Maria Menounos Set For New Docu-Series on Oxygen

Coming off a solid year that saw the network land in the Top 20 for women 18-34 and a commitment to increase its original programming by 50 percent, Oxygen Media is building on this momentum and continuing to expand its slate with new competition and docu-series that tap into the network's live out loud brand.

Joining Oxygen's authentic and aspirational originals such as the critically-acclaimed "The Glee Project," is an untitled docu-series that follows Maria Menounos, as she juggles her eclectic Hollywood career hosting "Extra," starring on "Dancing With The Stars" and wrestling for the WWE, and her not so Hollywood home life living with her longtime boyfriend and strict Greek immigrant parents who demand marriage and grandchildren. Musician and tattoo enthusiast, Pete Wentz, is confirmed to host the second season of the popular tattoo competition series, "Best Ink." Oxygen is turning Tuesday nights into "can't miss" TV with two new docu-series set to premiere, "My Shopping Addiction" on September 25 at 10pm ET/PT and "Hollywood Unzipped: Stylist Wars" on November 27 at 10pm ET/PT. The announcements were made today by Rod Aissa, SVP of Programming for Oxygen Media. 

Additional news made today by the network, supermodels Karolina Kurkova and Coco Rocha will join Naomi Campbell as coaches and famed fashion photographer Nigel Barker will host "The Face," a new reality competition series that features up-and-coming female models in their quest to win the once in a lifetime opportunity of becoming "the face" for a well-known brand.

"High-profile celebrities, provocative themes and aspirational storylines are the drivers behind Oxygen's ramped up original programming," said Aissa. "Our commitment to developing projects in this space is right in line with a broad spectrum of entertainment that speaks to our young viewers."

Life is a family affair in "The Untitled Maria Menounos Project," a docu-series that will take viewers on an unforgettable and funny trip into Maria Menounos' world. At work, Menounos can interview the Obamas, beat the finalists on "Dancing with the Stars" and pin the WWE Women's Champion, but at home, it's a whole different story. Her partner/boyfriend of 14 years wants to get married, her traditional Greek immigrant parents want grandchildren and breadwinner Menounos just wants a vacation. This docu-series will show a Hollywood family...that's not so Hollywood at all. Produced by Left/Right with Ken Druckerman, Banks Tarver, and Angie Day serving as Executive Producers along with Maria Menounos and Keven Undergaro, "The Untitled Maria Menounos Project" is scheduled to air in 2013.

Earlier this year, Oxygen greenlit a second season of "Best Ink," which will join the network's schedule in 2013. Combining his raw musical talent, unique personal style and love for tattoos, Pete Wentz has been tapped to host the new season. Best known for his musical accomplishments with Fall Out Boy, Wentz will help guide the contestants through the competition and serve as a passionate and business-savvy role model. "Best Ink" is produced by Bunim/Murray Productions.

The recent launch of "I'm Having Their Baby" marked the brand's first foray into more serious and though-provoking original programming and earned the network nearly 900,000 total viewers who tuned-in to watch the show's premiere. Now Oxygen will premiere another new authentic docu-series, "My Shopping Addiction," on Tuesday, September 25 at 10pm ET/PT. From an heiress who spends an average of $30,000 per month to a woman who packs her home full of products from the 99 cent store, this series will capture an intimate look into the lives of young people facing a crisis brought on by a dangerous addiction to shopping. Viewers will witness what happens when their obsession causes their finances and lives to spiral out of control. "My Shopping Addiction" is produced by Screaming Flea Productions with Matt Chan, Jodi Flynn and Jeff Kuntz serving as Executive Producers.

Consistently programming on Tuesday nights, the network will premiere another new docu-series, "Hollywood Unzipped: Stylist Wars," on November 27 at 10 pm ET/PT. This eight episode series offers a unique look inside the fashion industry and the competitive everyday lives of Hollywood's hottest rising stylists - Taylor Jacobson, Brett Alan Nelson, and Sammy and Judy (known collectively as "The Kids"). These edgy and notable young fashion stylists wholeheartedly pour their talent and passion into the cutthroat business they love and embark on their lifelong dream of styling Tinseltown's elite. Produced by Original Media with Charlie Corwin, Jay Peterson and Sara Mast serving as Executive Producers.

About Oxygen Media

Oxygen Media is a multiplatform lifestyle brand that delivers relevant and engaging content to young women who like to "live out loud." Oxygen is rewriting the rulebook for women's media by changing how the world sees entertainment from a young woman's point of view. Through a vast array of unconventional and original content, including "The Glee Project," "Best Ink," "Bad Girls Club," and "Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood," the growing cable network is the premier destination for unique and groundbreaking unscripted programming. "The Glee Project" is a winner of a 2012 Gracie Award, which honors programming created for women, by women, and about women, for "Outstanding Reality Show." A social media trendsetter, Oxygen is a leading force in engaging modern young women, wherever they are, with popular, award-winning features online including www.OxygenLive.com, the real-time social viewing party that is also available as an app for the iPhone and iPad. Oxygen is available in 80 million homes and can be found online and on mobile.

 

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