VH1 Presents a Slate of All-New Music and Pop Culture Series, Events, Documentaries and Specials for Fall 2008

VH1 Presents a Slate of All-New Music and Pop Culture Series, Events, Documentaries and Specials for Fall 2008

"100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs," "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew: Season 2," "Eddie Griffin: Going for Broke," "Gotti's Way: Season 2," "New Kids On The Block: A Behind The Music Special Event," "Real Chance Of Love," "Rock Of Love: Charm School," "Scream Queens," The Fifth Annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" And "VH1 Rock Doc: NWA: The World's Most Dangerous Group"

NEW YORK, Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Although the weather is beginning to cool off, VH1 remains hot with the new fall line-up beginning September 2008. The autumn slate will include some returning favorites as well as the premieres of some brand new programming, reflecting our nation's insatiable appetite for music and pop culture.

PREMIERES:

"100 GREATEST HIP HOP SONGS" - PREMIERES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 AT 10PM*

VH1 is paying tribute to rap royalty by counting down the "100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs." This ultimate celebration will have it all - from old school classics to gangsta rap and everything in between. This five-part series, beginning Monday, September 29 - Friday, October 3 is a compilation of beats and lyrical rhymes isn't just a countdown - VH1 will also reveal the story behind each hit and provide updates on what the hit-makers of hip hop's past are doing today. The series will also feature new, original interviews with hip-hop's biggest names, plus rare and archival performances. Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, OutKast, Eminem and Grandmaster Flash are just some of the artists to be profiled.

"SCREAM QUEENS" - PREMIERES SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 AT 10PM*

The "Scream Queens" project gathers 10 unknown actresses vying for an unprecedented prize - a major role in a horror movie from Lionsgate Films. The contestants will compete in a series of challenges designed to prove they have the smarts, talent and vocal strength to succeed. Writer-director-producer James Gunn, known best as the writer of the horror film, "Slither" as well as the remake of "Dawn of the Dead," actress Shawnee Smith and acting coach John Homa will serve as judges on this upcoming reality competition series.

"REAL CHANCE OF LOVE" - PREMIERES MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 AT 9PM*

America's two favorite brothers Real and Chance tried to steal New York's heart in the VH1's hit series "I Love New York" but were both left broken-hearted. Now the "Stallionaires" are back and ready to find love in their own new 11-episode series. Real and Chance will get their much deserved, and much anticipated chance to find real love as 15 young ladies move into their Stallionaire ranch house and try to capture their hearts. In the final episode, Chance and Real will make the most difficult decision of their lives. With two women vying for each of their hearts, they must decide who they would like to take a real chance of love with, and who's going home alone.

"EDDIE GRIFFIN: GOING FOR BROKE" PREMIERES MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 AT 10PM*

From his sitcom "Malcolm and Eddie," to movies like "Undercover Brother" to his sold-out standup tours, comedian Eddie Griffin is a major player in the comedy game. He's also one of the hardest working men in the entertainment industry ... and he better be. He has eight children, two ex-wives, four "baby-mamas" and an entourage of family and friends who make his life complete. Problem is ... they are also bleeding him dry - Financially.

Premiering Monday, November 3 at 10PM*, "Eddie Griffin: Going for Broke" is a 30 minute docu-series that will give viewers an intimate look into Eddie's struggle to get his life under control and how he deals with the pressure of supporting himself and his whole family. Eddie's problem is his generous heart, preventing him from making the painful choices necessary to bring himself out of a financial nose dive. Enter Doris, Eddie's mom, who's just the person to give him a big dose of tough love. Will Mom tolerate the blow-out parties and fast Hollywood life that Eddie loves so much? Her efforts to do this are proving unsuccessful. Can she open Eddie's eyes to the fact that his life is out of control? That's up to Eddie.

DOCUMENTARIES:

"VH1 ROCK DOC: NWA: THE WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS GROUP" - PREMIERES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3 AT 11PM*

When the album "Straight Outta Compton" was released in late 1988, television and radio wanted nothing to do with it. The music the album contained was so perverse and forbidden that politicians were quick to condemn it, highbrow critics questioned whether it was even music at all, and the FBI wanted to ban it. Despite the protests, the album that was made in just six weeks for $8000 went on to redefine hip-hop and sell 3 million copies. The latest installment in the Emmy Award-winning VH1 Rock Docs franchise, "NWA: The World's Most Dangerous Group" tells the story of a group of childhood friends from Compton who channeled the rage of the streets through the prism of rap music and pop culture. Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice-Cube, MC Ren and DJ Yella gave a powerful voice to the late-80's Compton ghetto that was on the verge of exploding, and in the process scared much of White America. Often misunderstood, NWA's raging raps about police violence, gang-land terror and drug-fueled shooting sprees gave the ultimate voice to the voiceless. The doc features interviews with Ice Cube, MC Ren, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, Eazy-E's widow Tomica Woods-Wright, former manager Jerry Heller, Ice-T, and director John Singleton. Supplemented by rarely-seen footage and interviews from the group's early days, photos, and music, the documentary will show how gangsta rap was born in late 80s Los Angeles, a city torn by drugs and violence ... and how a nation grew to fear the music that emerged.

