MTV Adds Six New Series to Programming Slate

Four reality and two scripted shows join lineup

By Tim Baysinger -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/16/2011 4:49:01 PM

MTV has picked up six new series -- four reality and two scripted -- it was announced Friday by David Janollari, head of MTV Programming.

Joining the network's lineup are reality series Catfish, Hoods, Wake Brothers and Wait Till Next Year. Catfish, based on the popular Sundance film of the same name, will bring together couples who've only interacted via LCD to meet in person for the first time. Hoods is a docu-series that will follow celebrities as they go back to their respective hometowns to reconnect with their roots. Wake Brothers will take a look into the lives of two wakeboarding professionals, Philip and Bob Soven, who are also brothers. Wait Till Next Year details the struggles of Chicago's Lincoln Park High School football team as they try to turn around their program.

MTV has also added a pair of scripted series, Underemployment and Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous. Underemployment chronicles five friends a year after college graduation as each struggles to make ends meet. In Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous, the title character drops out of college and tries to become famous, despite no discernible talent. Comic star Bo Burnham has signed on to play the title role.

"On the heels of our summer ratings success, we're thrilled to add these unique new series to our schedule," said Janollari. "These shows underscore our commitment to further diversifying our schedule, as we continue to solidify our place as the entertainment destination for our core Millennial audience."

MTV enjoyed a banner summer in 2011, with six of the top 20 original cable series among P12-34, including Jersey Shore and Teen Mom at #1 and #2, respectively. The 2011 edition of the MTV Video Music Awards was the net's highest rated telecast ever, with 12.4 million viewers.