MTV Announces Two "Jersey Shore" Spinoffs

NEW YORK, April 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- David Janollari, MTV Head of Programming, and Chris Linn, MTV Executive Vice President of Programming and Head of Production, today announced that the network is set to build upon its record-breaking series "Jersey Shore" by greenlighting new programming that will feature cast members Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Paul "DJ Pauly D" Delvecchio and Jenni "JWoww" Farley. Executive Produced by SallyAnn Salsano of 495 Productions, the two untitled reality projects begin production later this year and are slated to air in 2012. Both series will chronicle the lives all three lead away from their summer shares and housemates in the trademark humorous and unapologetic style that made "Jersey Shore" a pop culture phenomenon and TV's top-rated cable series of 2010.

"The 'Jersey Shore' cast is at the center of the show's ongoing success and Nicole, Pauly D and Jenni have become household names as a result of their unique, sometimes outrageous and often hilarious personalities," said Chris Linn, MTV Executive Vice President of Programming and Head of Production. "We're excited to put the spotlight on their lives away from the shore as they pursue their individual passions, careers and relationships. Both series are fun, fresh ways for us to evolve what is an already successful brand for us."

"As we continue to reinforce our position as the entertainment destination for the Millennial generation, these two shows fit perfectly into that overall strategy, and we're thrilled to add them to our diverse line-up," said David Janollari, MTV Head of Programming.  

The following two shows have been greenlit for series:

UNTITLED NICOLE "SNOOKI" POLIZZI AND JENNI "JWOWW" FARLEY PROJECT – Fans of "Jersey Shore" watched, laughed and marveled as Snooki and JWoww forged a genuine bond sure to go down in TV history. Always inseparable and ready to get the party started at the shore, viewers will get to see how they deal with life and love when the vacation is over in this 12-episode series. The locale may be different, but the friendship is sure to remain the same.

UNTITLED PAUL "DJ PAULY D" DELVECCHIO PROJECT – Whether it's Seaside Heights or Miami – no one has more swagger, one-liners or a more distinctive haircut than DJ Pauly D. Set to air for 12-episodes, this series follows Pauly D's jet-setting and often hilarious life on the road as one of the country's most in-demand DJs. Aiming to become one of the world's most successful and recognized names in music, viewers will get to see Pauly D chase his dream with the help of the best friends he grew up with in Rhode Island by his side.

A true pop culture phenomenon, "Jersey Shore" is MTV's #1 series of all time.  "Jersey Shore" Season Three averaged a 7.7 P12-34 rating, up 35% versus Season Two and up 196% from Season One. Since premiering on January 6, "Jersey Shore" is 2011's #1 series across all television with P12-34.  Last year, "Jersey Shore" ranked #1 among all original cable series.

First Quarter 2011 was MTV's highest-rated quarter in five years and through the end of the quarter, MTV is up +26% year-to-year. Ratings gains in the first quarter are fueled by a 91% spike in MTV's "10 Spot," the network's branded 10pm – 11pm time period (Monday – Thursday) where it is the #1 destination on television.  In the first quarter, MTV posted rating gains for all of its returning "10 Spot" shows.

The "Untitled Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi and Jenni 'JWoww' Farley Project" and "Untitled Paul 'DJ Pauly D' Delvecchio Project" are produced by 495 Productions – the production company behind "Jersey Shore." Both series will be executive produced by SallyAnn Salsano for 495 Productions and Jacquelyn French for MTV. Andrew Portnoy is Executive in Charge of Production on both series for MTV. Larry Rudolph serves as Executive Producer and Adam Leber as producer of the "Untitled Paul 'DJ Pauly D' Delvecchio Project" for ReignDeer Entertainment.

Source:  The Nielsen Company.  Live+SD P12-34 coverage ratings.  12/27/10-03/27/11.

About MTV:

MTV is the world's premier youth entertainment brand.   With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people.  MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its Emmy®, Grammy® and Peabody® award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile.  MTV's sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unparalleled customized content for young males, music fans and college students, and its online hub MTV.com is the leading destination for music, news and pop culture.  MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  For more information, go to www.mtvpress.com.

SOURCE MTV