TV Land Announces A Brand New Look Reflecting The Channel's Evolution

NEW YORK, May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time since the launch of the network 16 years ago, TV Land is unveiling a new and re-imagined logo plus re-designed on-air packaging and graphics, it was announced today by Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. Gone is the logo with a classic TV screen and retro style. Instead, beginning Wednesday, May 9, viewers will see a fresh mark with a nod to the channel's roots, a change that reflects the evolution of the network itself. No longer a channel made up of shows strictly from yesteryear, TV Land is now finding success using a combination of programming including new original series, sitcoms of the recent past and, of course, classic TV.

In another network first, TV Land is adding a second night of original sitcoms to the schedule. This summer, the network will air three original series beginning Wednesday, June 20. In the channel's regular Wednesday night originals block from 10-11pm ET/PT, "The Soul Man," starring Cedric "The Entertainer" and Niecy Nash, will debut the first of its 12 episode run, followed by the second season premiere of "The Exes," starring Donald Faison, Wayne Knight, David Alan Basche, Kelly Stables and Kristen Johnston, which will also air for 12 episodes. Then, beginning Tuesday, June 26, TV Land will begin the 10-episode second season of "Retired at 35," starring George Segal, Jessica Walter, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Johnathan McClain and Josh McDermitt at 10pm ET/PT alongside a repeat of hit series "Hot in Cleveland" starring Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick and Betty White.

"TV Land has evolved significantly over the past few years.  It became clear that the overall look and feel of the channel needed to sync up better with our programming line-up," said Jones. "This fresh design signals to our viewers that TV Land is delivering a deeply engaging experience; it's a place where they know they can come for a laugh and enjoy high quality original and timeless sitcoms."

The new look also reflects a generational shift of the channel's target demo of 25-54 year-olds. While the network has always targeted forty-somethings, now that age group consists mostly of Generation X, replacing the Baby Boomers commonly known as "the TV Generation."  The visual identity of TV Land now has a more contemporary sensibility to serve this target audience.

Kim Rosenblum, executive vice president, creative and marketing, TV Land, led the re-design initiative and shaped the entire network look. Rosenblum and her team partnered with Trollback + Company to design the logo and packaging, as well as CORD Worldwide, who created the new TV Land mnemonic and theme.  The new logo combined with the bold, colorful look will appear on-air, online, in digital endeavors and in off-air marketing for programming launches.

"TV Land is a fun, timeless brand," adds Rosenblum.  "When we embarked on this project, we started from scratch, with just those qualities in mind.  In the end, we built a logo, look and tagline that speaks to our brand attributes and will leave our viewers smiling – speaking to our key goal of ensuring light-hearted, quality entertainment."

The re-designed network look comes on the heels of the recent launch of TV Land's new tagline, "Laugh More." Officially adopted in December 2011, the tagline identifies the network as a carefree and upbeat environment, and serves as a call to action for viewers, encouraging them to tune-in for great sitcoms and beloved stars in original hit series such as "Hot in Cleveland" and "Happily Divorced" as well as contemporary classics like "Everybody Loves Raymond," "King of Queens" and "Roseanne."

The current season of "Hot in Cleveland" is averaging 2.1 million total viewers and the current season of "Happily Divorced" is pacing at 1.4 million total viewers (Source: Nielsen, 3/7/12-5/2/12, Most Current data).

Please log onto www.tvlandpress.com for up-to-the-minute information, press releases and photos.

TV Land and all related logos and titles are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

About TV Land

TV Land is the programming destination featuring the best in entertainment on all platforms for consumers in their 40s and 50s. Consisting of original programming, classic and contemporary television series acquisitions, hit movies and a full-service Web site, TV Land is now seen in over 98 million U.S. homes.

About Viacom

Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB) is home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in more than 160 countries and territories.  With approximately 170 media networks reaching more than 600 million global subscribers, Viacom's leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET,CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV Land, Spike TV and Tr3s.  Paramount Pictures, America's oldest film studio and creator of many of the most beloved motion pictures, continues today as a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.  Viacom operates a large portfolio of branded digital media experiences, including many of the world's most popular properties for entertainment, community and casual online gaming. 

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com

SOURCE TV Land