Bravo new world
Cabler unveils quirky slate of specs, reality
Projects on the docket include "Things I Hate About You," a 13-part reality show based on a U.K. format that lets couples work out their marital woes guerrilla style.
Each hour focuses on a couple who, armed with personal camcorders, have attempted to capture their partner's flaws on film. A panel of friends, family and a relationship expert will weigh in throughout the show. Wall to Wall Television ("Manor House") produces.
"We get to the bottom of who has the most irritating habits. What's good about it is it has elements of both comedy and self-improvement," senior VP of programming and production Frances Berwick said. "The unifying factors in all these shows is that they have a unique twist. Like 'Queer Eye' they feel very different and smart and should appeal to our smart audience."
Bravo has also given a 13-episode order to "Cirque du Soleil's Solstrom," a follow-up to this year's "Cirque du Soleil Fire Within."
Also announced were the first two of the cabler's previously reported quarterly comedy specials (Daily Variety, Oct. 30).
First up is "Kathy Griffin's D-List." Based on her Wednesday night performances at Hollywood's The Laugh Factory, spec will present Griffin's ironic take on her life as a minor celeb.
Bravo has also ordered hourlong special "The Sarah Jones Show." Shot before a live aud, show features Jones in a host of monologues -- multi-character pieces that showcase her talents as an comedic impersonator.
Senior VP of programming and production Frances Berwick said both one-man shows should bow in the first half of next year.
Previously reported orders include the following:
- "Project Runway." Supermodel Heidi Klum exec produces and hosts the competition skein that aims to find the next top fashion favorite (Daily Variety, Nov. 3). Show is a co-production of the cabler and Miramax from "Project Greenlight" exec producers Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz.
- "Show Biz Moms." Six-part series follows real-life stage moms as they duke it out for jobs on behalf of their would-be star children.
- "Significant Others." Six-seg improv sitcom centers on couples living their lives in and out of marriage therapy. Series was originally developed for sister net NBC.
"We have sought to expand Bravo's appeal and brand with a decidedly unique slate of programming for next year which will hopefully build on the success we've had in 2003," Bravo president Jeff Gaspin said. "My goal is for Bravo to continue to be cutting edge and daring, but to have mass appeal. I believe these projects -- and the exceptional producers and talent attached to them -- will help us achieve that goal."
Cabler also announced several projects in development:
- Two series from "Will & Grace" star Sean Hayes. Competition skein "Pilot Season" searches for the next hit laffer, such as "Friends" or "Seinfeld," while revealing the development hell a series goes through; "UnderExposed" is a reality filmmaking contest series produced by R.J. Cutler ("Freshman Diaries").
- An untitled latenight variety show created and hosted by actor-comedian Elon Gold ("In-Laws"). The catch: A troupe of actors will impersonate the guest stars and musical acts.
- "Nothing to Hide." Dating show follows a single woman who gets to choose a date from a lineup of men knowing only about their personal style and cultural interests.
- "Housebusters." In this homemakeover show with a feng shui twist, homes will be diagnosed and redesigned based on color therapy, feng shui, psychic phenomena and witchcraft.
