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[05/18/04 - 12:00 AM]
2004 Broadcast Upfront Presentations: The Wb, Part 1
By The Futon Critic Staff (TFC)

THE WB ANNOUNCES 2004-2005 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

TWO POWERFUL DRAMAS: "JACK & BOBBY" FROM GREG BERLANTI AND THOMAS SCHLAMME AND "THE MOUNTAIN" FROM McG; THREE NEW COMEDIES: JEFF FOXWORTHY IN "BLUE COLLAR TV," "DREW CAREY'S GREEN SCREEN SHOW" AND SUPER-PRODUCER MARK BURNETT'S FIRST SCRIPTED SERIES "COMMANDO NANNY;" AND A NEW REALITY/GAME SHOW: "STUDIO 7" FROM MICHAEL DAVIES

ALL SIX RETURNING DRAMAS REMAIN IN THEIR CURRENT TIME PERIODS

ON SUNDAY, "JACK & BOBBY," STARRING OSCAR, EMMY AND GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS CHRISTINE LAHTI AND EXPLOSIVE NEWCOMERS MATTHEW LONG, LOGAN LERMAN AND JESSICA PAR�, FILLS THE KEY POST-"CHARMED" TIMESLOT AT 9:00, WHILE NEW ONE-HOUR "STEVE HARVEY'S BIG TIME" COMEDY/VARIETY SHOW KICKS OFF SUNDAYS AT 7:00

MONDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHTS' STRONG ALL-DRAMA LINEUPS REMAIN INTACT WITH RATINGS CHAMP "7TH HEAVEN" AND CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED "EVERWOOD" ON MONDAY, AND CRITICS' FAVORITE "GILMORE GIRLS" AND THE WB'S FASTEST-GROWING SERIES "ONE TREE HILL" ON TUESDAY

"SMALLVILLE" REMAINS THE WEDNESDAY NIGHT ANCHOR, LEADING INTO TWO UNIQUE, MALE-SKEWING HALF-HOUR COMEDIES: JEFF FOXWORTHY'S "BLUE COLLAR TV" AND "DREW CAREY'S GREEN SCREEN SHOW"

ON THURSDAY, OLIVER HUDSON AND BARBARA HERSHEY HEAD A STELLAR ENSEMBLE CAST IN "THE MOUNTAIN," A DRAMA ABOUT FAMILY LOYALTY, LOVE AND BETRAYAL, SET IN A GLAMOROUS MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT, FOLLOWED BY MICHAEL DAVIES' "STUDIO 7"

ON FRIDAY, ONE NEWCOMER JOINS THREE VETERAN COMEDIES, STARTING AT 8:00 WITH AMANDA BYNES IN "WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU," FOLLOWED BY "COMMANDO NANNY," A NEW COMEDY BASED ON THE LIFE OF REALITY PRODUCER MARK BURNETT, WHILE "REBA," THE NETWORK'S NUMBER ONE COMEDY, RELOCATES TO 9:00, FOLLOWED BY RETURNING HIT "GROUNDED FOR LIFE"

MIDSEASON PROGRAMS INCLUDE NEW REALITY SERIES FROM PRODUCER MARK BURNETT, HALF-HOUR COMEDY "SHACKING UP," DRAMAS "ROCKY POINT" AND "GLOBAL FREQUENCY" AND REALITY SERIES FROM MIKE FLEISS, BRUCE NASH, JAMIE KENNEDY AND RDF

LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- The WB Network's Chief Executive Officer, Jordan Levin, and Chairman, Garth Ancier, unveiled their 2004-2005 primetime schedule this morning in front of 4,000 advertisers, affiliates and national media, in a presentation that emphasized The WB's commitment to ratings growth during the 2004-2005 season. The presentation featured live appearances by Lenny Kravitz, who performed his new hit "Where Are We Running" and Gavin DeGraw, who performed the theme song for ONE TREE HILL, "I Don't Want to Be."

Two compelling dramas, three new comedies and a high-stakes reality series highlight the fall schedule, which promises more hours of original programming than ever before. JACK & BOBBY stars multiple-award-winning actress Christine Lahti as the single mother of two high school-aged brothers, one of whom will grow up to become a true visionary and one of the greatest United States Presidents of all time.

