truTV to Introduce 'Bigger, Bolder, Broader' Original Programming

Related: truTV, Bigger, bolder and Broader

"Bigger, bolder, broader" is the watch cry as truTV adds several new original series to its production and development slate. The network is placing a strong emphasis on comedic and action-packed "actuality" programming designed to appeal to its young adult and young male audience. Projects in the works include a unique new game show set on an airplane, which is being developed by Howie Mandel and his Production Company, Alevy Productions. truTV has also ordered a pilot starring Shaquille O'Neal and developed by Fishbowl Worldwide Media, with America's Funniest Home Videos creator/executive producer Vin Di Bona and Tosh.0 co-creator Mike Gibbons among the executive producers.

Marc Juris, executive vice president and chief operating officer of truTV says, "We're programming with an eye towards creating content that works across multiple screens and establishing ourselves as a truly multi-platform brand."

For this year's Upfront, rather than putting on a single large presentation, truTV hit the road to conduct in-person meetings with small groups of key clients. "Given the rapidly changing media environment, we decided the big budget upfront presentation does not provide the opportunity to sit down and develop unique solutions for our clients," Juris said. "This year we don't want to pitch. We want to partner."

Looking ahead, truTV is working in the development arena to craft additional on-target series for the network's audience. truTV is specifically focusing on the comedic reality genre, with an eye toward shows that tap into the network's recent success with the acquired hit Wipeout.

Here's a rundown of what truTV has coming down the pike:

New Series

Killer Karaoke - New series premiering later this year

Unlike anything else on TV, popular comedian and Jackass star Steve-O hosts this outrageous singing contest that challenges contestants to break out in song in the midst of extreme, hilarious and sometimes skin-crawling physical challenges. The hits just keep on coming as contestants try to carry a tune under fire. Killer Karaoke comes to truTV from Zodiak USA, producer of the network's popular Hardcore Pawn and Lizard Lick Towing.

Guinness World Records Gone Wild - New series premiering later this year

A new series that challenges everyday people to push themselves to do astonishing things for their place in history. Among the records the show will set out to break are the most panes of glass run through in one minute, fastest time to jump over three oncoming cars and the highest dive into 12 inches of water. Guinness World Records Gone Wild is produced for truTV by High Noon Entertainment (Cake Boss, Tough Love).

Container Wars - Cast-contingent series

This auction show is unlike any other auction show on television, because this one takes place in a commercial shipping port. The cast will compete against each other to buy the contents of huge shipping containers that have come from all around the world. They have no idea what's inside the containers until the doors are opened. They then have only have a few minutes to assess what's visible and decide whether to bid. The winner of each container then checks the contents in greater detail and decides on the amount of profit or loss they are likely to make. Container Wars comes to truTV from T Group Productions.

Hardcore Pawn: Fort Bragg - New series premiering in July

Guns Plus is a truly unique pawn store that is a favorite of the thousands of soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg, as well as their proud families, friends and supporters. Located next to the legendary military base, Guns Plus is staffed by military veterans, including ex-Marines and Special Ops soldiers, who have an amazing first-hand knowledge of the rare and collectible weapons that come through their doors on a daily basis. For this series, viewers will be taken behind the scenes for very different look at the pawn business, focusing almost entirely on weapons and military equipment. Hardcore Pawn: Fort Bragg comes to truTV from Zodiak USA, producer of the network's popular Hardcore Pawn and Lizard Lick Towing.

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