NETWORK SIGNS SINGER/SONGWRITER TONI BRAXTON FOR DOCU-SERIES "BRAXTON FAMILY VALUES"
"STATEN ISLAND CAKES" FOLLOWS THE DRAMA AND HUMOR OF A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WHERE A 21-YEAR-OLD PASTRY CHEF IS THE BOSS
New Series Underscore WE tv’s Refreshed Brand Position and New Tagline, Life As WE Know It
NEW YORK, NY – January 4, 2011 – WE tv today announced a pair of original series premiering in 2011 which epitomize the network’s refreshed brand position and new tagline, "life as WE know it." Premiering Tuesday, April 12, Braxton Family Values takes a candid look at the relationship between singer/songwriter Toni Braxton, her mom, and four sisters, all aspiring singers themselves. Debuting Tuesday, June 21, Staten Island Cakes is a humorous and heartwarming series that follows Vinny Buzzetta, a 21-year-old, self-made pastry prodigy and sought-after cake maker. Vinny’s professional success has come with the help of his loud, outspoken Staten Island family – particularly his mother – as they live and work together.
"WE tv’s programming showcases the wild ride of relationships during life’s defining moments, whether it’s the thrill of getting married, the drama of family chaos or the excitement of a second chance," said Kim Martin, president and general manager, WE tv and Wedding Central. "As women, we share a connection and a sense of community based on similar life experiences and situations. It’s that particular point of view that defines ’life as WE know it.’"
Added Martin: "At the heart of every WE tv original show is a story that allows a woman to see herself, someone she knows or someone she’d love to know. Whether the shows feature celebrities or real people, viewers can relate to the situations and share in the experience."
NEW ORIGINAL SERIES
Braxton Family Values (10×60)
Premieres Tuesday, April 12 at 9 pm, et/pt
This 10-part docu-series about singer/songwriter Toni Braxton and her four sisters – Traci, Towanda, Trina and Tamar – reveals that sisterly bonds are fierce. The show captures the drama surrounding their conflicts, both personal and professional (especially for Tamar who is struggling to make a name for herself as a singer, apart from Toni’s success), combined with lots of family love and laughter. Mom, Evelyn – as well as various spouses and kids – round out the growing family, based in Atlanta.
Produced by Magical Elves. Executive produced for WE tv by John Miller and Annabelle McDonald.
Staten Island Cakes (8×60)
Premieres Tuesday, June 21 at 9 pm, et/pt
Twenty-one-year-old Vinny Buzzetta is the talented executive pastry chef and owner of the go-to bakery for special occasion cakes and confections on Staten Island, The Cake Artist. By day, Vinny is boss at the bakery to his own mother, Cammy, sister, Kristin, and friends, but back at home it’s mom who lays down the law. Granddad "Crazy" Joe is also around for moral support and a few laughs. Along the way, Vinny must learn to navigate his roles as business owner, baker and artist, and find his place in his large, outspoken family.
Produced by Nancy Glass Productions. Executive produced for WE tv by John Miller and Annabelle McDonald.
Popular for its wedding programming, WE tv has established Sundays as the go-to night for viewers intrigued by the glamour and revelry of weddings. To further support WE tv’s new line-up, the network is making Tuesday nights home to original series about modern women and their families, beginning with the launch of Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? and A Stand Up Mother on January 25.
About WE tv
WE tv (www.wetv.com) is the women’s network devoted to the wild ride of relationships during life’s defining moments. The original series, including Downsized, Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? and hit wedding shows – Bridezillas and My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, among others- underscore the network’s brand position and tagline, Life As WE Know It, which signifies the connection that women share based on similar life experiences. Whether it’s the thrill of getting married, the drama of family chaos or the excitement of a second chance, the stories on WE tv allow women to see themselves, someone they know or someone they’d love to know. Owned and operated by Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, WE tv is available in over 77 million homes and is available in HD and on demand.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media owns and operates some of the world’s most popular and award-winning entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, Wedding Central and IFC Entertainment (IFC Center, IFC Films, IFC In Theaters, IFC Midnight and IFC Productions). Additional information about Rainbow Media’s multiplatform brands is available at www.rainbow-media.com.