THE MOUNTAIN stars Oliver Hudson and feature film actress Barbara Hershey in the story of a family fighting for control of a beautiful ski resort in the mountains of Utah. Two new, non-traditional comedies debut on Wednesday night when Jeff Foxworthy and friends bring BLUE COLLAR TV to The WB, followed by DREW CAREY'S GREEN SCREEN SHOW, which combines improvisational comedy with high-tech green screen animation. COMMANDO NANNY, a new autobiographical comedy based on the life of reality mega-producer Mark Burnett, joins returning favorites on Friday night.

"This fall season, we celebrate our first decade by diversifying our unique portfolio of distinctive programming," said Mr. Levin. "From marquee dramas to sketch-comedy, animation to improv, variety to game shows, we have an eclectic, exciting mix of scripted and reality series with big-name comedy performers, award-winning actors and the young breakout stars that have become The WB's trademark."

SUNDAY NIGHT FEATURES THE RETURN OF "STEVE HARVEY'S BIG TIME" AND THE BEAUTIFUL WITCHES OF "CHARMED," FOLLOWED BY THE NEW DRAMA "JACK & BOBBY" STARRING CHRISTINE LAHTI

At 7:00 p.m., beloved WB star Steve Harvey will return with an hour of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in STEVE HARVEY'S BIG TIME. In its first season, the series grabbed big gains over the previous year's time period in all key demos, including a +33% gain in total viewers (3.3 million), a +14% increase in females 12-34 and women 18-34, as well as a +31% improvement in teens. At 8:00 p.m., the evening heats up with the trio of beautiful and sexy witches played by Alyssa Milano, Rose McGowan and Holly Marie Combs when CHARMED returns for season seven. This past season, CHARMED ranked third in its time period among females 12-34 and second among teens and female teens.

At 9:00 p.m., the highly anticipated new drama JACK & BOBBY makes its debut. Directed by the incomparable David Nutter ("Smallville," "Without a Trace"), JACK & BOBBY is a snapshot of a young man being molded to beat the odds and become this mid-century's greatest presidential leader. The series is from creator/executive producer Greg Berlanti ("Everwood," "Dawson's Creek"), creator/co-executive producer Vanessa Taylor ("Everwood"), creators Steve Cohen and Brad Meltzer and executive producers Mickey Liddell ("Everwood," "Go") and Thomas Schlamme ("The West Wing," "Ally McBeal").

"On Sundays, CHARMED has stood as an island of success for over a year," Mr. Levin said. "The addition of a strong lead-out in JACK & BOBBY and, for the first time in many seasons, the benefit of an original lead-in with STEVE HARVEY'S BIG TIME. BIG TIME is just that: a big, broad-appeal show that is easy to enter at any time during the hour and delivered promising numbers last season in a tough Thursday timeslot. We think the return of a variety hour to Sunday's family hour will be most welcome.

"At 9:00, we have enlisted the two men responsible for two of television's more compelling appointment programs. Thomas Schlamme and Greg Berlanti are masters of the form, and their partnership has resulted in a creation that I both embrace and adore for its ambition and boldness. I strongly believe that against the backdrop of a politically charged year in which questions of character and leadership will be at the center of our national debate, JACK & BOBBY has the potential to do what television does best, and nobody does it better than Greg Berlanti and Thomas Schlamme."

Also on Sundays, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., as part of The WB's Easy View, the breakout hit drama ONE TREE HILL will have an encore presentation each week, followed by a replay of the new drama THE MOUNTAIN.

MONDAY IS THE HOME ADDRESS FOR QUALITY FAMILY DRAMA

Mondays at 8:00 p.m. will continue to be the place the Camden family calls home when 7TH HEAVEN returns for its ninth season. Next season, David Gallagher will return as Simon Camden. In its eighth season, 7TH HEAVEN remained The WB's highest-rated program among total viewers, females 12-34, women 18-34 and women 18-49. The critically acclaimed drama EVERWOOD has proven to be a good neighbor for 7TH HEAVEN. Starring Treat Williams, EVERWOOD ranks among the top 10 primetime dramas on any network among teens and female teens.

THE WINNING COMBINATION OF "GILMORE GIRLS" AND "ONE TREE HILL" STAYS PUT ON TUESDAY

The witty and wickedly entertaining GILMORE GIRLS will return for its fifth season in the 8:00 p.m. timeslot. Up against "American Idol" this past season, GILMORE GIRLS placed #2 in its time period among females 12-34, teens and female teens. The series also tied for #3 among women 18-34 and ranked among the top 10 primetime dramas on any network among teens and female teens. The breakout hit drama ONE TREE HILL continued to gain momentum in its freshman season, scoring new series highs in recent weeks. Since returning to originals in April, ONE TREE HILL ranked #1 in its time period in females 12-34, female teens and teens.

