GSN Steps up Programming Slate to Include 7 Projects in Development

GSN Steps up Programming Slate to Include 7 Projects in Development

Shows in Development Include Pilots for Poker Ace Annie Duke and a Re-Make of the Classic Game Show 'I've Got a Secret'

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- GSN, the Network for Games, is developing seven series for potential launch in 2006. This aggressive development slate falls on the heels of the network's newly-launched summer schedule which includes the premiere of the award-winning adventure series THE AMAZING RACE (July 11) as well as the second season of the late night buddy competition KENNY VS. SPENNY (July 11). Other debuts include the new original billiards series, BALLBREAKERS (July 18), the third season of EXTREME DODGEBALL (July 19) and the fourth edition of the Chuck Woolery-hosted game show LINGO (Aug. 1), now co-hosted by Miss USA 2004, Shandi Finnessey.

The announcement was made today by Ian Valentine, Senior Vice President of Programming for GSN, who commented, "We're deepening our commitment to casino game programming while broadening our development slate to include new hybrid genres that merge games with psychological thrillers and stunt shows. We remain the home of America's greatest game shows, from classics to remakes to other originals, and everything is interactive."

GSN has ordered a pilot for ANNIE DUKE TAKES ON THE WORLD, starring the best all-around female poker player in her first TV series. Additionally, the network has ordered a pilot for I'VE GOT A SECRET, a new take on one of the longest-running game shows ever, now featuring an all gay panel.

The development slate comes from a virtual "who's who" of the most successful producers in unscripted television today. ANNIE DUKE TAKES ON THE WORLD by Andrew Golder ("Win Ben Stein's Money," "Celebrity Blackjack"); I'VE GOT A SECRET by Burt Dubrow ("The New Tom Green Show," "Jerry Springer"); PHIL HELLMUTH POKER by R.J. Cutler ("30 Days," "The War Room"); 24 HOURS IN LAS VEGAS by Gavin Polone ("Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Celebrity Blackjack"); CHOKERS by Scott Stone ("The Joe Schmo Show," "The Mole"); YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE by Scott Hallock and Kevin Healey ("Scare Tactics," "Spy TV"); and WET, by Mark Cronin ("The Surreal Life;" EXTREME DODGEBALL).

Project Descriptions:

ANNIE DUKE TAKES ON THE WORLD -- The world's best all-around female poker player, Annie Duke, hosts her first television show in this hybrid poker series. In each episode, four amateur poker players will compete for the chance to play Texas Hold 'em one-on-one against Duke. In the preliminary round, Duke will taunt, harass and kibitz the amateur's play. The last player remaining at the table will play head-to-head poker with Duke in a high stakes game of bluff, wit and cards. Executive producers are Andrew Golder ("Win Ben Stein's Money," "Celebrity Blackjack") and Duke.

I'VE GOT A SECRET -- GSN is bringing back one of the most popular and longest-running panel shows of all time, I'VE GOT A SECRET. In GSN's re-make, the show elements are similar to the classic series, except this time, all the panelists are gay. The format of the show features panelists who try to determine by cross examination each contestant's secret. The show will also feature special celebrity guests. Burt Dubrow ("The New Tom Green Show," "Jerry Springer") and Jean Wiegman ("Trivia Unwrapped," "The New Tom Green Show") are the executive producers for Burt Dubrow Productions.

PHIL HELLMUTH POKER -- Poker star and "poker brat" Phil Hellmuth and producer R.J. Cutler have teamed up to create a new poker series based on teaching amateurs the skills of poker through physical and mental challenges, both at and away from the poker table. Hellmuth will bring his signature bombastic style to his teaching methods. Hellmuth has won 9 World Series of Poker bracelets, earned over $5 million in tournament play, and has authored several books and instructional videos. R.J. Cutler ("30 Days," "The War Room"), Hellmuth, Bob Soderstrom and Andy Bellin are the executive producers of the series.

24 HOURS IN VEGAS -- In this reality game series, players must work as a Sin City car valet, bell hop or dancer to earn money that they can use to play casino games. At the end of 24 hours, the player with the most money will be the winner. Gavin Polone from Pariah Productions is the executive producer along with Julie Pizzi and Patty Ivins of PB&J.

CHOKERS -- Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose ... and sometimes when your really should win, you choke. This weekly documentary series will chronicle some of the best, who, for one reason or another, fell apart at a critical moment. Teams, companies and individuals are all fair game in this wide-ranging series which will examine topics and go behind the scenes in the courtroom, the board room and the locker room. Scott Stone of Stone & Company Entertainment serves as executive producer.

YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE -- The clock strikes midnight and you're trapped in one of the most terrifying places in America. All the exits are closed and every path is wrought with danger on YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE, a weekly thriller game that puts three friends in the country's scariest venues for the chance to escape and win the grand prize. Each week this show will transport contestants to such real-life locations as a graveyard known for ghostly apparitions, a cabin where six campers disappeared, a former penitentiary inhabited by deceased inmates and a bizarre mansion filled with hidden rooms and a terrifying past. Scott Hallock and Kevin Healey are the executive producers for Hallock Healey Entertainment.

WET -- From the producers of "The Surreal Life" and EXTREME DODGEBALL, is WET, a competition featuring contestants waging water-based battles against other humans as well as dolphins. Contestants will perform in head-to-bottlenose challenges, games and obstacle courses. Top marine trainers will ensure the safety of the landlubbing and seafaring competitors. Mark Cronin and James Rowley are executive producers for Mindless Entertainment.

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming and interactive game playing. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries, alternative sports programs and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN features interactive programming for every original broadcast, allowing viewers a chance to win prizes by playing along with GSN's televised games via GSN.com. Reaching more than 57 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation.

Source: GSN

CONTACT: Cindy Ronzoni of GSN, +1-310-255-6933, cronzoni@gsn.com

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