TV

Posted: Wed., Apr. 30, 2008, 8:00pm PT

TV Land hits cougar's trail

Dating show centered on an old woman

TV Land's clawing its way into the "cougar" trend, picking up a dating competish from Mike Fleiss centered on an older woman.

Skein -- being referred to as the untitled cougar project -- centers on a group of young men as they compete for the affection of a "sexy and accomplished mature woman" -- the so-called cougar. Contestants will undergo a variety of challenges and be eliminated one by one, as the "cougar" eventually picks a love interest.

Fleiss will exec produce the hourlong project, which comes from his Next Entertainment banner and Warner Horizon Television. Fleiss exec produces "High School Reunion" for the channel.

TV Land said the "cougar" series fits in its strategy to target viewers in their 40s and 50s with original fare.

"The TV Land audience is looking for entertainment with interesting and compelling storylines -- something Fleiss has proven he can deliver to our audience," said Keith Cox, exec VP or original programming and production at TV Land.

The "Cougar" project is targeted for air in early 2009. Casting has just begun on the show.

Show comes as the media continues to focus attention on the older woman/younger man phenomenon. NBC's "Age of Love" helped popularize the term "Cougar"; more recently, a "Saturday Night Live" sketch parodied the whole idea with faux talkshow "The Cougar Den."


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