"Next season, 7TH HEAVEN and GILMORE GIRLS are getting back to their roots and will deliver what fans have been wanting to see," said Mr. Levin. "The timeslots occupied by EVERWOOD and ONE TREE HILL will stay fresher on a year-round basis as we'll avoid long stretches of repeats with extended arcs of first-run episodes, supplemented by additional new programming, replacing the normal repeat cycle for EVERWOOD and ONE TREE HILL, thus assuring year-to-year timeslot growth."

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS GO FROM SUPERNATURAL TO SUPER FUNNY WHEN "SMALLVILLE" TEAMS UP WITH JEFF FOXWORTHY AND DREW CAREY

SMALLVILLE, The WB's number one show in 12-34, 18-34 ratings and all male demographics, kicks off Wednesday nights, followed by comedy with BLUE COLLAR TV at 9:00 p.m. and DREW CAREY'S GREEN SCREEN SHOW at 9:30 p.m. The addition of two unique comedy series from two world-class comedians - Jeff Foxworthy and Drew Carey - will make Wednesday an uncommonly entertaining night next fall.

"Wednesday night, SMALLVILLE presents a clear male alternative to a broadcast landscape dominated by female-skewing programming," said Mr. Levin. "It took audiences a little while longer than we would have liked to find SMALLVILLE on Wednesdays at 8:00, but once they did, SMALLVILLE reasserted itself as not only our number one series, but our strongest series with all male viewers. We're using that strength to deliver our two male comedies the strongest lead-in possible. While comedies have not always performed well coming out of dramas, BLUE COLLAR TV and DREW CAREY'S GREEN SCREEN SHOW represent two non-traditional forms of programming which are key in attracting young men."

THURSDAY NIGHTS ARE REINVENTED WITH A NEW DRAMA AND A NEW REALITY SERIES

Thursday nights will be reinvigorated with the addition of the sexy new drama THE MOUNTAIN at 8:00 p.m., followed by the intense new reality series STUDIO 7 at 9:00 p.m. Featuring a strong ensemble cast headed by Oliver Hudson ("Dawson's Creek") and Barbara Hershey ("Hannah and Her Sisters") and a glamorous ski resort setting, THE MOUNTAIN follows a free spirit (Hudson) who suddenly finds himself fighting to protect the family business from in-fighting and a rival developer out to take it all away. STUDIO 7, from producer Michael Davies ("Who Wants To Be a Millionaire"), mixes the reality and game show genres to produce a radically new quiz show seen from the contestants' point of view.

"THE MOUNTAIN presents us with a tremendous opportunity to extend our trademark style of drama to Thursday nights," Mr. Levin said. "It was not long ago that Thursdays at 8:00 served as a hospitable environment to launch dramas like POPULAR and GILMORE GIRLS. We believe there's nothing but upside to leading off Thursday nights with THE MOUNTAIN.

"9:00 is perhaps the toughest timeslot in all of primetime. By scheduling a fresh, alternative form like the game show STUDIO 7, we believe we have the opportunity to attract younger viewers looking for something different. Thursday nights may just offer us the greatest year-to-year growth potential of any night on any network schedule."

THE FRIDAY NIGHT LAUGHS JUST KEEP ON COMING

The WB's Friday comedy lineup kicks off with the return of WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU with teen superstar Amanda Bynes at 8:00 p.m. At 8:30 p.m., COMMANDO NANNY makes its debut. This engaging new comedy based on the life of reality producer Mark Burnett ("Survivor," "The Apprentice") stars Philip Winchester ("Thunderbirds") and veteran television star Gerald McRaney ("Major Dad"). The WB's hit comedy REBA relocates to its original timeslot, Fridays at 9:00 p.m. Finally, the hit comedy GROUNDED FOR LIFE slides to 9:30 p.m.

"The return of three well-established comedies in REBA, GROUNDED FOR LIFE and WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU to original timeslots on Friday nights, plus the addition of the charming new comedy COMMANDO NANNY, creates a far better program flow than we scheduled last season," Mr. Levin continued. " Additionally, in Reba McEntire and Amanda Bynes we have multi-media female stars who we are proud to have on our network."

