2010 Cable Upfronts: TruTV: Returning Reality
Turner Network Unveils 13 Returning Series, Unveils Development Slate Of Reality, Docuseries
Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 4/27/2010 1:42:00 PM
TruTV has renewed a baker's dozen of series, including a sophomore run of Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, and new projects from Reveille and Ashton Kutcher.The Turner network, which is mapping gains among young adults that has resulted in a five-year drop in its median age viewer to 46, planned to unveil its new lineup at its upfront presentation -- its first on a solo basis -- to advertisers on April 27 in Manhattan.
The service, whose first quarter was its most-watched ever among among persons 18 to 34 and 18 to 49 and men of the same age groups, has added 70 new clients over the past year.
The network will also be part of Turner's entry into "March Madness," with game coverage from the NCAA men's Division 1 basketball tournament, tipping in 2011.
"There are many great reasons to invest in TruTV right now," said David Levy, president of sales, distribution and sports for Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., in a statement. "TruTV has momentum and is pulling off an amazing feat -- it is a male-focused network that attracts both men and women."
Among the returning shows: Conspiracy with Jesse Ventura, in which the former pro wrestler and politician and his team tackle modern-day conspiracy theories for a second season; Full Throttle Saloon, during which the network turns its cameras on the world's biggest biker bar during the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D.; Black Gold, from Thom Beers's Original Productions (Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers), is back for a third season, mining stories of people's lives in around Texas oil rigs; and the second season of Las Vegas Jailhouse, which supplies viewers with looks inside the Clark County Detention Center, home to a range of unpredictable violators.
The following series are in various stages of development:
*Vegas Repo -- Where viewers go along for the ride during the sometimes-wild process of repos in Las Vegas;
*Disclosure -- A look at Bill Ryan and Kerry Cassidy, who have devoted their lives to examining secretive and undercover phenomena that the government, scientists and other officials refuse to discuss;
*Rogue Society (working title) -- If you've been scammed by a used car salesman or cheated by a crooked contractor, the Rogue Society, armed with hidden cameras and mischievous intent, can get you even anad then some;
*America's Toughest Boss (working title) -- Self-made millionaireWillie Degel, owner of Uncle Jack's Steakhouse, is an obsessive perfectionist who demands superb customer service. He also happens to spy on employees, concocts tests for them and isn't afraid to fire anyone on the spot;
* The Naked Office -- From Reveille (The Biggest Loser, The Office), the show follows The Naked Office, which uses an unorthodox form of group therapy to rebuild broken spirits;
* Exposed! (working title) --Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg's Katalyst joins TruTV for project, which in the spirit of Punk'd, takes disruptive programming to another level with this top-secret comedy that takes it all off in front of unsuspecting people - all in the name of a social experiment;
* Limo Bob -- The network takes a ride with the larger-than-life owners, driver and clients of the biggest fleet of limos in Chicago; and
Ma's Roadhouse (working title) - This Texas saloon is a place like no other: a motorcycle shop, bar and tattoo parlor, all owned and operated by Rick Fairless, his mom, his wife and their kids.
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