings
5:00AM Full House
5:30AM Full House

[barwars]

Pav.... can we expect any suprise shows coming throughout the year??

Weeks after this is posted, I suddenly realized -- TVLand has no APPARENT plans to acquire any classic series this year.
What's up with that?!

[TV Observer 101]

Originally posted by barwars
Pav.... can we expect any suprise shows coming throughout the year??

Weeks after this is posted, I suddenly realized -- TVLand has no APPARENT plans to acquire any classic series this year.
What's up with that?!

I wouldn't mind if TV Land acquired such classics that haven't aired in awhile such as Mork and Mindy, The Lucy Show, and Dennis the Menace. It would be a treat to see these again.

[JT]

A while back, Pß mentioned a drama show for January 2005, but it's a secret right now.

[EmoJoe]

Originally posted by Czas na Zywiec
It's possible. If they were smart, like this. (Well if they were smart, they'd get rid of Full House altogether since it's ABC Family's most prized posession) But here's a good schedule using the shows they'll have in January of next year.

9:00PM Fresh Prince
9:30PM Full House
10:00PM Who's The Boss
10:30PM The Cosby Show
11:00PM Murphy Brown
11:30PM Roseanne
12:00PM Cheers
12:30PM Wings
1:00AM Fresh Prince
1:30AM Full House
2:00AM Who's The Boss
2:30AM The Cosby Show
3:00AM Murphy Brown
3:30AM Roseanne
4:00AM Cheers
4:30AM Wings
5:00AM
5:30AM

You could just rotate that ninth hour, or add another two repeats of two shows until you get a new show.

But knowing Nick@Nite, this will probably be their schedule by next January.

9:00PM Fresh Prince
9:30PM Full House
10:00PM The Cosby Show
10:30PM The Cosby Show
11:00PM Murphy Brown
11:30PM Roseanne
12:00PM The Cosby Show
12:30PM The Cosby Show
1:00AM Cheers
1:30AM Cheers
2:00AM Roseanne
2:30AM Roseanne
3:00AM Who's The Boss
3:30AM FreshPrince
4:00AM Murphy Brown
4:30AM Wings
5:00AM Full House
5:30AM Full House

I dont think it would be smart to drop Full house, its doing good in ratings. And dont disagree with me, Pav said it in a previous thread.