CMT Secures Cable Rights to HELL'S KITCHEN

CMT has reached a multi-year licensing deal with distributor Debmar-Mercury to become the exclusive cable partner for off-network episodes of HELL"S KITCHEN, produced by ITV Studios America, it was announced today by Katie Buchanan, senior Vice president of programming strategy, CMT. The series will debut weekdays beginning this Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, at 12 p.m. ET/PT on CMT and will also be available on CMT VOD.

"The high energy and drama Gordon Ramsay brings to this series is a perfect companion to the CMT brand and complements our action-packed summer lineup nicely," said Buchanan.

Adapted from the wildly successful British short-run series of the same name, HELL'S KITCHEN has aired on FOX since its May 30, 2005, premiere. The hit competition series follows 12 competing chefs 24/7, capturing the fiery drama, intrigue and high emotion as the restaurant's opening night approaches. These ambitious hopefuls believe they have the drive, talent and desire to run their own restaurant, and they will be tossed into the cauldron, working under world-renowned celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay and fighting for survival.

"CMT will provide the ideal environment for the terrific HELL'S KITCHEN brand, ensuring that it thrives in both the off-network cable and first-run broadcast arenas," commented Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein.

CMT, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 92 million homes in the U.S. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand. The network's digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.

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