Congratulations, TV Land: you survived week one of the TCA summer press tour. Before you go celebrate with a nice cocktail or a dip in the pool, here’s everything you need to know about Friday’s news and announcements.
MTV
-“Shannara,” based on the fantasy series by Terry Brooks, got a straight to series order from the network, with Jonathan Liebesman (“Wrath of Titans”) attached as director. Think of this series as MTV’s stab at launching a “Game of Thrones”-esque series. The network says that the “Shannara” books are the highest-selling fantasy books in the world that haven’t yet been adapted to series. 10 episodes have been ordered.
-Incest at the TCAs? Let’s just say that a panelist for the upcoming teen soap “Happyland” gave the critics more than enough to write about when she declared that “incest is hot, and we’re going to have fun.” While we assume that won’t be the hook on which the MTV marketing department seizes when they take the show to viewers, the comment definitely generated a lot of press on Friday. For the record: the show is about what happens behind the scenes at an amusement park. Check out the extended trailer:
-“Virgin Territory,” a new docuseries taking a look at Millennial’s attitudes towards virginity and sex, is being billed by MTV programming boss Susanne Daniels as “Snooki and JWoww on Meet The Press.”
STARZ:
-“I’m actually doing this wrong.” Not exactly the words that come out of a TV exec’s mouth every day, but that’s exactly what Starz boss Chris Albrecht said during Friday’s presentation. He was referring to the premium cabler rethinking the way they pick up additional seasons of shows. He also said that they were targeting “underserved” audiences such as women and African-Americans with shows like “The White Queen” and “Power.”
-The network will offer free sampling of the upcoming “Outlander” beginning August 2. From the network: “Approximately 82 million multichannel video households will have access to the premiere episode via additional linear, on-demand and/or online sampling opportunities on select cable, satellite and telco affiliates in the United States as well as online through select websites including Starz.com/Outlander, the Starz “Outlander” Twitter page, the Starz YouTube page, Starz “Outlander” Facebook Page and the free STARZ PLAY app for all users in the United States.”
pivot
-The millennial-targeting cable channel unveiled a third season pickup for critical darling “Please Like Me,” along with “The Operatives,” an original series about conservationists fighting polluters and enemies of the earth.
-“Welcome to Fairfax,” about young entrepreneurs in LA’s Fairfax district, “Fortitude” starring Stanley Tucci,” and “Freestyle,” a comedic improv show from the creators of “In the Heights” were also announced.
VH1
-Nicole Richie is headed back to your television: “Candidly Nicole,” the eight-episode series based on her popular web show. Hubby Joel Madden and the kids won’t be on screen, but her famous dad Lionel and her step-sister will be.
-Naked dating alert! Taking “Naked and Afraid” to it’s next logical step, VH1 is launching a reality dating show that leaves very VERY little to the imagination. And hats off to these couples because, honestly, we can’t think of anything worse than a naked first date. Preview for “Dating Naked” below:
Get More: Dating Naked
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