VH1 Announces Four New Series Set to Premiere in April

SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The month of April brings four brand new series to VH1.  Beginning on April 11, Sunday nights are better than ever with "Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business," "Basketball Wives" and "What Chilli Wants." Rounding out this superstar night of shows includes Brandy and Ray J Norwood, NBA wife Shaunie O'Neal and her fellow basketball wives as well as pop superstar Chilli from "TLC." Moving into Monday nights starting on April 12, Master Matchmakers Steve and his mom JoAnn Ward are back with the new series "VH1 Tough Love Couples."  This time, Steve and JoAnn take on couples who are all at a major crossroad in their relationship.

"Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business"

Superstar siblings Brandy and Ray J Norwood are famous for their incredible vocal talent on the stage and screen.  But they wouldn't be anywhere without the support and guidance of their parents – entertainment manager and mom, Sonja, and talented musical father, Willie Norwood.  In this new VH1 series, viewers will get a first hand glimpse into the lives of the Norwood family unit and their family business – Rn'B Productions.  Run by Sonja, Rn'B Productions features an impressive roster of musical artists including Brandy, Ray J and their father Willie, who also serves as the company's vocal coach. But with Sonja ready to take a step down, Brandy and Ray J will have to fill her shoes quickly, while taking the family business to the next level.  Will they have what it takes to continue to stay in the limelight while growing an entertainment empire? Watch as the Norwoods join forces and reach new levels of success in "Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business" premieres on VH1 Sunday, April 11 at 9:00 PM*.

The eleven, hour-long episode series "Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business" is created and executive produced by Mark Cronin and Cris Abrego for 51 Minds Entertainment, LLC. an Endemol Company. Ben Samek and Matt Odgers also executive produces for the series and the company. Brandy and Ray J Norwood executive produce the series while Ray J also serves co-creator.  For VH1, the series is executive produced by Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes and Kristen Kelly.

"Basketball Wives"

"Basketball Wives" follows the extraordinary lives of seven women who are best friends and either the wife, ex-wife or girlfriend of an NBA superstar. This new series will showcase the inside lives of these ladies who are with some of the biggest ballers in the game.  These ladies live the life.  They drive the best cars, live in the biggest mansions, wear designer clothes and jewelry and only travel first class.  But living the high life is not all glamour.  In order to protect it, they have to deal with the jealousies and dramas of living in -- and staying in -- the inner circle.  Viewers will watch as these women juggle between stress and success while raising their children, building their businesses, fending off groupies and finding stability in an unstable atmosphere. In "Basketball Wives" viewers will finally get a glimpse into the secret lives of the women behind these men, and realize that it's not just the players they date or are married to... but also the game. "Basketball Wives" premieres on VH1 Sunday, April 11 at 10:00 PM ET/PT*.

The eight half-hour episode series is produced by Shed Media. Executive producing for Shed Media are Nick Emmerson, Jennifer O'Connell, and Alex Demyanenko.  Tom Huffman is a consulting producer.  Shaunie O'Neal is an executive producer.  Executive producing for VH1 are Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes and Noah Pollack.  

"What Chilli Wants"

Beauty, success, money... Chilli has everything she's ever wanted, except a good man. Her friends say she is single because her "Chilli's Checklist," a catalog of standards and traits any potential dating prospect must meet, is too high and unrealistic.  According to the expansive list, he must have eight-pack abs, a gorgeous face, has to be funny (like Marlon Wayans funny), has to love kids, has to be religious, can't smoke, can't drink, and can't eat pork, just to name a few.

Now, as a last resort, Chilli has enlisted the help of relationship expert Tionna Smalls.  Over the course of eight weeks, Tionna will break down Chilli's impossible criteria and the emotions behind them, introduce her to hundreds of men and hopefully find her that perfect guy.   Find out "What Chilli Wants" during the series premiere on VH1 Sunday, April 11 at 10:30 PM*.

The eight half-hour episode series of "What Chilli Wants" is produced by FremantleMedia North America.  Executive Producers are Larry Barron, Kevin Williams, Bill Diggins and Chilli.  Executive Producers for VH1 are Jim Ackerman, Dave Hamilton and Jeff Olde.

"VH1 Tough Love Couples"

"VH1 Tough Love Couples" is back with an all new twist! This time around, matchmaking mother and son team, Steve and JoAnn Ward, welcome six couples who are all on the brink of deciding whether to get engaged or break up. These couples represent various archetypes like The Drama-ramas, The High School Sweethearts and The Cheaters. Over the course of eight weeks, Steve and JoAnn will put these couples to the ultimate test to see if they are truly a perfect match. The couples will endure lessons designed to test their relationships on every level. From sex and temptation to money and communication, each episode's lesson coincides with issues that make-or-break every relationship.  At the end, each couple will be forced to take a long, hard look at their relationship in crisis. With Steve and JoAnn's guidance, they will determine if they're finally ready to take a big leap and get married or call it quits and move on. "VH1 Tough Love Couples" premieres on VH1 Monday, April 12 at 9:00 PM*.

The eight, hour-long episode series of "VH1 Tough Love Couples" is executive produced by Jim Berger and Pamela Healey (for High Noon Entertainment) and Nancy Juvonen, Drew Barrymore, Ember Truesdell and Chris Miller (for Flower Films). Richard Hall, Steve Ward and JoAnn Ward also serve as executive producers. Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes and Noah Pollack are executive producers for VH1.

Sneak peek episodes from these four new shows will launch online at VH1.com the week prior to each on-air premiere. Subsequent episodes will be available on VH1.com the morning after they premiere. Additional video content from each series will be available on VH1.com and on VH1 Mobile throughout the season. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.vh1press.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 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

* All times ET/PT

SOURCE VH1