"HITCH" MAKES ITS NETWORK TELEVISION PREMIERE AS THE "ABC SATURDAY MOVIE OF THE WEEK," MAY 17

Will Smith's romantic comedy "Hitch" will make its network television premiere as the "ABC Saturday Movie of the Week" MAY 17 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. The film will be broadcast in HDTV format with 5.1-channel surround sound and Spanish audio via SAP.

Alex "Hitch" Hitchens (Will Smith) is a professional date doctor with the ability to coach men in the art of the perfect date with any woman of their dreams. His newest client, Albert Brennaman (Kevin James) is an unlucky-in-love tax accountant who has fallen for his celebrity client, Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta). With Hitch's guidance, Albert finds a way to Allegra's heart, much to the dismay of Sara Melas (Eva Mendes), a gossip columnist following Allegra's every move. While Sara tries to discover the secrets of the rumored date doctor and Allegra, Hitch finds himself falling for her. But despite his master plans and experience, he seems unable to work the charms that have gained his clients such success, and instead must find the root of himself, not the gimmicks, to gain her heart.

"Hitch" stars Will Smith as Alex �Hitch' Hitchens, Eva Mendes as Sara Melas, Kevin James as Albert Brennaman, Amber Valletta as Allegra Cole, Julie Ann Emery as Casey Sedgewick, Adam Arkin as Max, Robinne Lee as Cressida Baylor and Nathan Lee Graham as Geoff.

"Hitch" was directed by Andy Tennent and written by Kevin Bisch. The film is a production of Columbia Pictures and Overbrook Entertainment. (CLOSED-CAPTIONED)

"HITCH" IN HDTV:
The ABC Television Network's HDTV broadcast of "Hitch" will air in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound and Spanish audio via SAP. This film carries a TV-14,D,L,S parental guideline.