TV Guide Network Replaces Lisa Rinna & Joey Fatone For Red Carpet Show

[Brian Damage]

TV Guide Network has two new players positioned on the red carpet.
Borrowing personalities from ABC, cabler announced "Dancing With the Stars" judge Carrie Ann Inaba and "The Bachelor" host Chris Harrison will take on the duty of greeting celebs at the top kudofests during the year.

Inaba and Harrison replace Lisa Rinna and Joey Fatone, who handled red carpet coverage for the past two years. Previously, Joan and Melissa Rivers were onboard to ask attendees who and what they were wearing.

"This is the next move in a well-thought-out strategy, and it makes sense for our evolution," said network president Ryan O'Hara. "These are two of the most recognized people on TV, and our research shows that they're really liked by fans."

Harrison had an inside track for the job as he hosts and produces the net's "Hollywood 411" weekly series.

The Sept. 20 Emmys at the Nokia Theater will be the first show where the two will work together.

Both will be involved in other awards-related programming at TV Guide. Inaba will host post-awards hourlong "Fashion Wrap" specials, while Harrison will anchor kudo preview shows.

Red carpet arrival shows are the most-watched programs on TV Guide, which has undertaken several programming moves since its purchase by Lionsgate.

Last week, the net picked up the off-net rights to "Ugly Betty" and will televise new episodes two weeks after they air on ABC.

Next year, TV Guide will strip "Ugly Betty" Monday through Friday, beginning with the skein's first season.

In addition to further acquisitions, the cabler is also looking to launch original programming in the near future.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=14&cs=1