E! is expanding their unscripted slate, picking up four new series. The NBC Universal cable network has given the green light to a “WAGS” spinoff set in Miami; a series following the staff of “Cosmopolitan” magazine; a show set at Los Angeles’ famous gay bar The Abbey; and a reality show about young women married to older wealthy men.
“E! is known for buzzy unscripted programming, and these four new series will continue to boost our line-up with content that reflects and drives pop culture today,” said Jeff Olde, EVP of programming and development at E! “On the heels of a strong first quarter, we will continue to build momentum by delivering more of the stories our audience loves, anchored by larger than life personalities, in over-the-top worlds.”
For the first quarter of 2016, E! has seen a year on year primetime increase of +10% among adults 18-49. Recently, the cable net kicked off the 12th season of their powerhouse “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.” With the addition of the four new series, E! is expanding on their staple pop culture reality fare, but the net has made its push into scripted programming with “The Royals,” which has been renewed for a third season, and upcoming series “The Arrangement.”
See below for descriptions of the four new series:
“Cosmo Life”
Set in one of the most glamorous epicenters of pop culture, Cosmopolitan Magazine, this new series follows the work-hard, play-hard lifestyles of a group of young tastemakers at the cutting edge of what’s hot in music, fashion, style, beauty, sex and celebrities, often opening up their own lives to millions of readers around the globe. These up-and-comers at the world’s best-selling women’s magazine juggle the temptations of New York’s hottest celebrity parties and VIP nightlife with the demands of their passionate and formidable Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles. Hailing from Bunim/Murray Productions, exec producers are Gil Goldschein, Jeff Jenkins and Rob Bagshaw, plus Coles and Holly Whidden from Cosmo Magazine.
“The Abbey Diaries”
This new series goes inside the lives of the employees at the world-famous gay hot spot, The Abbey Food & Bar, in the heart of West Hollywood. The staffers wrangle VIP guests and celebrities while dealing with relationship drama, diverse sexuality and the pursuit of their individual Hollywood dreams, all set in an exciting backdrop that is quintessentially Los Angeles. Produced by Banijay Studios North America, exec producers are David Goldberg, Caroline Baumgard, Ray Giuliani and The Abbey’s David Cooley.
“Famously Married”
This new show explores the women and relationships behind the “Hollywood trophy wife” label, following a group of young women who recently married or are currently planning to marry wealthy and successful older men. These women navigate the complications that come with being a second wife, including their husbands’ exes and children, as well as their entrance into elite LA society. The series is produced by Studio Lambert and All3Media America with Stephen Lambert, Greg Lipstone, Greg Goldman, and Sara Quick serving as exec producers.
“WAGS: Miami”
Bouncing off of E!’s hit franchise “WAGS” (Wives And Girlfriends Of Sports Stars), this new spin-off documents the lavish lifestyles and real-life drama of eight Miami WAGS, giving viewers a voyeuristic peek inside the exclusive world of superstar athletes through the perspective of the women who stand by their side. The WAGS of Miami live life unapologetically, and are bound together by a strict hierarchy of unspoken rules with no boundaries, no filters and the veritable candy shop of Miami as their playground. These ambitious, strong women are spicing things up and bringing the heat as they work to make their own dreams a reality, while playing the most competitive game of all: getting and keeping that pro-athlete man. “WAGS: Miami” hails from Machete Productions with Amber Mazzola and Lori Gordon serving as exec producers.
