Upfronts 2012: OWN Adding Five Primetime Series

Picks up third season of ‘Oprah's Master Class'; orders additional episodes of 'Welcome to Sweetie Pie's'

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 4/5/2012 11:12:45 AM

OWN on Thursday announced five new primetime series joining its lineup as well as the renewal of Oprah's Master Class for a third season and the order of 10 additional episodes of Welcome to Sweetie Pie's.

The four new docu-series are Elura and Michele Take Staten Island, about two best friends and former prosecutors turned housewives who help people deal with their problems; Iyanla Fix My Life, about an author/inspirational speaker/talk show host who helps people fix what is broken in their lives; Married to the Army: Alaska, about military wives stationed in Alaska; and Six Little McGhees (working title), which follows the lives of Mia and Rozonno McGhee as they juggle marriage, a family business and raising sextuplet toddlers.

The network is also developing a game show Are You Normal, America? from producer Barry Poznick and hosted by comedienne Kim Coles. The primetime series is based on the popular Oprah Winfrey Show segment that asks contestants universal burning questions for a chance to win money.

"The new series announced [Thursday] are relevant shows with real stakes, real drama and a whole lot of heart," said OWN co-president Sheri Salata in a statement.

OWN will make its presentation to advertisers Thursday afternoon at the Discovery Communications upfront in New York.