George Takei Expands Social Media Presence To YouTube And Teams Up With AARP For New Series

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The legendary George Takei is teaming up with AARP to boldly go where George has never gone before—a YouTube show! Debuting today at www.youtube.com/takeistake, Takei's Take is a new bi-weekly series produced by AARP that takes a smart, funny, irreverent look at what is happening in the world of the internet, and how it infiltrates our lives. As the host of Takei's Take, Takei will navigate the ever-changing online landscape and procure topics for further investigation.

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"I've had so much fun connecting with fans of all ages through Facebook and Twitter, and now with AARP, I'm looking forward to reaching even more people with our new Web series on YouTube," said Takei. "In this digital age, video content has become a powerful way to communicate and create a shared experience. Who doesn't love a good cat video! We'll also go beyond that and showcase the best of what's on the Web, plus go in depth on topics that will be relevant across generations."

Perhaps best known for playing Mr. Sulu on Star Trek, in recent years Takei has morphed into a popular culture icon and social media phenomenon. With a burgeoning Facebook following of more than 4.5 million likes and more than 800,000 Twitter followers, Takei and AARP hope to draw on his appeal across multiple generations and attract viewers on YouTube. Though primarily targeted to engage the 45+ demographic, the new series will appeal to people of all ages. Episodes will focus on technology, what's trending, and what's hot on the Web—from Google Glass and online dating, to Memes and GIFs—offering the audience Takei's point of view combined with his unique humor and charm.

"Older Americans are living the digital life and they're hungry for video content. Who better to help us bring it to them in a way that's fun and easy to digest than George Takei," said Myrna Blyth, Editorial Director for AARP. "George's appeal spans generations and viewers are in for a treat as he puts his comedic touch on explaining the latest that the tech world has to offer."

In addition to Takei, AARP is bringing in some of the industry's top talent to work on this project, with Fullscreen and Portal A signed on to produce and write the series. The series will also primarily be shot at YouTube's Los Angeles facility. Some of YouTube's most well-known personalities will be featured as guests with Lamar Wilson, David So and Michael Buckley among those confirmed to appear in the series.

Recent data shows that a large majority of boomers watch online video with 84% of boomers reporting YouTube as the preferred site and one in three Boomer online video viewers spend more time watching online videos than TV*. Additional information as well as video clips of the series can be found online at www.aarp.org.

(Google/Ipsos MediaCT U.S., March 2013)

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Espanol, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org. ​

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Image with caption: "GEORGE TAKEI EXPANDS SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE TO YOUTUBE AND TEAMS UP WITH AARP FOR NEW SERIES." Image available at: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130917/MM81135

SOURCE AARP