truTV revealed details about several additions to the network’s lineup of original programming at its first upfront (4/27). Programming includes a second season of Conspiracy Theory With Jesse Ventura, along with new projects from Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg’s Katalyst (Punk’d) and Reveille (The Biggest Loser, The Office).
truTV had a breakthrough year in 2009, thanks to solid branding and popular programming. The network achieved strong growth with its targeted adult 18-49 audience, along with a five-year drop in median age. In the first quarter of 2010, truTV went on to record its most-watched quarter ever among adults 18-34, adults 18-49, men 18-34 and men 18-49. truTV also finished the first quarter as one of ad-supported cable’s Top 10 networks in primetime delivery of adults 18-49, jumping from 16th place a year ago.
“When we introduced the truTV brand, we decided to target an audience we call real engagers – viewers who love exciting, real-life action,” said Marc Juris, EVP/GM, truTV/In Session. “We have built a lineup that has attracted a strong fan base – and it only continues to grow.”
truTV’s success includes adding 70 new ad clients during the last year. “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. “truTV has momentum and is pulling off an amazing feat – it is a male-focused network that attracts both men and women.”
truTV’s announced programming plans:
RETURNING SERIES
truTV has 13 returning series in 2010, including renewals announced for the first time today:
CONSPIRACY THEORY WITH JESSE VENTURA – Jesse Ventura has taken on some tough opponents as a pro wrestler, as a Navy SEAL and as a politician. Now he’s back to tackle modern-day conspiracy theories for a second season. Jesse and his team will cross the nation to find evidence in the hit series CONSPIRACY THEORY, which comes to truTV from A. Smith & Co. Productions (Hell’s Kitchen) and Braverman/Bloom Co.
FULL THROTTLE SALOON – This high-octane series is back for a second run, focusing on the wild life at the world’s biggest biker bar. truTV turns its cameras on a bar that serves throngs of bikers during the infamous annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D. FULL THROTTLE SALOON comes to truTV from A. Smith & Co Productions (Hell’s Kitchen).
BLACK GOLD – Thom Beers’ Original Productions – creator of Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers – is back for a third season of BLACK GOLD, a hit series about life on Texas oil rigs. With the economy taking time to rebound, the stakes are high for roughnecks who can’t afford to make mistakes that might cost them their jobs – or their lives.
LAS VEGAS JAILHOUSE – This series – which is coming back for a second run – takes viewers inside Las Vegas’ Clark County Detention Center, where corrections officers try to maintain peace in a facility packed with a colorful range of unpredictable violators. LAS VEGAS JAILHOUSE comes to truTV from Langley Productions (Cops, Inside American Jail).
REHAB: PARTY AT THE HARD ROCK HOTEL – truTV heads back to Las Vegas for a third season to give viewers a behind-the-scenes peek at the city’s hottest party. REHAB comes to truTV from Genco Entertainment (It Only Hurts When I Laugh).
NEW SERIES
The following series are in development for truTV:
VEGAS REPO – This all-new show goes along for the ride during the sometimes-wild process of repos in Las Vegas. VEGAS REPOcomes to truTV from Arietis and Intrigue, producers of truTV’s Operation Repo.
DISCLOSURE – Bill Ryan and Kerry Cassidy have devoted their lives to examining secretive and undercover phenomena that the government, scientists and other officials refuse to discuss. DISCLOSUREcomes to truTV from FishBowl Worldwide Media, a newly formed shingle from Vin Di Bona (America’s Funniest Home Videos) and Bruce Gersh.
ROGUE SOCIETY(working title) – If you’ve been scammed by a used car salesman or cheated by a crooked contractor, there’s one group dedicated to helping you get even – and then some. They’re the Rogue Society, armed with hidden cameras and a mischievous imagination. Their mission is to expose bigots, jerks and scam artists through hilarious pranks. ROGUE SOCIETY comes to truTV from Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment (Scott Baio is 45… and Single).
AMERICA’S TOUGHEST BOSS (working title) – Meet Willie Degel, owner of Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse. He’s an obsessive perfectionist and self-made millionaire who believes business is all about customer service, high expectations and outrageous marketing. He’s also one of the strictest leaders in America. He spies on employees, concocts elaborate ways to test them and isn’t afraid to fire someone on the spot. AMERICA’S TOUGHEST BOSScomes to truTV from RelativityREAL and Tom Forman, creator of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
THE NAKED OFFICE – In troubled times, many businesses resort to radical methods to keep employees productive. THE NAKED OFFICEuses an unorthodox form of very revealing group therapy to rebuild broken spirits. THE NAKED OFFICEcomes to truTV from Reveille (The Biggest Loser, The Office).
EXPOSED! (working title) – Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg’s Katalyst joins truTV for this new project. In the spirit of Punk’d, Katalyst takes their brand of edgy, disruptive comedy programming to another level with this top-secret comedy that takes it all off in front of unsuspecting people, in the name of a unique social experiment.
LIMO BOB – truTV goes for a ride with Limo Bob, the larger-than-life owner of the biggest, most outrageous fleet of limos in Chicago. Times are tough, with every weekend a make-it-or-break-it situation. From diva clients to whacked-out drivers, the wheels could fall off at any minute. LIMO BOB comes to truTV from Brainbox Entertainment (Food Detectives; Small Space, Big Style).
MA’S ROADHOUSE (working title) – This 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. MA’S ROADHOUSE chronicles the goings-on at this Texas saloon as Rick tries to keep business booming. MA’S ROADHOUSE comes to truTV from AMS Pictures (Girl Meets Gown).