MIDSEASON SERIES

In addition to the four new comedies on the schedule for fall, The WB has also ordered the midseason comedy SHACKING UP starring Fran Drescher ("The Nanny") as a woman with a twenty-something son and a twenty-something boyfriend. Drama pilots ROCKY POINT and GLOBAL FREQUENCY will also be available for midseason.

REALITY SERIES

Also waiting in the wings for midseason is a lineup of reality shows from premier reality television producers, including a brand new series from Mark Burnett; BIG MAN ON CAMPUS and the third installment of HIGH SCHOOL REUNION from Mike Fleiss; WANNABES from executive producer Jamie Kennedy; and two top secret series: one from producer Bruce Nash and another from British production company RDF.

MOVIES AND SPECIALS

The WB has made a significant investment in movies and this year it starts to pay off with the world broadcast premiere of THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING in November. Additional titles include ZOOLANDER, RAT RACE, TUCK EVERLASTING, SAVE THE LAST DANCE and 40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS. Specials will include THE SIXTH ANNUAL FAMILY TV AWARDS and THE CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS, as well as the first made-for-television movie from The WB, SAMANTHA: AN AMERICAN GIRL HOLIDAY.

SUMMER

The WB confirmed an aggressive summer schedule that includes PEPSI SMASH in May, SUMMERLAND in June and the early premieres of STUDIO 7 and BLUE COLLAR TV.

THE WB's 2004-2005 PRIMETIME PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (All times ET)

Sunday
5:00-6:00 p.m. Easy View presentation of "One Tree Hill"
6:00-7:00 p.m. Easy View presentation of "THE MOUNTAIN"
7:00-8:00 p.m. "Steve Harvey's Big Time"
8:00-9:00 p.m. "Charmed"
9:00-10:00 p.m. "JACK & BOBBY"

Monday
8:00-9:00 p.m. "7th Heaven"
9:00-10:00 p.m. "Everwood"

Tuesday
8:00-9:00 p.m. "Gilmore Girls"
9:00-10:00 p.m. "One Tree Hill"

Wednesday
8:00-9:00 p.m. "Smallville"
9:00-9:30 p.m. "BLUE COLLAR TV"
9:30-10:00 p.m. "DREW CAREY'S GREEN SCREEN SHOW"

Thursday
8:00-9:00 p.m. "THE MOUNTAIN"
9:00-10:00 p.m. "STUDIO 7"

Friday
8:00-8:30 p.m. "What I Like About You"
8:30-9:00 p.m. "COMMANDO NANNY"
9:00-9:30 p.m. "Reba"
9:30-10:00 p.m. "Grounded For Life"

CAPS AND BOLD DENOTE NEW SERIES
Italics denote returning show with a new day and/or time period

Sunday

7:00-8:00 p.m. "STEVE HARVEY'S BIG TIME"
Returning for its second season on The WB, the series stars Steve Harvey. Harvey, Madeleine Smithberg and Rushion McDonald serve as executive producers on the series in conjunction with Telepictures Productions.

8:00-9:00 p.m. "CHARMED"
Returning for its seventh season on The WB, the series stars Alyssa Milano, Rose McGowan and Holly Marie Combs, along with Brian Krause and Dorian Gregory. Aaron Spelling, E. Duke Vincent and Brad Kern serve as executive producers on the series produced by Spelling Television, Inc.

9:00-10:00 p.m. "JACK & BOBBY"
From master storytellers Greg Berlanti ("Everwood," "Dawson's Creek"), Thomas Schlamme ("The West Wing," "Ally McBeal") and Mickey Liddell ("Everwood," "Go") comes a powerful and poignant new drama directed by the incomparable David Nutter ("Smallville," "Without a Trace"). If "greatness is thrust upon us," as Winston Churchill once said, then it's equally true that those who are destined for greatness are rarely aware of it. Take Jack (newcomer Matthew Long) and Bobby McCallister (Logan Lerman, "The Butterfly Effect") for example: two bright young brothers growing up under the watchful eye of their eccentric single-parent mother Grace McCallister (Christine Lahti, "Chicago Hope"). Grace's personality is a force of nature destined to shape both of these young men's lives and secure one a place in the history books-as President of the United States. Set in the present day, the series will detail the relationship between these brothers and the people that help shape their lives, including Jack's best friend Marcus French (Edwin Hodge, "The Alamo"), their beautiful neighbor Courtney Benedict (newcomer Jessica Par�) and her father Peter Benedict (John Slattery, "Mona Lisa Smile"). With flash-forward interviews of White House staffers and the First Lady, "Jack & Bobby" is a snapshot of a young man being molded to beat the odds and become this mid-century's greatest Presidential leader. From Warner Bros. Television Production Inc., Berlanti/Liddell Productions and Shoe Money Productions with creator/executive producer Greg Berlanti, creator/co-executive producer Vanessa Taylor ("Everwood"), creators Steve Cohen and Brad Meltzer and executive producers Mickey Liddell and Thomas Schlamme.

