Inheriting the old Court TV platform at the start of 2008, TruTV at present has no resemblance to the slate of action-themed reality programs promoted under the original tagline “Not Reality. Actuality.”

With a new tagline, “Funny Because It’s Tru,” launched in December, 2016, the updated focus at truTV is on the relatable real-life moments from a broader range of life experiences, all through a comedic lens.

“Creator driven content is our focus at truTV; series that have strong talent in the center with a distinct point of view – something to say,” said Chris Linn, president, truTV during the Turner portion of the winter TCA. “Our shows are the expression of that point of view.”

Once the home to shows derivative to series on other networks—truTV had Hardcore Pawn, while History had Pawn Stars, for example – the early truTV shows were often the louder, more outrageous versions of what some other outlets were doing.

“I was brought in three years ago because the network was not necessarily evolving to the next level, and I think there were a lot of complications with advertisers perhaps not wanting to be closely associated with this type of programming,” explained Linn. “So, a decision was made to try to elevate truTV as a more compatible fit with the rest of the Turner portfolio.”

“We took stock of the landscape at the time, which was reality, very conflict driven, and scripted dramas, like Game of Thrones and Sons of Anarchy, and we wondered where the fun went,” added Linn. “And we made the conscious decision to deviate from what was the norm at the time and focus on the comedy from more relatable situations.”

At the time, only Impractical Jokers remained intact on the schedule, ultimately serving as a linchpin to other series themed to the new comedic mentality. And the goal was to target to a younger audience than Turner’s more established comedy-themed network, TBS.

“We are not trying to mimic TBS, Comedy Central or IFC,” explained Linn, who says truTV’s median age has dropped from 43 to 31 over the last 18 months. “Our audience at present is dual male and female, but there is a perception that the network skews more male due to our early roots. Our target is viewers in their early 30s as they transition into adulthood. Their stories, and their situations, fit right into our brand.”

Upcoming at truTV is lifestyle series Upscale with Prentice Penny, featuring showrunner, writer and producer Prentice Penny as he embarks on a journey to live an upscale life; Talk Show the Game Show, hosted by comedian Guy Branum and featuring celebrity guests as they compete in various talk show-inspired challenges; and scripted half-hour comedy I’m Sorry, the tale of a comedy writer, wife and mother with an inquisitive young daughter. In development is social commentary game show, Smart, Funny and Black, hosted by Amanda Seales; and Apocalypse Video, hosted by former 30 Rock star Judah Friedlander. Apocalypse Video features video footage from different eras.

truTV also announced at TCA a new scripted series, still untitled, from comedian Amy Sedaris (Strangers with Candy, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), which will focus on a different comedic theme in each episode.

“It’s certainly a challenging time in broadcasting, but I think the way you punch through is by having unique innovative shows that feel relatable and authentic,” said Linn. “We looked at the landscape and saw that the reality format as we had known then was really starting to wear thin. And we made the decision to jump ahead and evolve before we had to. And that, I think, puts us in the right direction. Instead of worrying how many scripted series are on the air right now, we focus more on what is right for us.”

Tags:


  Save as PDF