truTV to Further Expand Original Premium Programming Line-up as Network Brand Refresh Continues to Show Traction with Viewers
Network Greenlights Three New Series, Orders Two Pilots and Renews Two Returning Favorites
At the one-year anniversary of its brand update, truTV is celebrating its momentum by ordering three new primetime series, renewing two fan favorites and announcing the development of two new unscripted series. The moves come on the heels of audience data showing that the network's "Way More Fun" brand refresh is working, with more premium original programming growing an audience that is larger, younger and more upscale. This includes double-digit growth among adults 18-49 (+45 percent) and adults 18-34 (+55 percent) primetime ratings since November 2014, with its median age down to 33 (from 40 in September 2014 and 37 in November 2014).
truTV's program expansion begins with three series greenlights: Almost Genius, a show that celebrates the people, places, and things that are almost successful, but can't quite cut it in the end, 10 Things, hosted by Girl Code's Jamie Lee, a list-based collection of offbeat and unusual topics, and a new documentary series truOriginals: Inside Iconic Comedy, which goes behind the scenes of some of the funniest films ever made.
truTV has also ordered 13 additional half-hour episodes of The Carbonaro Effect, which draws more than 1.2 million viewers and consistently ranks among the Top 10 programs in its timeslot with key demos. And the do-it-yourself hit Hack My Life - which wrapped the 2015 third quarter as a top ten show in its time period among cable entertainment networks among men 18-34 - received an order for 10 additional half-hour episodes.
On the development front, truTV has two new series in the works, including a pilot order for Jon Glaser Loves Gear, a new hybrid show where Glaser (Trainwreck, Girls) delves into his love of looking at gear, shopping for gear, wearing the gear, and talking about gear and a pilot presentation for Inside Caucasia, a cultural travelogue created by comedians Naomi Ekperigin (Broad City, Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell) and Andy Beckerman (The Pete Holmes Show, UCB Theatre).
"We've come a long way over the past year when it comes to establishing the new truTV brand, and we're experiencing real momentum," said Chris Linn, president and head of programming for truTV. "These programing moves represent our continued investment in innovative, talent driven shows that can engage our viewers across every platform."
Today's announcement builds on other recent programming news for truTV. The network recently announced that it has ordered additional episodes of Fameless and renewed the hit series Impractical Jokers, which celebrated its 100th episode with a highly rated live television event in September. truTV also just launched a brand new season of Billy on the Street, which joined the network's original series lineup this year as part of a multi-layered deal. And in early 2016, truTV will launch its first ever scripted series, the new comedy Those Who Can't.
Below are descriptions of the shows featured in the latest rounds of truTV programming moves.
New Series Greenlights
Almost Genius - Series Premiere: Tuesday, December 29, at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT)
Almost Genius is a self-contained, half-hour comedy series that celebrates the people, places and things that try so hard to succeed but come up just a bit short. Hosted by April Richardson and Chris Fairbanks, the show features comedians and performers digitally inserted into viral videos to comment on and congratulate people for their bravery and ingenuity in snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. But Almost Genius doesn't mock, because as everyone knows, almost is awesome... and genius.
truTV has ordered 12 episodes of Almost Genius from Meetinghouse productions.
10 Things - Series Premiere: Tuesday, January 5, at 10:30 p.m. (ET/PT)
In truTV's new series 10 Things, stand-up comedian Jamie Lee (Girl Code, Ridiculousness, Conan) takes the listicle to a new level with this combo of irreverent commentary and cutting-edge visuals. The result is a comedic countdown packed with surprising and buzz-worthy facts presented with a unique point of view.
truTV has ordered 10 episodes of 10 Things from R83 Productions and Gaspin Media.
truOriginals: Inside Iconic Comedy - Series Premiere: Monday, February 29, 10:00pm (ET/PT)
Inside Iconic Comedy is truTV's documentary anthology series delivering a first-hand account of the funniest movies ever made. Each episode takes us behind the scenes of creating these infamous films, driven by the oral histories from the casts and crews.
truTV has ordered 8 episodes of Inside Iconic Comedy from Left/Right with Banks Tarver, Ken Druckerman, Anneka Jones on board as executive producers.
