“The Young and the Restless” to re-air classic episode of Victor (Eric Braden) and Nikki’s (Melody Thomas Scott) wedding that aired on September 5, 2002.

Read More >>

Photo Credit: Danny Feld/ABC

via Press Release

PEOPLE.COM LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER SEXIEST MAN AND WOMAN ON TV POLL

Winners to Be Announced Live on ABC’s “Emmys® Red Carpet Live,” Sunday, September 23

People.com is launching its first-ever Sexiest Man and Woman on TV poll. Users will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite of five male and five female finalists chosen by PEOPLE’s editorial staff. Voting begins today on http://www.people.com, http://www.emmys.com and http://www.abc.com, and will continue until 7:30 p.m., ET / 4:30 p.m., PT on Sunday, September 23, the evening of “The 64^th Primetime Emmy® Awards.”

The five male TV star finalists are LL Cool J (“NCIS: Los Angeles”), Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”), Joe Manganiello (“True Blood”), Dylan McDermott (“American Horror Story”) and Aaron Paul (“Breaking Bad”). The five female TV star finalists are Zooey Deschanel (“New Girl”), Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men”), Heidi Klum (“Project Runway”), Sofía Vergara (“Modern Family”) and Kerry Washington (“Scandal”).

The winners of the poll will be announced live on ABC’s “Emmys Red Carpet Live,” hosted by “Good Morning America’s” Josh Elliott & Lara Spencer, Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor” / ”The Bachelorette”) and Clinton Kelly (“The Chew,” “What Not to Wear”), which begins the festivities of TV’s biggest night, coast to coast, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 from 7:00-8:00 p.m., ET / 4:00-5:00 p.m., PT, immediately followed by the awards ceremonies, live from 8:00-11:00 p.m., ET / 5:00-8:00 p.m., PT. Jimmy Kimmel, star and executive producer of the late-night ABC talk show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” hosts “The 64^th Primetime Emmy Awards.”

Photo Credit: Todd Wawrychuk/ABC Family

via Press Release

GILLES MARINI IS PROMOTED TO SERIES REGULAR ON 

ABC FAMILY’S HIT DRAMA “SWITCHED AT BIRTH” 

Burbank, CA (September 18, 2012) – Actor Gilles Marini has been promoted to series regular for the upcoming second season of “Switched at Birth,” the hit original drama on ABC Family. Gilles has a recurring role in the first season as Angelo Sorrento, Bay’s biological father and Regina’s ex, who comes back into their lives after finding out about the switch.

The Fall leg of the first season is currently airing Mondays at 8:00 PM ET/PT on ABC Family, with the second season premiering in early 2013. Fall season to date, “Switched at Birth” ranks as the #1 scripted cable TV telecast in Women 18-34 and Women 18-49 against all Monday cable TV telecasts.

Gilles can also be seen on the upcoming season of “Dancing with the Stars: All Stars” on ABC.

“Switched at Birth” is executive-produced by Lizzy Weiss (“Blue Crush”), Paul Stupin (“Make It or Break It”), Becky Hartman Edwards (“Parenthood”) and John Ziffren (“Melissa & Joey,” “Make It or Break It”). The series stars Katie Leclerc as Daphne Vasquez; Vanessa Marano (“Gilmore Girls”) as Bay Kennish; Constance Marie (“George Lopez”) as Regina Vasquez; D.W. Moffett (“Friday Night Lights”) as John Kennish; Lea Thompson (“Back to the Future,” “Caroline in the City”) as Kathryn Kennish; Lucas Grabeel (“High School Musical”) as Toby Kennish; and Sean Berdy as Emmett Bledsoe with guest star Marlee Matlin (“The West Wing”).

Part of the Disney/ABC Television Group, ABC Family is distributed in over 97 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today’s families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relatable programming about today’s relationships – told with a mix of diversity, passion, humor and heart. ABC Family’s programming is a combination of network defining original series and original movies, quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals. Emmy® Award-winning ABCFamily.com provides a variety of interactive entertainment and community features, from rich, fan-centric programming – including blogs, viewing parties, webisodes, full episodes of the network’s hit programming, along with sneak peek exclusive previews and behind-the-scenes clips. ABC Family is also the destination for annual Holiday events with “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas.” ABC Family. A New Kind of Family.

