Oprah Winfrey Network, TLC Other Discovery Channels Roll Out Shows

By Jon Lafayette

Discovery Communications rolled out new shows for the Oprah Winfrey Network, TLC, Animal Planet and Science channel at its upfront presentation of programming for advertisers.

TLC is renewing its vows with the wedding genre with three new wedding themed series.

One series, “Eat, Drink and Be Married” (working title) comes from Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ Milojo Productions and focuses on the Frungillo family, which operates a successful catering facility.

The channel’s other new marriage series are “Wedded to Perfection,” and “Wild Weddings.”

TLC is also planning two new fashion series, “Freakin Fabulous with Clinton Kelly” and “Making Over America with Trinny and Susannah,” which feature the original U.K. hosts of “What Not To Wear.”

New real estate shows “The General,” “Restorer Guy” and "Stager Invasion" are planned, as well as “Mom Inc,” “The Ultimate Cake Off” and “The Police Women Project.”

TLC is working with the HSN shopping channel and Milojo on Mom Inc., which tries to help struggling women entrepreneurs whose products might be sold on HSN.

Animal Planet announced 10 new series, including the docudrama “Cowboys,” “Pit Bulls and Parolees” “Fetch Me a Beer" (an expert teaches pets useful tricks) and “IPreditor,” which combines on air, online and interactive gaming elements.

Oprah Winfrey’s new OWN Network will have shows featuring “Oprah” guest Peter Walsh, relationship expert Dr. Laura Berman, and Lisa Ling. From Ashton Kutcher’s Katalyst Films comes a series called “Excellent Adventure,” which follows a celebrity and their best friend doing something they always wanted to do together.

Science Channel is planning to make its largest investments in original programming in its history. One new series will be hosted by Morgan Freeman; another will be a game show produced by Whoopi Goldberg.

(Editor: Baumann)