Have a Spring Fling on VH1 with Three All-New Series April 17

NEW YORK, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VH1 welcomes spring with three all-new series premiering April 17. "Mob Wives," "Audrina" and "Saddle Ranch" give viewers a look into the lives of three diverse groups of people trying to survive and thrive in this dog-eat-dog world. "Mob Wives" introduces four Staten Island women, at a crossroads, having to pick up the pieces of their lives and carry on while their husbands and fathers do time for alleged Mob-related activities, premiering Sunday, April 17 at 8 pm ET/PT. Then, watch as breakout reality star, model and actress Audrina Patridge takes her career to the next level while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy with her large, outrageous, Orange County family in "Audrina" premiering Sunday, April 17 at 9 pm ET/PT, followed by an inside look at the cutthroat world of trying to make it big in Hollywood while waiting tables to pay the bills in "Saddle Ranch" at 9:30 pm ET/PT.

"Mob Wives" premieres Sunday, April 17 at 8 PM*

All the myths, legends and tales about "mob life" have centered on the men who run these wrong-side-of-the-law closed societies until now. VH1 will debut a provocative new series, "Mob Wives," on Sunday, April 17 at 8:00 PM. The series follows a group of suburban women who lead anything but "normal" lives, a sisterhood forged by suffering, shame and the strength it takes to start over and find their own identities.

Renee Graziano grew up during the heyday of the mob, enjoying the lavish lifestyle that her father Anthony Graziano's connections afforded her. But now that her ex-husband is facing charges, she is doing her best to balance her allegiance to the street life and hopes that her son will live a life that is free of it. Karen Gravano, daughter of the legendary Mafia informant 'Sammy the Bull Gravano' who took down John Gotti and the Gambino crime family, is returning to Staten Island after 12 years. She feels it is now time to step out of her father's infamous past and reconnect with old friends. Drita D'avanzo must take care of her two daughters while her husband serves his second round of jail time for bank robbery. Drita must figure out if she wants to continue with this lifestyle or if it's time to move on and find a way to support her family on her own. Carla Facciolo grew up with a father in prison, but it hasn't stopped her from living the lifestyle she grew to love. Although Carla thought she had finally gotten away from the lifestyle she lived growing up, her husband was convicted of stock fraud and sentenced to an 8-year stretch in federal prison. Do these women have what it takes to step out of the mob lifestyle and make a life of their own to take care of their families? Watch it unfold when "Mob Wives" premieres on VH1 April 17 at 8:00 pm ET/PT.

Produced by The Weinstein Company (TWC) and Ben Silverman's Electus, and created and executive produced by real-life "mob daughter" Jennifer Graziano of JustJenn Productions.

"Audrina" premieres Sunday, April 17 at 9 PM*

Mark Burnett and VH1 have teamed up to give viewers a never-before-seen look into the life of Audrina Patridge on VH1's "Audrina" premiering April 17 at 9pm ET/PT. Besides Audrina's blossoming career and tumultuous love life, the television personality has something else to focus on – her family. VH1's "Audrina" will introduce the world to a never-before-seen side of Audrina – her large, outrageous, Orange County family. As she advances her acting, modeling and business career, she is juggling a prominent role in her large, tight-knit family. With her tell-it-like-it-is mom, Lynn, and chilled-out dad, Mark, at the center of this crazy bunch, Audrina is still expected to have an active presence in the lives of her three younger siblings: former wild child Casey, now married to motocross star Kyle Loza and mother of two; genial younger brother Marky, who aspires to pro motocross himself and has an annoying habit of befriending Audrina's exes; and 15-year-old sister Samantha, who is already exhibiting a rebellious streak that could put Casey and Audrina's to shame. Work-focused and family-oriented, yet still sexy and dynamic, Audrina shows a personal side of herself on VH1 that is funny, relatable and endearing to anyone who's ever had to balance the expectations of family and friends against their own hopes and dreams. From her #1 debuting album Kaleidoscope Heart, Sara Bareilles' anthemic song "Uncharted" is the theme music for VH1's "Audrina." Other songs from "Kaleidoscope Heart" will also be used throughout the series as featured placements.

"Saddle Ranch" premieres Sunday, April 17 at 9:30 PM*

Every year, thousands of young people come to Hollywood to chase their dreams and while they're waiting to be discovered they've got to pay the bills. If they're dynamic, outrageous, and lucky, they work at the hottest place on the famous Sunset Strip – Saddle Ranch Chop House. "Saddle Ranch" takes us on a sexy, rock 'n roll mechanical bull ride into the lives, loves, and "fake it 'til you make it" dreams of the guys and girls who work at this iconic restaurant - from the hosts at the bottom of the totem pole, to the beautiful bartenders and wait staff, to the demanding managers who watch their every serve and pour. We'll also follow the staff in their daily lives as they struggle to make a career in show business. Some will go on to be celebrities themselves (Kelly Clarkson and AnnaLynne McCord are just a few of the many former bartenders who are now celebrities). Others will get distracted by the easy money, late nights and fast living of the Hollywood nightlife. Only a lucky few will see their lifelong dream come true. For some, it will be a bad dream that they can't wake up from. Others will discover working at "Saddle Ranch" is a dream come true of its own.

For more information on these shows, including video clips and full episodes throughout the season, go to VH1.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 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.

*All times ET/PT

SOURCE VH1