CBS announced today that it will broadcast the 39th Annual “People’s Choice Awards” Live on Sunday, January 9, 2012 from the Nokia Theater L.A. Live. Additionally, fans of TV, Music and Movies can begin voting on 15 potential new categories to be added to this years telecast. Voting is now open at www.PeoplesChoice.com/pca/categories.

via Press Release

THE “PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 2013″ TO BE BROADCAST ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK LIVE JAN. 9 FROM THE NOKIA THEATER L.A. LIVE

Mark Burnett to Return as Executive Producer of “People’s Choice Awards 2013″

Category Voting Launches Today at www.PeoplesChoice.com and Via Social Media PlatformsCHEAT TWEET: .@peopleschoice Awards will be broadcast LIVE on CBS on January 19. Vote for categories at www.PeoplesChoice.com!

The PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS, the only major awards show where fans determine the nominees and winners across categories of movies, music and television, will air live from the Nokia Theater L.A. Live onWednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Award-winning producer Mark Burnett will return as executive producer of the telecast, which will serve as the kick-off to the 2013 awards show season.  ”I am so thrilled and fortunate to be once again producing this year’s ‘People’s Choice Awards,’” said Mark Burnett, PCA Executive Producer.  ”Passionate and devoted fans are what make us successful and it is an honor to give them a chance to celebrate their favorites in entertainment.”

In People’s Choice tradition, fans will once again have the opportunity to weigh in on new PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS categories.  Starting today, 15 categories are eligible for voting on www.PeoplesChoice.com/pca/categories and the top vote-getters will be added to the pool for the 2013 show.  Potential new categories include Favorite On-Screen Romance (Movies), Favorite DJ (Music) and Favorite Ensemble Cast (Television), among others.  Fans also have the opportunity to write in their own submissions for a special award that honors celebrities who have given back to their local community.

“One of the greatest aspects of the ‘People’s Choice Awards’ is that fans have a say throughout the entire process,” said Fred Nelson, President of People’s Choice.  ”From categories to nominees to winners, the people are in charge.  We’re excited to once again empower the fans to create the show they want to see on January 9.”  Jane Mun, Fred Nelson and Hyunjoo “Kimmie” Kim will join Burnett on the 2013 People’s Choice Awards production team.  Mun and Nelson will serve alongside Burnett as executive producers, with Kim as co-executive producer of the telecast.

About People’s Choice

Now in its 39th year, the People’s Choice Awards continues to be the only major awards show voted on entirely by the public for fan favorites in music, movies and television.  The People’s Choice official Web site atwww.PeoplesChoice.com houses the voting platform where fans determine the categories, nominees and winners for the annual awards show.  Every year, potential nominees are determined by national ratings averages, box-office grosses, music sales and PeoplesChoice.com data, and then vetted through EPoll Market Research.  Fred Nelson is the President of People’s Choice, and the awards show is produced by Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc. [NYSE:PG], which is represented by MediaVest Worldwide, Inc., supervisors of the production.

CATEGORIES UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 2013

MOVIES

Favorite ANIMATED CHARACTER

Favorite COMIC BOOK ADAPTATION

Favorite FACE OF HEROISM

Favorite ON-SCREEN ROMANCE

Favorite VILLAIN

MUSIC

Favorite DJ

Favorite FACE OF POP MUSIC

Favorite FAN FOLLOWING

Favorite FESTIVAL HEADLINER

Favorite SINGER/ACTOR

TELEVISION

Favorite COMPETITION/REALITY SHOW JUDGE

Favorite ENSEMBLE CAST

Favorite FACE OF FEARLESSNESS

Favorite NEW TALK SHOW HOST

Favorite YOUNG TV STAR

 

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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com//#!/peopleschoice

Twitter: @peopleschoice

via Press Release

SEASON PREMIERE

VIEWERS CRAVE SECONDS

ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, “THE CHEW” RETURNS WITH BIG GUESTS, THEIR FIRST
BOOK AND EVEN BIGGER APPETITES, AS SEASON TWO KICKS OFF ON ABC

Katie Couric is the Featured Guest

The Chew: FOOD. LIFE. FUN to Be Released Tuesday, September 25 by Hyperion

ABC’s “The Chew” returns for its second season MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 (1:00-2:00 p.m. ET), bringing with it a smorgasbord of exciting guests, culinary creations and tips and tricks to make life healthier, easier and, frankly, a whole lot more fabulous. Season Two will also continue to showcase the hosts’ signature series, including “Five in Five,” “Mario’s Simple Italian,” “The Power of Oz,” as well as “Clinton’s Craft Corner” and “C&C Food Factory.”