Series Renewals
The Carbonaro Effect - Additional Episodes Ordered
After successfully convincing the public to believe the unbelievable, magician Michael Carbonaro is back with unexpected tricks that will astound and amuse audiences in truTV's The Carbonaro Effect. Each week, Michael performs ingenious tricks on unsuspecting members of the public, all caught on hidden camera. Whether posing as a barista, museum curator or seemingly unremarkable store clerk, Michael Carbonaro's affect on people will have you laughing out loud and scratching your head in disbelief.
truTV has ordered an additional 13 half-hour episodes of The Carbonaro Effect, bringing the second season total to 26 episodes. The Carbonaro Effect is produced for truTV by Fields Entertainment.
Hack My Life - Additional Episodes Ordered
In truTV's popular series Hack My Life, hosts Kevin Pereira and Brooke Van Poppelen offer a funny spin on life's little shortcuts that can save you time, effort and money. In its first season, Hack My Life ranked among the Top 10 cable entertainment programs in its timeslot with men 18-34.
truTV has ordered an additional 10 half-hour episodes of Hack My Life, bringing the second season total to 20 episodes. Hack My Life is produced by True Entertainment.
Pilots in Development
Jon Glaser Loves Gear - Pilot
Jon Glaser Loves Gear. Not only is that a true statement, it's also the title of a new hybrid show. In the pilot, Jon runs his first big trail 10K. As excited as he is about the race, his training takes a back seat to his love of looking at gear, shopping for gear, wearing gear, and talking about gear. That's what happens when you love gear like Jon Glaser Loves Gear.
truTV has ordered the pilot from creator and producer Jon Glaser. PFFR is set as the production company with Vernon Chatman, John Lee, and Alyson Levy executive producing alongside Glaser and Richard Korson.
Inside Caucasia - Pilot Presentation
Inside Caucasia is a cultural travelogue in which comedian Naomi Ekperigin (Broad City, Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell) traverses the country to learn more about what makes Caucasians tick in a "post-racial" America.
The pilot presentation for Inside Caucasia is being produced by truTV, with Ekperigin and Beckerman on board as executive producers with Gideon Evans and Jenny Hunter.
Previously-Announced Renewals
Impractical Jokers - Season 5 Ordered
As previously announced, truTV has renewed the show Impractical Jokers for a fifth season, ordering an all new round of outrageous dares and punishments that are guaranteed to keep Sal, Joe, Murr and Q looking over their shoulders for what is next. The 26-episode order comes in the wake of the series' biggest episode ever, a live high-wire walk at South Street Seaport to celebrate their 100th episode. The special episode, which aired live on Sept. 3, drew 3.7 million total viewers in Live +3 delivery, making it truTV's most watched telecast in 19 months. In addition to Top 5 rankings in its timeslot across all the key demos, the show was a huge success on social media, trending nationwide.
truTV has ordered 26 episodes of Impractical Jokers for this fifth season. Impractical Jokers is produced for truTV by NorthSouth Productions (Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, Double Divas).
Fameless - More Episodes Ordered
As previously announced, truTV has ordered 10 additional episodes of David Spade's unscripted prank show Fameless, bringing the freshman season to 18 episodes total. Part sketch show and part prank show, Fameless, takes a light-hearted look at how far people will go for a moment in the spotlight.
Fameless is produced by Electus and Entertainment One.
About truTV
Seen across multiple platforms in 90 million households, truTV delivers a fresh and unexpected take on comedy with such popular original series as Impractical Jokers, Billy on the Street, The Carbonaro Effect, Friends of the People, Hack My Life, Adam Ruins Everything, Fameless and Super Into, as well as the upcoming Those Who Can't and Santas in the Barn. And the fun doesn't stop there. truTV is also a partner in airing the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championsh ip.
truTV is part of Turner, a Time Warner company. Turner creates and programs branded news; entertainment; kids and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.
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