Monday

8:00-9:00 p.m. "7th HEAVEN"
Returning for its ninth season on The WB, the series stars Stephen Collins, Catherine Hicks, David Gallagher, Beverley Mitchell, Mackenzie Rosman, Nikolas & Lorenzo Brino, George Stults, Ashlee Simpson and Tyler Hoechlin. Brenda Hampton, Aaron Spelling and E. Duke Vincent serve as executive producers on the series produced by Spelling Television, Inc.

9:00-10:00 p.m. "EVERWOOD"
Returning for its third season on The WB, the series stars Treat Williams, Gregory Smith, Emily VanCamp, Debra Mooney, John Beasley, Vivien Cardone, Chris Pratt, Stephanie Niznik and Tom Amandes. Greg Berlanti and Mickey Liddell serve as executive producers on the series produced by Everwood Utah, Inc. in association with and distributed by Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

Tuesday

8:00-9:00 p.m. "GILMORE GIRLS"
Returning for its fifth season on The WB, the series stars Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Melissa McCarthy, Keiko Agena, Yanic Truesdale, Kelly Bishop, Edward Herrmann, Scott Patterson, Liz Torres, Liza Weil and Sean Gunn. Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino serve as executive producers on the series produced by Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions and Hofflund/Polone in association with Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

9:00-10:00 p.m. "ONE TREE HILL"
Returning for its second season on The WB, the series stars Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty, Hilarie Burton, Bethany Joy Lenz, Paul Johansson, Sophia Bush, Barry Corbin, Craig Sheffer and Moira Kelly. Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins, Joe Davola, Mark Schwahn and Mark Perry serve as executive producers on the series produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions and Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

Wednesday

8:00-9:00 p.m. "SMALLVILLE"
Returning for its fourth season on The WB, the series stars Tom Welling, Kristin Kreuk, Michael Rosenbaum, Allison Mack, John Glover, Annette O'Toole and John Schneider. Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, Greg Beeman, Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins, Joe Davola and Ken Horton serve as executive producers on the series produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions and Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

9:00-9:30 p.m. "BLUE COLLAR TV"
Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy are three of the stars of the "Blue Collar Comedy Tour," one of the most successful comedy tours of all time, grossing more than $15 million nationwide. It inspired "Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie," the highest-rated movie ever to air on Comedy Central, selling over one million DVDs to date. This summer, Jeff, Bill and Larry, along with an ensemble cast including Heath Hyche, Peter Oldring, Gary Williams, Ashley Drane and Brooke Dillman, will bring their outrageous humor to The WB. Each episode will begin with a themed standup routine from Foxworthy, which will outline the upcoming episode with subjects ranging from everyday family life to lingerie shopping. The theme will continue through pop culture parodies with a decidedly Blue Collar perspective. From Riverside Productions, Warner Bros. Television Production Inc. and Bahr/Small Productions with executive producers Fax Bahr ("Mad TV," "In Living Color," "The Jamie Kennedy Experiment"), Adam Small ("Mad TV," "In Living Color," "The Jamie Kennedy Experiment"), Jeff Foxworthy and J.P. Williams.

9:30-10:00 p.m "DREW CAREY'S GREEN SCREEN SHOW"
Drew Carey ("The Drew Carey Show," "Whose Line Is It, Anyway?") and his comic friends have a clever plan to shake up the concept of live improv comedy. The performers on this show will act out quirky ideas suggested by the audience ("You're getting married underwater and are attacked by a giant squid"), but that's just a jumping-off point. The real fun begins with the technique known as green screen, which Drew's behind-the-scenes team will use to animate the skits, creating an actual improvised movie that brings to life the details going on in their vivid imaginations. This series promises to be a fun and lively marriage of improv and animation ' a concept only Drew Carey could pull off. Also starring Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie, Chip Esten, Brad Sherwood, Greg Proops, Jeff Davis, Kathy Kinney, Sean Masterson, Julie Larson, Katlin Olson and Jonathon Mangum. From Production Group and Michigan J. with executive producer Drew Carey and post producer Ron Diamond of ACME Filmworks.