Katie Couric is the featured guest, stopping by to preview the first day of her new syndicated talk show, “Katie,” with hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly and Daphne Oz.

On TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, Hyperion will publish The Chew: FOOD. LIFE. FUN, a companion book that gives viewers more to “chew on,” featuring seasonal recipes and commentary from the co-hosts.

Read More >>

via Press Release

“BAD25” DOCUMENTARY FROM ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR SPIKE LEE TO AIR ON ABC

Thanksgiving Special Celebrating the 25^th Anniversary of 

Michael Jackson’s Landmark “BAD” Album and Tour 

ABC has acquired the television rights to “BAD25,” a documentary film by the award-winning director Spike Lee. Airing at Thanksgiving (details to be announced at a later date), “BAD25” shares fresh insights into the King of Pop’s creative vision that resulted in his landmark “BAD” album, this year marking its 25^th anniversary.

“This will be a very special Thanksgiving for all families to enjoy the genius of Michael Jackson,” said Spike Lee. “Big thanks to ABC for allowing people to witness the making of Michael Jackson’s ‘BAD’ album. Shamon.”

Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Spike Lee teamed with The Estate of Michael Jackson and Legacy/Epic Records, carefully culling The Estate’s archives for rare and never-before-seen footage for the film which focuses on the creative forces that pushed Jackson to make the “BAD” album and launch the BAD Worldwide Tour. “BAD25” marks the first ever in-depth, behind-the-scenes film project to chronicle a Michael Jackson album and tour, and was filmed in advance of the 25^th anniversary celebration of the iconic album, the record-breaking world tour and the groundbreaking short films that changed music history. The album’s 25^th Anniversary will be celebrated on September 18, 2012 with the Legacy/Epic Records release of deluxe 25^th Anniversary editions of the album.

The documentary features numerous interviews conducted personally by Spike Lee, including Jackson’s confidants, choreographers, musicians and collaborators, such as Oscar-winning film director Martin Scorsese, Joe Pytka and others who worked on many of the iconic “BAD” videos, bringing Jackson’s songs to life on the screen through short films that remain some of the most vivid and creative storytelling by a musical artist.

ABC will air a version of “BAD25,” offering Michel Jackson fans across the country a rare look at the man who changed the music world forever (time to be announced at a later date.) Spike Lee documentaries include the Peabody and Emmy Award®-winning “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts” and its follow up, “If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise,” “Kobe Doin’ Work” and the Oscar-nominated “4 Little Girls.” Lee directed both short films for Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us” in 1996.

The third and final album collaboration for Jackson and Quincy Jones, “BAD” marked a pivotal coming of age for the King of Pop as a performer, composer and producer. The album was No. 1 around the world, made history with five consecutive No. 1 singles on the Billboard chart, produced nine chart-topping singles, nine groundbreaking short films, and to date has generated over 45 million units in sales. “BAD” was nominated for six Grammys and won two; the album also earned Jackson the Video Vanguard Award at the MTV VMA Awards. Songs on the original album are “Bad,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Speed Demon,” “Liberian Girl,” “Just Good Friends” featuring Stevie Wonder, “Another Part of Me,” “Man in the Mirror,” “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Dirty Diana,” “Smooth Criminal,” with “Leave Me Alone” added to the CD version of the album once released.

via Press Release

ANDREW T. KUBITZ NAMED EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, 

PROGRAM PLANNING & SCHEDULING, ABC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Photo Credit: Disney/ABC Television Group

Andrew Kubitz, an esteemed entertainment executive with 17 years of scheduling experience, has been named executive vice president, Program Planning & Scheduling, ABC Entertainment Group, it was announced today by Paul Lee, president, ABC Entertainment Group, to whom he will report. In his new role, Kubitz will have oversight of daytime, primetime and late-night program planning and scheduling, as well as film acquisition and theatrical inventory. Kubitz will also facilitate and coordinate windowing strategies for ABC Entertainment Group programming across all platforms.

“Andy’s appointment brings a fresh perspective and a strategic sensibility to our planning and scheduling efforts, joining a team that is second to none in our industry,” said Lee. “Together, I’m confident they will help us take ABC to a whole new level.”

Kubitz added: “I’m looking forward to joining the ABC Entertainment team. The network’s amazing programming and innovative approach to storytelling is exciting for viewers, myself included. It’s a thrill to participate in the creative process in an effort to better position the signature programming that so many hold near and dear to their hearts.”

