VH1 Set to Hang Out with "Big Ang"

LOS ANGELES, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- It's rare for someone to so completely capture the hearts and minds of a fickle television audience as quickly as Angela "Big Ang" Raiola has done.  From the moment Big Ang made her onscreen debut on VH1's hit series "Mob Wives," the media and viewing public alike were all asking, 'Who is Big Ang?'  So, VH1 has decided to answer that question by giving Big Ang her very own television series simply titled "Big Ang" (working title).  The 10-episode half-hour series is set to premiere in the summer of 2012.

"Big Ang" will give viewers a glimpse into the life of one of reality TV's most over-the-top and loveable characters. We'll tag along as she hangs out with her family and friends, spends time at her increasingly popular Staten Island bar, The Drunken Monkey, and even hangs out with - 'da wise guys.'  And yes her longtime friends from the original "Mob Wives" series will visit from time to time as will her loveable canine sidekick Lil' Louis.

Big Ang has catapulted with lightening speed onto the pop culture landscape like no other before her.  After only a few minutes of screen time, Jimmy Kimmel had her on his show as a guest as did Wendy Williams.  And Diddy himself has tweeted "I love Big Ang!!!!!."  The love-fest isn't limited to the U.S.  People from all over the world are captivated by Big Ang and have visited The Drunken Monkey just so they can meet her.

"I, along with everyone I know and our viewers, fell in love with Big Ang from the very first moment we saw her on screen in 'Mob Wives,'" said Jeff Olde, EVP Original Programming and Production.  "Ang is the definition of authentic.  What you see is what you get, no apologies.  She's enjoying life on her own terms – and having had the pleasure of hanging out with Big Ang, her friends and family at The Drunken Monkey, I guarantee viewers are in for a real treat."

"I've known Big Ang since I was a kid and can always remember thinking, 'this woman is a star!'" stated Jennifer Graziano of JustJenn Productions. "It gives me great pleasure to be in the position to show the world what I have always seen in her. Big Ang was on my mind for 'Mob Wives' from the start – I believe she was a great addition for season 2 and will be an even bigger force to reckon with on her own show! Watch out America... it's Big Ang!"

The ratings for season 2 of "Mob Wives" are up 25% over season 1 averaging 1.6 million viewers per premiere episode.  The series is also averaging 1.0 in the key P18-49 demo.  Additionally, VH1 is the #1 cable network among W 18-49 in the Sunday 8:00pm timeslot YTD.

For additional information about "Mob Wives" visit the official VH1 Mob Wives site at MobWives.vh1.com. Viewers can also find Big Ang updates on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/vh1 and on Twitter @VH1 with the hashtag #BigAng.

Developed from a concept by Jennifer Graziano of JustJenn Productions, "Big Ang" is also produced by The Weinstein Company (Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, and Meryl Poster), Electus (Ben Silverman, Jimmy Fox) and Left/Right (Banks Tarver, Ken Druckerman, and Nina L. Diaz), with Electus International distributing the series internationally. Executive producers for VH1 include Shelly Tatro, Kari McFarland, Rick Hankey and Jeff Olde.  Sean Gottlieb serves as supervising producer for VH1.

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 99 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.

Publicity Contacts:

B|W|R Public Relations/ Los Angeles         
Michael Cilnis                                                    
310-248-6104                                                       
[email protected]                                         

VH1/ Los Angeles
Scott Acord
310-752-8075                                                       
[email protected]                                    

VH1/ New York                                                  
Toni Herron
212-846-7528
[email protected]

SOURCE VH1