Thursday

8:00-9:00 p.m. "THE MOUNTAIN"
Boundary Mountain is an escapist playground for wealthy tourists and extreme sports enthusiasts, but to the Carver family, it's home. "The Mountain" chronicles the larger-than-life saga of the Carvers, whose colorful patriarch, David Carver, Sr. (guest star Chad Everett, "Mulholland Drive," "Medical Center"), founded the town and its internationally famous ski resort after winning the land in a poker game. When this legendary man unexpectedly dies, his choice of an heir sends shockwaves throughout the community. Free-spirited David Carver, Jr. (Oliver Hudson, "Dawson's Creek") left home years ago to pursue his dream of becoming a world-class motocross racer, while his older brother Will (Anson Mount, "Poolhall Junkies") diligently attended business school with every expectation of taking over the family empire. No one, least of all the brothers themselves, expected David to inherit the Mountain. Now, David finds himself saddled with a responsibility he never wanted and a brother who rightly feels betrayed. On top of this, he is torn between two women and suddenly immersed in a power struggle with a neighboring family. David just wants to run, until he realizes his grandfather may have had bigger things in mind. Through the episodes to come, David will begin to reconnect with his mother Gennie (Barbara Hershey, "Hannah and Her Sisters," "Beaches") and teenage sister Shelley (newcomer Tara Thompson), and he will uncover long-buried secrets about his co-workers, his town and even his own family mythology. Also starring Alana De La Garza ("All My Children"), Johann Urb ("Zoolander"), Elizabeth Bogush ("Titans") and newcomer Tommy Dewey, with guest-stars Mitch Pileggi ("The X-Files") and Penn Badgley ("Do Over"). A Warner Bros. Television Production Inc. in association with Wonderland Sound and Vision. Executive producers are McG ("The O.C," the "Charlie's Angels" blockbusters and the upcoming film "Superman"), Stephanie Savage ("The O.C.") and Shaun Cassidy ("American Gothic"). David Barrett ("Fast Lane") directed.

9:00-10:00 p.m. "STUDIO 7"
Producer Michael Davies ("Who Wants To Be a Millionaire") is taking his acclaimed showmanship into new territory for The WB. His premise: what happens when you mix the reality and game show genres and produce a quiz show presented from the contestants' point of view? Introducing "Studio 7," a radical new series that pits seven bright young adults against each other in a series of intense elimination rounds that test their knowledge of pop culture, world events, science and literature. Only one can win a large cash prize. The catch is that the contestants will also be roommates for one week in one of Manhattan's most luxurious apartments. Blending the rivalry and romantic complications of reality programming with the high pressure stakes of "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire," "Studio 7" will not only allow viewers to play along, but will give them the intimate perspective of the competitors themselves. Alliances will be forged, passions will ignite and newfound friendships will be undermined as the contestants vie to be the grand champion of "Studio 7." From Diplomatic and executive producer Michael Davies.

Friday

8:00-8:30 p.m. "WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU"
Returning for its third season on The WB, the series stars Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth for Tollin/Robbins Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television Production Inc.

8:30-9:00 p.m. "COMMANDO NANNY"
When you're a 20-year-old ex-commando from the British Special Forces, how can you channel the thrill of combat into your next career? How about defending your life against three Beverly Hills rich kids? That's exactly what happened to mega-producer Mark Burnett ("Survivor," "The Apprentice") when he first ventured to the West Coast from the British Army Parachute Regiment. Burnett brings his unique experience to The WB in the new comedy, "Commando Nanny." Meet Miles Ross (Philip Winchester, "Thunderbirds"), the young commando whose new barracks are the guest room of a Beverly Hills mansion. Tycoon Ben Winter (Gerald McRaney, "Major Dad") has no intention of hiring the young soldier, but Ben's new, younger wife Lizzie (Kristin Bauer, "Anger Management") sees something in Miles and offers him a challenging new mission: monitoring Seth (Max Wolf Burkholder, "Daddy Daycare"), a 5-year-old in desperate need of attention. Accepting what he intends to be a short-term nanny position, Miles becomes an army of one as he and Ben battle in a daily test of wills. Complicating the agenda are Seth's older siblings. Katie (Beatrice Rosen, "Chasing Liberty") is a very mature teenager who flirts with Miles while plotting behind his back with her surly brother Steven (newcomer Ricky Mabe) to drive the new recruit AWOL. Miles' only R&R comes from his best friend, Nick (British stage actor Adam Campbell). From the bunkers to the bunk beds of Beverly Hills, Miles Ross is in for his toughest detail yet when he enlists as the resident commando nanny. A Warner Bros. Television Production Inc. with executive producers Mark Burnett and David Flebotte ("The Bernie Mac Show").