Kubitz was most recently senior vice president of Program Planning & Scheduling for CBS Television, since 2010. In this position he was responsible for developing long term programming and scheduling strategies for CBS and the CW’s primetime, daytime and late night lineups. This included determining program schedules, episode orders, show repeat and original episode schedules, budget reviews and length of show runs. He also managed theatrical film acquisitions and theatrical inventory delivery requirements. Prior to this, Kubitz held a series of positions within CBS, having joined that company in December 1994 as a page in Los Angeles, CA.

Kubitz began his career with a diverse array of experience behind the camera, including associate producer & editor, L & L Pictures; videographer for Newline Cinema; film best boy/grip/first assistant camera operator at Visual Anthropology Productions; and videographer for ABC WAOW-TV.

Kubitz earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University.

via Press Release

ABC FAMILY CONTINUES ITS ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING MOMENTUM
WITH NEW PILOT PRODUCTION

Greenlit Pilots Include “The Fosters,” to Be Executive-Produced by Jennifer Lopez,
And “Socio,” to Be Executive-Produced by Gavin Polone

BURBANK, CA (August 23, 2012) – ABC Family, the millennial-skewing network, has greenlit two new drama pilots, “The Fosters” (working title), from executive producer Jennifer Lopez, and “Socio,” from executive producer Gavin Polone. Summer to date, ABC Family’s current crop of original series have made ABC Family cable TV’s #1 network in Prime in Women 18-34, and the #2 cable TV network in Females 12-34 and Female Teens.

“ABC Family continues to find and develop original programming that adds new dimension and depth to the storytelling we offer,” said Kate Juergens, executive vice president, Original Programming and Development, ABC Family. “Both these shows are headed by wonderful executive producers who know the millennial space well and know how to connect with audiences.”

From executive producer Jennifer Lopez (“American Idol,” “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” “The Back-Up Plan”) and created by Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige, who will also serve as writers and executive producers, “The Fosters” is a one-hour drama about a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms. Simon Fields and Greg Gugliotta will also serve as executive producers. The series is produced by Nuyorican Productions, Inc., and Prodco, Inc.

“Socio” is a one-hour drama centered on a charismatic 16-year-old alleged sociopath who recently reconnected with his two female best friends from childhood, and who becomes the prime suspect when a fellow student is murdered. The series will be executive-produced by Gavin Polone (“Gilmore Girls,” “Zombieland,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “My Boys,” “Jane by Design). Adam Milch (Greek), who wrote the pilot, will also serve as co-executive producer. The series is produced by Prodco, Inc.

Part of the Disney/ABC Television Group, ABC Family is distributed in over 97 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today’s families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relatable programming about today’s relationships – told with a mix of diversity, passion, humor and heart. ABC Family’s programming is a combination of network-defining original series and original movies, quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals. Emmy® Award-winning ABCFamily.com provides a variety of interactive entertainment and community features, from rich, fan-centric programming – including blogs, viewing parties, webisodes, full episodes of the network’s hit programming, along with sneak peek exclusive previews and behind-the-scenes clips. ABC Family is also the destination for annual Holiday events with “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas.” ABC Family. A New Kind of Family.

via Press Release

THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES
ANNOUNCES
DAVID MICHAELS
APPOINTED SENIOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
THE 40th ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY® AWARDS

New York – August 21, 2012 – The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced that David Michaels, Actor, Producer and Founder of TV Cares has been appointed Senior Executive Director of the Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Awards.

“David’s experiences in all genres of daytime television make him the perfect candidate to head up our Daytime Emmy® Awards operations,” said Malachy Wienges, Chairman NATAS. “His long time association with The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS) will be a valuable asset as the two Academies work closer together sharing the same goal of awarding excellence in television.”

“The Daytime Emmy® Awards remains the favorite annual event for so very many fans throughout the country,” said Mr. Michaels. “In a world where the face of television and especially Daytime is constantly transitioning and changing, we strive to keep the Daytime Emmy® Awards a vital and exciting event. I am very excited and honored to be working with NATAS as Senior Executive Director and about the upcoming awards year.”

David began working as an actor and a model at age 17, appearing in New York, around the USA, Canada and in Europe in productions including Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar, Purlie and Deathtrap. He worked steadily as an actor until he competed on a game show when an immediate fascination with the “behind the scenes” world of Daytime Television led to his first production job with Bob Stewart Productions. He rose quickly from production assistant to producer, doing over 25 pilots and air shows eventually producing shows such as The $25,000 and $100,000 Pyramids, starring Dick Clark, and garnering multiple nominations and two Emmy Awards. He also produced Pictionary for Dan Enright. Transitioning into the talk show world, David produced such shows as Vicki! (2 nominations), Leeza (2 nominations) and Caryl and Marilyn. He also produced and wrote the primetime special, Lie Detector.