RETURNING SERIES:

"ROCK OF LOVE: CHARM SCHOOL" - PREMIERES, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 AT 9:00 PM*

Rock and roll royalty Sharon Osbourne is taking on a new role as headmistress of VH1's "Rock of Love: Charm School" premiering on VH1 on Sunday, October 12 at 9:00 PM*. Osbourne has been given the task of teaching some of the most notorious contestants from "Rock of Love with Bret Michaels" the art of becoming more lady-like. Whether you love them or love to hate them, there's no denying that these rough-around-the-edges women need a respectable mentor who knows what it takes to become a rockin' leading lady.

Breakout stars from both seasons of "Rock of Love" will come together under one roof to learn and grow in areas of etiquette, fashion, manners, and moderation. They will be refined in hopes to graduate "Charm School" as sophisticated and polite ladies. And who better to push these girls down the road to renewal and re-discovery than Sharon Osbourne. As Headmistress of "Charm School," Sharon will attempt to transform the rebellious girls into gracious ladies who rock.

The contestants will focus on one lesson a week followed by a demanding test. Whoever doesn't measure up to the challenges of "Charm School" will be expelled. In the end, the last one standing will be rewarded with $100,000 to put towards her new and improved life.

"CELEBRITY REHAB WITH DR. DREW: SEASON TWO" - PREMIERS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 AT 10PM*

VH1 has once again partnered with Dr. Drew Pinsky for a second season of the hit reality series "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew." Similar to the first cycle, the second season of "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" will follow the real-life experiences of celebrity patients undergoing detoxification and treatment at a center in the Los Angeles area. The 8 episode series will chronicle the patients' intensive 21-day program with both group and one-on-one therapy and non-traditional therapies like art and music. The show will follow Jeff Conaway as he checks back into rehab after a series of back surgeries, setbacks and subsequent reliance on pain medications. Joining him in rehab are Sean Stewart (Sons of Hollywood), Amber Smith (model/actress), Rodney King, Nikki McKibbon (American Idol), Steven Adler (Guns n Roses) and Tawny Kitaen (Actress). Gary Busey, who is 13 years sober from his cocaine addiction, will also be joining the cast to take the journey with the others and to share his experiences on the recovery process.

"GOTTI'S WAY: SEASON TWO" - PREMIERES MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 AT 10:30PM*

It's the second season for VH1's "Gotti's Way" and life goes on for Irv, Deb and the kids. This new season is about "breaking the cycle" - for Deb, that means taking the first steps towards independence and showing her kids that this is not the way a marriage is supposed to be. For Irv, the record industry, and in particular hip-hop, are in dire straits and there are no signs of change.

Irv's kids, Sonny, JJ, and Angie, continue their trials and tribulations of "growing up." Even though non-traditional, they are still a family: Angie is dating and beginning to look at colleges, Sonny is becoming a talented basketball player, and JJ is still the baby in the family. This is definitely not the Cosbys' or Run's House ... but it is clear that whatever way things turn out, they are going to be "Gotti's Way."

SPECIAL EVENTS:

"NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: A BEHIND THE MUSIC SPECIAL EVENT" - PREMIERES SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 AT 8PM*

In a first-of-its-kind production, the "New Kids On The Block" 90-minute special will celebrate the history of the "New Kids On The Block" while also documenting their inspired 2008 reunion in their own words. Interspersed throughout the special will be live reports from Boston, counting down VH1's live broadcast of the first three songs from the group's sold-out concert at the TD Banknorth Garden in their hometown.

THE FIFTH ANNUAL "VH1 HIP HOP HONORS" - PREMIERES MONDAY, OCTOBER 6 AT 10PM*

VH1 has announced the five honorees for their fifth annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors:" Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Slick Rick, Naughty By Nature, and Too $hort. Hosted once again by actor/comedian Tracy Morgan, this year's musical celebration will give viewers a chance to step back and reminisce on a time when hip hop music began to make its greatest impact on American pop culture.

Premiering, Monday, October 6 at 10PM*, generations of hip hop pioneers will bridge the gap for one exceptional night with the original style and flavor that sparked a revolution and continues to fuel an evolution around the world. Additional performances and appearances will be announced shortly.

