Upfronts: CMT Orders 50 Episodes Of New And Extant Series

CMT will present the largest amount of original programming ever for its upcoming summer lineup, the network announced Wednesday. 

The network will air more than 50 episodes of new and returning original series. 

The programming begins with series premieres of Broken Skull Ranch, a strength and endurance competition hosted by Steve Austin, and My Dysfunctional Family, a reality show that mends relationships amongst family members. 

CMT has also ordered a new season of Party Down South, the highest-rated series in its history, which will return to its Thursday night slot. The network will also air new episodes of Dog and Beth: On The Hunt, as well as a ninth season of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team.

Additional programming announcements include a second season of My Big Redneck Family, a third season of Swamp Pawn, and the premiere of Death Valley.

The network will also air Inside Fame: Florida Georgia Line, a one hour special highlighting the country duo. An additional one-hour CMT Crossroads special will feature artists Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves. 

On June 4, the network will showcase the 2014 CMT Music Awards. 

“We’ve had a tremendous year of growth at CMT. We produced the biggest show in the channel’s history, established a beachhead on the highly competitive Thursday night and have more returning series than at any point ever before. With more fresh content across all platforms, we’ve grown our audience and increased our social footprint to over 10 million active users. And by engaging our audience on a deeper, personal level and connecting with them beyond the linear channel, we’re laying the foundation for the next generation of loyal CMT viewers,” said Jayson Dinsmore, Executive Vice President of CMT Programming and Development.