9:00-9:30 p.m. "REBA"
Returning for its fourth season on The WB, the series stars Reba McEntire, Christopher Rich, JoAnna Garcia, Steve Howey, Scarlett Pomers, Mitch Holleman and Melissa Peterman. Kevin Abbott, Matthew Berry, Mindy Schultheis and Michael Hanel serve as executive producers on the series produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television.

9:30-10:00 p.m. "GROUNDED FOR LIFE"
Returning for its fifth season, its third on The WB, the series stars Donal Logue, Megyn Price, Kevin Fitzgerald Corrigan, Lynsey Bartilson, Griffin Frazen, Jake Burbage and Bret Harrison. Jeff Astrof, Mike Sikowitz, Marcy Carsey, Tom Werner and Caryn Mandabach serve as executive producers on the series produced by Carsey-Werner-Mandabach Productions, LLC.

MIDSEASON SERIES

"SHACKING UP"
If things weren't so complicated, you could call Josh (newcomer Ben Feldman) and Riley (Ryan McPartlin, "Passions") roomies. They live in the same house, share everything and are both involved with the same woman: she's Riley's girlfriend...and Josh's MOTHER, Fran (Fran Drescher, "The Nanny"). When 25-year-old Josh gets kicked out of medical school and moves back in with his mom and teenage sister Allison (Misti Traya, "Joan of Arcadia"), he's shocked to find Mom sharing her life, not to mention her house, with Riley, a 24 1/2-year-old stud. Josh is so shocked, in fact, that he barely has time to notice a guy named Duane (Branden Williams, "Charlie's Angels," "The Sweetest Thing") is renting the closet in his old bedroom. "Shacking Up" is a fun, contemporary look at a non-traditional family. From Regency Television with executive producers Jamie Kennedy ("The Jamie Kennedy Experiment," "Malibu's Most Wanted"), Michael Langworthy ("8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter") and co-executive producers David Garrett & Jason Ward ("Deuce Bigelow: European Gigolo").

"ROCKY POINT"
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Hawaii's exotic North Shore, "Rocky Point" follows the coming-of-age story of 19-year-old Connecticut transplant, Cassie Flynn. Having deferred Princeton to return to the place of her birth, Cassie has created an idyllic new life with the help of her three best friends and her pro-surfer boyfriend. However, her blissful world is thrown into disarray when her long-estranged father, Owen (Billy Campbell, "Once and Again"), arrives at her doorstep. "Rocky Point" will follow Cassie and her surrogate family of friends as they struggle to grow up and find their way in a place that looks very much like paradise. A Warner Bros. Television Production Inc. from writers/executive producers John Stockwell ("Blue Crush," "crazy/beautiful") and Lizzy Weiss ("Blue Crush").

"GLOBAL FREQUENCY"
Based on the suspenseful and action-packed graphic novel franchise, "Global Frequency" marks the dramatic television debut of successful producer Mark Burnett ("Survivor," "The Apprentice"). The Global Frequency is an independent, illegal, covert intelligence agency determined to prevent international politics from undermining the security of the global community. Led by the former NSA agent Miranda Zero, GF is everywhere and nowhere � and it's mankind's best defense against everything that occurs outside our peripheral vision. This marvel of brains and machinery is hacked into every satellite, mainframe, cell phone and database across the globe. With the help of her central command dispatcher, the feisty but brilliant Aleph, Zero is just a phone call away from tapping anyone anywhere to volunteer their skills to help save the world. GF's newest "recruit," suspended cop Sean Ronin, is paired with introverted Kate Finch, a mastermind of the scientific inner workings of the covert network. The most original conspiracy saga since "The X-Files," "Global Frequency" shows us that one person can make a difference in the battle against the dangers of the modern world. From Warner Bros. Television Production Inc. and Cloudbreak Entertainment with writer/executive producer John Rogers (upcoming film "Catwoman," "The Core") and director Nelson McCormick ("Alias," "Third Watch").