VH1 CLASSIC:

"RUSH HASHANAH" - PREMIERES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, BEGINNING AT 7PM*

From sunset to sunrise on Monday, September 29 rock band Rush will celebrate the Jewish New Year, during "Rush Hashanah" on VH1 Classic. The 24-hour tribute to Rush will include two of the band's concerts including "Rush in Rio" and "R30" as well as past and present videos from band.

"VH1 CLASSIC ALL TIME TOP 10" - PREMIERES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 AT 10PM*

VH1 Classic will celebrate the biggest and best in music during "VH1 Classic All Time Top 10." The new series will premiere Friday, October 10 at 10:00 PM and a new episode will air every Friday at 10:00 PM for the following 10 weeks. Hosted by Mark Goodman, each episode will focus on a specific artist or genre of music including Def Leppard, Madonna, Bon Jovi, AC/DC, Duran Duran, Van Halen, male singers, female singers, metal and many more.

"AC/DC DAY" - PREMIERES SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19

One of the baddest bands in the land, AC/DC is returning after eight years. The group's new album, "Black Ice," hits stores October 21 and VH1 Classic is celebrating the new release with a 24-hour marathon. Sit back and relax with AC/DC as VH1 Classic takes you through archival footage of the group, BBC concerts, and videos from the band.

"VH1 CLASSIC GIVES THANKS FOR PINK FLOYD" - PREMIERES THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27 BEGINNING AT 11AM*

VH1 Classic is 'giving thanks' to one of the best rock bands in history -- Pink Floyd. Throughout the day, the network will air documentaries including "The Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett Story," and "Pink Floyd: Which One's Pink?" and will recount the story behind the making of one of the group's most influential albums during "Classic Albums: Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon." The 'day of thanks' will wind down with a presentation of the band's iconic movie "The Wall."

"VH1 CLASSIC ONE-HIT WONDERS" - PREMIERES MONDAY, DECEMBER 1 - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 AT 9:00PM*

Hosted by Carrie Keagan, "VH1 Classic One-Hit Wonders," premiering on Monday, December 1 at 9:00 PM will salute the biggest one-hit music phenomenons in various categories including dance, metal, rap, new wave, ladies and more. They're the songs you can't help but sing ... and the music videos you love to watch.

VH1 SOUL

"SOULSTAGE: RAPHAEL SAADIQ PRESENTED BY INFINITI" PREMIERING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 AT 9PM*

This 30-minute musical experience features Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and record producer Raphael Saadiq. Raphael, who first burst onto the scene as the lead vocalist in the R&B and dance trio Tony! Toni! Tone!, will perform exclusively on VH1 Soul, songs from his upcoming album "The Way I See It" in stores September 16, 2008. Viewers will also have the opportunity to hear him share his inspiration behind such hits as "Me and You" and "Anniversary."

"SOUL CITIES" SERIES - PREMIERES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 AT 9PM *

Every city has a soul - a special local combination of culture, food and music that defines it for the world. Hosted by writer and filmmaker Nelson George, "Soul Cities" is a music history/travel show that visits American cities that gave birth to soul music. The show will guide viewers to the wonderful culture that is a city's heartbeat. VH1 Soul will visit studios, bars, churches, radio stations and restaurants that inspired soul and that today keep the culture alive.

Premiering on VH1 Soul on Tuesday, November 11 at 9PM*, this 30-minute series will feature exclusive, never-before-seen interviews with some of the biggest names in urban culture. Nelson George, serving also as Executive Producer for the series, will talk with some of the most influential musical artists of our time, speaking with them about their journey from their hometown to the stage and everything in between. The series will also showcase live music from the artists themselves. This new and compelling series will be a warm and soulful experience, appealing to adults that connect the past and present via music, food and lifestyle. The cities being profiled in the series are Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Oakland.

For more information on all these shows, please log onto VH1.com, VH1Classic.com and VH1Soul.com.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1 Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that present videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60's, 70's and 80's, including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, Madonna, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police and many more. Learn more at VH1Classic.com.

Launched in 1997, VH1 Soul is the 24-hour network that brings music lovers the hottest, soul, neo-soul an R&B hits from the 90s and today featuring core artists such as Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Outkast, Mary J. Blige and Usher. VH1 Soul, the premier source for all R&B and soul music, is now seen in the Top 20 U.S. markets for African-Americans and is available in nearly 20 million U.S. households.

* All Times ET/PT

Contact:

Surayyah McCarthy
212-846-8433
Surayyah.McCarthy@VH1Staff.com

Source: VH1

CONTACT: Surayyah McCarthy, VH1, +1-212-846-8433,
Surayyah.McCarthy@VH1Staff.com

Web site: http://vh1.com/
http://vh1classic.com/
http://vh1soul.com/

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