VH1 Greenlights New Fall Seasons for One Icon, Four Mob Wives, and Four Hip Hop Insiders

VH1 Greenlights New Fall Seasons for One Icon, Four Mob Wives, and Four Hip Hop Insiders

Beloved Series "Pop Up Video" Returns to VH1 After a 10-Year Hiatus

VH1's Two Newest Hit Series "Mob Wives" And "Love & Hip Hop" Renewed For Second Seasons

"Mob Wives" Reunion Special Set for Sunday, July 10 at 8 PM ET/PT

LOS ANGELES, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VH1 has given the greenlight for new fall seasons of three series that appeal to young adults' music, pop culture and nostalgia sensibilities, including the return of beloved series "Pop Up Video." The channel has also handed second season pick-ups to its two newest hit series "Mob Wives," which averaged 1.3 million total viewers for its premiere episodes during its first five weeks on the air, and "Love & Hip Hop," which has averaged over 1 million viewers per premiere episode.

"'Pop Up Video' has stood the test of time, ranking as one of the most iconic series in recent television history. For years, people have practically begged, 'Please bring back Pop Up Video!' It's a show and format that now evokes nostalgia for VH1's young adult audience," said Tom Calderone, President, VH1.

"Both 'Mob Wives' and 'Love & Hip Hop' are smash hits for VH1, generating strong buzz and viewership for months now. Our viewers have connected passionately with these women and their unique, authentic stories in the realms of pop culture and music. We're very happy to be able continue those storylines," said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President of Original Programming & Production, VH1.

After a 10-year hiatus, VH1 has decided to bring back one of the channel's most talked about and iconic series, "Pop Up Video." The network has ordered 60 episodes of the familiar format featuring current videos, some new graphics and the beloved pop-up "bubbles" of priceless details and insights. Slated to return this fall, "Pop Up Video" will also integrate interactive elements including user polling and user-generated pop up content that will be reflected in the show. New popped music videos will also be available for viewing and sharing on VH1.com as they air on TV.

Original co-creator Woody Thompson is attached to the series as an executive producer for Eyeboogie. Executive producing for VH1 are Shelly Tatro, Karla Hidalgo and Jeff Olde.

VH1's newest hit series "Mob Wives," still in its premiere season, has been picked up for a second season after only five episodes which have averaged 1.3 million total viewers per episode. The series gives viewers an unfiltered look into this closed-door society as Renee, Karen, Carla and Drita face daily life challenges while their husbands and fathers do time for alleged mob-related activities. United by a bond which few understand, the women are all struggling with their identities and their futures as they raise their kids as single parents. "Mob Wives" can currently be seen on VH1 on Sunday nights at 8:00pm ET/PT. Season two is slated to premiere this fall with 12 new episodes. In addition, the "Mob Wives" reunion special will air on Sunday, July 10 at 8:00pm ET/PT.

"Mob Wives" is produced by The Weinstein Company (Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein), Electus (Ben Silverman, Jimmy Fox), JustJenn Productions (Jennifer Graziano) and Left/Right (Banks Tarver, Ken Druckerman and Nina Diaz). Executive producers for VH1 include Shelly Tatro, Kari McFarland, Rick Hankey and Jeff Olde.

VH1's hit docu-series "Love & Hip Hop," which has averaged over 1 million total viewers per premiere episode, has been picked up for a second season. The premiere of the series reunion special on Monday, May 16 drew 1.3 million total viewers. The series follows four dynamic women who are connected to the world of hip hop, whether it's through the men they love or their struggle to be heard as artists. In the premiere season "Love & Hip Hop" showed the world what life is really like without the fans and the paparazzi. Through their successes and failures both professionally and personally, Chrissy, Olivia, Emily, and Somaya gave it their all for love and hip hop. Season two is set to premiere in the fall and will consist of 10 one-hour episodes.

VH1's "Love & Hip Hop" is executive produced by Mona Scott-Young for Monami Entertainment, Toby Barraud and Stefan Springman for NFGTV. Jim Ackerman, and Jeff Olde are executive producers for VH1.

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 98 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, and extensive video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

SOURCE VH1

VH1

CONTACT: Scott Acord, +1-310-752-8075, Scott.Acord@VH1.com; or Toni Herron, +1-212-846-7528, Toni.Herron@vh1.com

Web Site: http://www.vh1.com

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