Spike TV Scores Another 13 Episodes of Original Scripted Comedy 'Blue Mountain State'

Spike TV Scores Another 13 Episodes of Original Scripted Comedy 'Blue Mountain State'

PRODUCED BY VARSITY PICTURES AND LIONSGATE

NEW YORK, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Spike TV has picked up a second season of 13 episodes of its first original scripted comedy series, "Blue Mountain State," it was announced today by Kevin Kay, Spike TV president. Produced by Varsity Pictures' Brian Robbins and Sharla Sumpter-Bridgett and Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF), "Blue Mountain State" launched in January and has averaged nearly 1 million viewers, improving the timeslot in the key demographics of Men 18-24 by +165% and Men 18-34 by +86% (through six episodes).

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060322/NYW096LOGO)

"Blue Mountain State" follows the on and off-field antics of incoming freshmen as they learn to adapt to life at the fictional college football powerhouse, Blue Mountain State. Former NFL running back and veteran actor, Ed Marinaro ("Hill Street Blues"), stars as the coach. Alex, played by Emmy Award®-winner Darin Brooks ("Blue Crush") is a talented quarterback, content to be second-string and ride the bench while partying with his best friend Sammy, played by Romanski ("The Sarah Silverman Program"). The cast also includes Thad, played by Alan Ritchson ("Smallville"), the team's over-the-top team captain and Denise played by Gabrielle Dennis ("The Game").

Brian Robbins and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett are executive producers. Series star Romanski, along with Eric Falconer ("The Sarah Silverman Program," "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia") also serve as executive producers and writers.

Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) is the leading next generation studio with a strong and diversified presence in the production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment, video-on-demand and digitally delivered content. The Company has built a strong television presence in production of prime time cable and broadcast network series, distribution and syndication of programming through Debmar-Mercury, and an array of channel platform assets. Lionsgate has nearly 20 television series airing or scheduled to air on 11 different networks from its in-house production operations and through distribution by Debmar-Mercury. Its programming roster is headed by such critically-acclaimed and groundbreaking shows as "Mad Men," "Weeds," "Nurse Jackie," "Tyler Perry's House of Payne," "Meet The Browns," "The Wendy Williams Show" and "Paris Hilton's My New BFF."

Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 12,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand remains synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

Spike TV is available in 98.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://www.spike.com/press.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060322/NYW096LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Spike TV

CONTACT: Jenni Runyan, Spike TV/LA, +1-310-407-4771,
jenni.runyan@spiketv.com, or Debra Fazio, Spike TV/NY, +1-212-767-8649,
debra.fazio@spiketv.com; or Leah Krantzler, LippinGroup/Lionsgate,
+1-323-965-1990, lkrantzler@lippingroup.com

Web Site: http://www.spike.com/

-------
Profile: intent