At the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, David served as Co-Chairman of the Daytime Emmy Awards serving on the Board of Governors for 14 years as well as on numerous other committees. He founded TV Cares, ATAS’ AIDS awareness committee, chairing the committee with honorary co-chair, Angela Lansbury for 15 years. He also conceived and produced the annual Ribbon of Hope Celebration honoring programs and individuals for responsible programming in the area of AIDS awareness and education. Along with Tom Viola of Broadway Cares/Equity Fight AIDS, he helped to make the Red Ribbon an international symbol of AIDS Awareness. For two years, he produced and wrote The Ribbon of Hope live event as a Television Special for here! Networks, receiving another Daytime Emmy nomination. In addition, David spent ten years as the Director of Special Events for the Western Region of The Actors’ Fund of America.

David has produced countless star-studded live charity events, including, Tap Your Troubles Away: The Words & Music of Jerry Herman, Something Wonderful: the Richard Rodgers Centennial, Kurt Weill: The Centennial, Sing Happy: the Music and Words of Kander & Ebb, The Best is Yet to Come: The Music of Cy Coleman, Hooray For Love: The Harold Arlen Centennial; and Everything’s Coming Up Roses: The Jule Styne Centennial and Falsettos at the Wilshire Theatre.

About The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is a professional service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy® Award for News & Documentary, Sports, Daytime Entertainment, Daytime Creative Arts & Entertainment, Public & Community Service, and Technology & Engineering. Regional Emmy® Awards are given in 19 regions across the United States. Beyond awards, NATAS has extensive educational programs including the Regional Student Television Awards for outstanding journalistic work by high school students, as well as scholarships, publications, and major activities for both industry professionals and the viewing public. For more information, please visit the website at www.emmyonline.tv

via Press Release

NBC ANNOUNCES ‘THE NBC PRIMETIME PREVIEW SHOW’ TO SHOWCASE NEW FALL SEASON

HOSTED BY MATTHEW PERRY (‘GO ON’), SPECIAL PROVIDES WIDE SPECTRUM OF ACCESS ON BROADCAST AND ONLINE PLATFORMS FROM AUGUST 18 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30

Photo Credit: NBC Universal

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – August 17, 2012 – NBC pulls back the curtain with an exclusive backstage pass of the network’s new and returning series for Fall 2012, hosted by Matthew Perry and the cast of NBC’s new comedy “Go On,” in “The NBC Primetime Preview Show.”

The fast-paced entertainment special will showcase exclusive scenes of various series to be delivered across a wide horizon of NBCUniversal media platforms. The program is estimated to be distributed more than 500 times over broadcast, and across a variety of the NBCUniversal family of cable channels as well on digital platforms. The preview also will be made available to the affiliates’ and owned stations’ websites.

“The NBC Primetime Preview Show” will focus on NBC’s new shows for fall 2012, including the broadcast preview/premieres of “The New Normal” (September 11), “Guys with Kids” (preview on September 12 and regular time period premiere on September 26), “Revolution” (September 17) and “Chicago Fire” (October 10). Following additional previews of “Go On” and “Animal Practice” on August 21, “Go On” will premiere in its regular day and time on September 11 while “Animal Practice” makes its regular day and time period debut on September 26.

In addition, NBC’s other fall series premieres include “The Voice” (September 10); “Parenthood” (September 11); “Grimm” (regular day and time period premiere on September 21); “Up All Night,” “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” on September 20; “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” on September 26 (two-hour debut); “30 Rock” on October 4; “Whitney” and “Community” on October 19.

The annual Fall program will run from August 18 through September 30 and will be offered to NBC’s 235 television stations (check local listings) as well as a variety of the NBCU family of cable channels, NBC2Go, on-demand and broadband. NBC stations will also make it available on their websites while NBC.com will feature it as well. In addition, the program will be screened on selected American Airlines flights (estimated to be shown on approximately 11,000 flights).

“The NBC Primetime Preview Show” is produced by NBC Custom Content Marketing.

Fans are able to engage via MyNBC and their existing Facebook and Twitter profiles. Please follow us on http://www.facebook.com/nbc and at http://twitter.com/nbc.

NBC.com continues to offer full episodes and interactive experiences for all of its popular series at www.nbc.com.