REALITY SERIES

"HIGH SCHOOL REUNION"
Returning for a third installment on The WB, the reality series reunites former high school classmates for their 10-year reunion. This time around, classmates from a Catholic School in Fort Lauderdale will reunite in beautiful Maui. From Next Entertainment and Telepictures with executive producer Mike Fleiss and co-executive producer Mike Nichols.

"BIG MAN ON CAMPUS"
From the creator of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" comes the ultimate "Greek God" competition. On a beautiful college campus, in a beautiful setting, with lots of beautiful people, things will get ugly. That's because we've got not one, but TWO cutthroat competitions. First, the school's sorority sisters are going to pick the Big Man on Campus � the cutest, hottest, sweetest frat boy around. But then the tables will turn as he methodically chooses his Campus Queen � from the very same co-eds who picked him. These girls will do anything to make the grade. From Next Entertainment Studios and Telepictures with executive producer Mike Fleiss.

"WANNABES"
Everyone's a wannabe... but who's it gonnabe? It's the oldest story in Hollywood... the beautiful girl from Nowheresville who heads to Hollywood, pays her dues, waits her turn, until one day she's discovered and overnight she's a STAR! But guess what? It doesn't really happen like that. The reality is much more brutal, and for most of these beautiful girls, the ugly truth is that they'll never make it. "Wannabes" takes you behind the famous Hollywood sign into the hard reality of showbiz hopefuls. Away from the glamorous lights, there are thousands of young women living in tiny apartments, working lousy jobs, going to auditions and praying for that one big break. The series will focus on a small group of gorgeous starlets who live together and try to become friends while competing for the same roles. A panel of judges will eliminate one aspiring star each week as they compete in series of tasks, some silly, some serious. Delivering a singing telegram, performing in a clown suit at a birthday party, casting sessions and very odd jobs will all be part of the audition process. Will they support each other or show no mercy? Who's got what it takes, and who's got a one-way ticket out of town? Share the rough road of near misses and close calls. Finally, share the joy of one lucky winner who makes it all the way to a starring role on The WB! From Telepictures with executive producer Jamie Kennedy ("The Jamie Kennedy Experiment," "Malibu's Most Wanted") and co-executive producers Scott Einziger ("Amazing Race 2 & 3," "The Howard Stern Show"), Josh Etting ("The Jamie Kennedy Experiment") and Ellen Rapoport (co-author of the book "Wannabes").





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· ALIAS (ABC)
· ALLY MCBEAL (FOX)
· AMAZING RACE, THE (CBS)
· AMERICAN IDOL (ABC)
· APPRENTICE, THE (NBC)
· BACHELOR, THE (ABC)
· BACHELORETTE, THE (ABC)
· BERNIE MAC SHOW, THE (FOX)
· BIG MAN ON CAMPUS (WB)
· BLUE COLLAR TV (WB)
· CHARMED (WB)
· COMMANDO NANNY (WB)
· DAWSON'S CREEK (WB)
· DO OVER (WB)
· DREW CAREY SHOW, THE (ABC)
· DREW CAREY'S GREEN SCREEN SHOW (WB)
· EIGHT SIMPLE RULES (ABC)
· EVERWOOD (WB)
· FASTLANE (FOX)
· GILMORE GIRLS (CW)
· GLOBAL FREQUENCY (WB)
· GROUNDED FOR LIFE (WB)
· HIGH SCHOOL REUNION (TV LAND)
· JACK & BOBBY (WB)
· JAMIE KENNEDY EXPERIMENT, THE (WB)
· JOAN OF ARCADIA (CBS)
· LIVING WITH FRAN (WB)
· MOUNTAIN, THE (WB)
· OC, THE (FOX)
· ONCE & AGAIN (ABC)
· ONE TREE HILL (CW)
· REBA (CW)
· ROCKY POINT (WB)
· SEVENTH HEAVEN (CW)
· SMALLVILLE (CW)
· STARLET, THE (WB)
· STEVE HARVEY'S BIG TIME CHALLENGE (WB)
· STUDIO 7 (WB)
· SURVIVOR (CBS)
· THIRD WATCH (NBC)
· TITANS (NBC)
· WEST WING, THE (NBC)
· WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU (WB)
· WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? (ABC)
· WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY? (CW)
· WITHOUT A TRACE (CBS)
· X-FILES, THE (FOX)





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