NAUGHTY CHILDREN OF AMERICA -- LOOK OUT! DESPERATE PARENTS -- REJOICE! IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE, NO, IT'S THE ORIGINAL "SUPERNANNY," PREMIERING MONDAY, JANUARY 17 ON ABC WITH THE JEANS FAMILY FROM DENVER, COLORADO

Critical Praise for the U.K. edition of "Supernanny":

"Frost is a nanny for the 21st century." - The Times

"Every mum needs her Supernanny; ...surprisingly compulsive viewing. ...Frost's ideas certainly seem to be having an impact on the way people deal with their children." - The Sunday Times

Television's newest superhero can tame the wildest toddler, soothe the savage six-year-old and get the most difficult child to overcome problems with behavior, sleep, mealtime, potty training and other challenges that have vexed parents around the world for centuries. This miracle worker is Jo Frost, a.k.a. Supernanny, Britain's hottest new TV star and godsend to desperate parents across the U.K. who were dazzled by her amazing results when her series debuted this summer, as she showed families the tools for transforming their children's wild ways. Her practical, no-nonsense style was honed over 15 years of nannying in the U.K. and the U.S. Now American families can tap into the secrets of this modern-day Mary Poppins when "Supernanny" debuts, MONDAY, JANUARY 17 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. The premiere, "Jeans Family," spotlights an active family of five in Denver, Colorado.

David and Barbara Jeans waited 16 years into their marriage to have kids, and their three girls don't show any mercy on the middle-aged pair. Andra, who is 4 1/2 years old, dominates the family with her selfish demands, tantrums, and violent outbursts that feature hitting and kicking anything and anyone in her way. She is running the show and the rest of the Jeans are taking orders. Three-year-old twin girls Jessie and Leah can't help but learn from their older sister. Jessie has quickly picked up the aggressive behavior while Leah is a nonstop crier, weeping over every little thing. The combination of Andra and the twins makes for a turbulent and chaotic existence. Complicating things is David's job as a salesman, which takes him out of town for five days out of every month. Barbara is left to fend for herself alone with the three terrors. She is at her wit's end and is starting to doubt her ability as a mother, and is feeling emotionally and physically drained. When David is in town, he isn't much help because his words carry no authority with the girls. The Jeans family needs an answer to their problems fast. The solution: Supernanny Jo Frost. She will observe the Jeans and teach them how to deal with their issues. Can Jo turn this family around?

In each episode of "Supernanny," Jo observes how the parents handle their day-to-day obstacles with their children. Once she's assessed the pitfalls, she works with the parents, instilling her tried-and-true methods for transforming unwanted behavior. Then, after demonstrating just how well the new style will work and getting unbelievable results from the children, the parents must fly solo with the Supernanny techniques. For several days they try to implement Jo's suggestions, and she revisits them at the end of the program to help keep them on track for the future.

Her simple methods stress consistency, communication and reasonable consequences for poor behavior, all delivered with loving firmness. She emphasizes the importance of spelling out the new rules of the household to children in advance, as well as explaining the consequences for infractions. One standard punishment in Jo's program is a short time out period on the "Naughty Step" or, for older children, in the "Naughty Room" -- a room devoid of toys, TV or other distractions. Children soon tire of the time outs and conform to better behavior.

She also candidly points out to parents where they need to be more decisive, more flexible or even how they may need to adjust their expectations of a child's readiness for certain behaviors. For example, graduating a child to a seat at the dinner table instead of a high chair may be long overdue and provide an easy fix to mealtime misbehavior. When parents witness Jo's results and -- even better -- achieve them on their own they are truly believers in the Supernanny way. Best of all, children and adults alike can enjoy the lasting benefits of a more harmonious family life.

Nick Powell is the creator and executive producer of both the American and British versions of the show. Craig Armstrong is executive producer of the American version. "Supernanny" is produced by Ricochet, Ltd.

Jo Frost also dispenses her no-nonsense rules and reassurance that parents do know best in her book, Supernanny, to be published by Hyperion in conjunction with the premiere of the show in January.

A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.