Lifetime Television Obtains Exclusive Off-Network Rights From Disney-ABC Domestic Television for the Popular ABC Series 'Wife Swap,' Beginning in October 2008

Lifetime Television Obtains Exclusive Off-Network Rights From Disney-ABC Domestic Television for the Popular ABC Series 'Wife Swap,' Beginning in October 2008

NEW YORK, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking the network's first ever major off-net reality acquisition, Lifetime Television has obtained the exclusive off-network rights from Disney-ABC Domestic Television for the popular, critically acclaimed ABC series "Wife Swap," beginning in October 2008.

"Wife Swap," which premiered in 2004, takes viewers into the intimate heart of the American family home. Each week, two wives from two very different families exchange husbands and children (but not bedrooms) to experience another woman's life.

ABC has had great success with "Wife Swap" on Mondays from 8-9pm, delivering the highest ratings in all key female demos in at least the last seven years.

In making the announcement, Susanne Daniels, President, Entertainment, Lifetime Networks, said: "In so many ways, 'Wife Swap' embodies the contemporary and enlightening program that is the core of our fresh new reality programming direction. The series' heartfelt insights into the many aspects of the daily challenges faced by modern women will be a perfect complement to our schedule."

Entering its fourth season on ABC, "Wife Swap" is an RDF USA production. It was created by Stephen Lambert and is executive-produced by Stef Wagstaffe and Stephen Lambert of RDF Media ("Faking It" and "Junkyard Wars") and Michael Davies of Embassy Row ("Who Wants to be a Millionaire"). Mitchell Rosenbaum, Stephanie Schwam Adams and Mike Gamson are the co-executive producers.

Disney-ABC Domestic Television is the domestic distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company, providing motion pictures and television programming to pay television, basic cable, broadcast television, video-on-demand (VOD), pay-per-view (PPV), mobile and broadband. Disney-ABC Domestic Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Disney Enterprises, Inc.

LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital (including myLifetime.com) are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Lifetime Networks

CONTACT: Gary Morgenstein of Lifetime Networks, +1-212-424-7162, or
morgenstein@lifetimetv.com; Kim Harbin for Disney-ABC Domestic Television,
+1-818-460-5066, or Kim.Harbin@Disney.com

Web site: http://www.lifetimetv.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment