Signature Show Bridezillas Returns for Season Three; Joined By New Original Series Platinum Weddings and Bride vs. Bride for Summer Sunday Night Block
I Do…Let's Eat to Debut on WE in June 2006
New York, NY, April 26, 2006 – WE: Women's Entertainment continues to develop its original programming slate with a lineup of wedding themed shows to premiere this summer as part of the network's new Sunday night block, "WE's Wild Wedding Night". Kicking off the programming block and back by popular demand is WE's hit signature series Bridezillas for a third season starting June 11 at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT, followed by the premieres of the network's new original series Platinum Weddings on Sunday, July 23 and Bride vs. Bride on Sunday, August 6. Also announced today is the new series, I Do…Let's Eat which will debut on WE in June 2006, adding to the network's full summer of nuptial content.
"Wedding themed programming is a hit with our audience, and we are very excited to establish this block with quality shows that are relevant, fun and engaging," said Kim Martin, WE's Executive Vice President and General Manager. "We are committed to providing original content that resonates with our viewers and provides added value for our cable operators. These shows do just that, while further cementing WE as the television destination for women's entertainment."
Today's announcement comes on the heels of a record breaking quarter for WE, with HH ratings growth of +50% from 1Q05 (0.2 HH RTG) to 1Q06 (0.3 HH RTG). In addition, the 05/06 season is pacing to be the best in WE's history for Prime M-Su 8p-11p delivery of HH, W18-34, W18-49, W25-49 and W25-54. To date in 05/06, WE has +197% more original telecasts during Prime M-Su 8p-11p than in the same time period during the 04/05 season.
- Bridezillas take a comedic look at how brides-to-be go from sweet to certifiable while planning their big day. The rising popularity of the series has managed to bring the term "bridezillas" into mainstream pop culture as an expression for those women who have gone from engaged to enraged. In season three, grooms-to-be become targets for the stress induced fury of these brides. The 18 episodes of Bridezillas season three are produced by September Films and run one hour each.
One week before Bridezillas season three premieres, WE will offer viewers a chance to relive their favorite bridal meltdowns from season two with the June 4th premiere of Best of Bridezillas at 10:00pm ET/7:00pm PT.
- Platinum Weddings is a weekly half-hour series that brings the ultimate wedding fantasy to life for a deserving couple in each new episode. From the beaches of Cabo to the Las Vegas Strip these couples dream big for their big day. Celebrity event planner Julie Pryor (Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross) and celebrity flower designer Larry Flachs (Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry, Catherine Zeta Jones) offer their expertise in planning the extravagant weddings showcased throughout the 12-episode series. Platinum Weddings is produced by Film Garden.
- Bride vs. Bride is a true life competition series that pits family against family in wedding themed challenges, all in a bid to win cash and prizes for their upcoming nuptials. Hosted by Evan Farmer, formerly of TLC's "While You Were Out", the series follows engaged couples and members of their wedding party as they team up to compete against other bridal parties in a series of challenges that put a new twist on traditional wedding activities: Appetizer Obstacle Course, Balloon Bouquet Toss, Wedding Tradition Obstacle Course. With every win, that team's bride earns more seconds on her bridal clock. In the end both brides attack a giant wedding cake, for the amount of time indicated on their bridal clock, digging for cash and prizes hidden throughout the confection. The six episodes of Bride vs. Bride run one hour each and are produced by North South Productions.
- I Do…Lets Eat is a half-hour series that offers a thorough presentation of a variety of wedding cuisine of diverse cultures. Each episode features one couple's wedding, with an inside look at the banquet, the chef, and the demands and pressures which they all face leading up to and including the main event. WE acquired the 26-episode series from Australia-based Beyond Entertainment.
These new shows will join WE's growing list of original programming, including: Two Funny: Cotter & Louise, a show that follows the lives of two comedians, Kerri Louise and Tom Cotter as they juggle many roles as a married couple with two year-old twin boys, and also as working comics; John Edward Cross Country, a documentary style series that follows the acclaimed psychic medium as he embarks on a cross country journey to conduct readings and visit the homes of families he has helped during his large group sessions; and Skating's Next Star, hosted by Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, the series follows contestants through their struggles on the ice and the drama behind the scenes.
**Source: Nielsen Media Research, Prime M-Su 8p-11p daypart average for 1Q06 12/26/05-3/26/06 vs.1Q05 12/27/04-3/27/05; 04/05 STD 09/27/04-03/27/05 vs 05/06 STD 09/26/05-03/26/06 Live HH, Women 18-34, Women 18-49, Women 25-49, and Women 25-54 Audience during Prime M-Su 8p-11p. WE Originals based on Prime M-Su 8p-11p telecasts 04/05 STD 09/27/04-03/27/05 vs 05/06 STD 09/26/05-03/26/06.
About WE: Women's Entertainment:
WE: Women's Entertainment is the only cable network dedicated to helping women connect to one another and the world around them. With quality original programming including the hit series "Bridezillas," unique movie packages like "Three Men and A Chick Flick," topical specials and its public affairs initiative WE Empowers Women, the network supports women and appeals to their interests in pop culture, relationships and personal style. WE: Women's Entertainment is a subsidiary of Rainbow Entertainment Services and is currently seen in over 58 million homes.