MTV talent groove
Cabler shifts focus with development slate
Cabler also announced that it delivered the best second-quarter 12-34 demos in its history. MTV also boasted ad-supported cable's top show, "Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Inferno II," in 12-34.
Development lineup "reflects our commitment to eclectic talent both in front of and behind the camera," said MTV Networks Music Group prexy Brian Graden. "We're exploring ideas that are natural extensions of the MTV personality and that push creative boundaries."
Shows in the works:
- "Yo Mamma," from thesp Wilmer Valderama ("That '70s Show"), is a trash-talking competish where the winner grabs cash and bragging rights.
- "Welcome to Crunkville," centers on contestants who audition to move into the Atlanta pad of hip-hop artists The Ying Yang Twins.
- "Omarion" revolves around the R&B artists's attempt to follow in the footsteps of Sean "P. Diddy" Combs by becoming a corporate mogul complete with his own recording label and show line.
- "Mr. Rooney's Barbershop," from exec producer Mottola, offers a look into the Queens, N.Y.-based barbershop where local cutters scout for hip-hop talent from the 'hood.
- "Homewrecker" lets revenge-seeking viewers wreak havoc on someone's home, "Punk'd"-style.
- "There and Back" chronicles the attempted comeback of former O-Town singer Ashley Angel, now broke, engaged and about to become a father.
- "Beyond Normal" features MTV News correspondent Gideon Yago as he helps young people whose lives have been turned upside down by crisis or conflict.
- "8th & Ocean" is a docusoap centered on the lives of wannabe fashion models trying to make it in Miami Beach.
- "Ten Years Later" is a scripted comedy series based on the real-life story of Jake Fogelnest ("Squirt TV") and focuses on what happens to a child star years after his cable access show has run its course.
