Buzz surrounds these new syndicated series
“Celebrity Name Game” Hosted by “The Late, Late Show’s” Craig Ferguson (1), half-hour gameshow challenges celebrities and contestants to identify famous names. Debmar-Mercury co-prexies Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein say, “It has every element needed for success: a great concept; a hugely popular and very funny host in Craig who, like Steve Harvey, is very natural and comfortable in the role.”
“Marie!” Fall 2014 will mark the syndication bow of Marie Osmond’s (2) talkshow backed by Associated Television Intl. the skein, which previously aired on Hallmark Channel, brings a mix of celeb and non-celebrity guests. “We look forward to the prospect of developing the Marie brand with them and producing new episodes that will air both in cable and made available for syndication,” said Jim Romanovich, worldwide media prez, Associated Television Intl.
“Serch” Real people rely on rapper MC Serch (3) to help solve their problems in daytime hourlong yakker from CBS and Tribune Co. Hilary McLoughlin, CBS Television Distribution’s prexy of creative affairs, says, “Serch has genuine compassion and is focused on resolution and helping the people who come on his show with their problems. He wants to set people on the right path to finding solutions and improving their lives.”
“The Real” Hosted by Tamar Braxton, Loni Love, Adrienne Bailon, Jeannie Mai and Tamera Mowry-Housley, Warner Bros.’ L.A.-based talker is targeted to a multi-generational female aud. (As of December, yakker has been cleared in over 70% of the country.)
“ ‘The Real’ is different from traditional talkshows,” says Ken Werner, president, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution. “We have created a show with a unique voice, actually five unique voices with an amazing collective chemistry. The test proved that our five hosts are poised to dramatically alter the face of daytime this fall.”
“TMZ Live” Lawyer-cum-host Harvey Levin (4) and his crew debate the buzziest celeb news of the day. Renewed through the 2016-17 season, “TMZ Live” is a companion to its eponymous website. “‘TMZ Live’ brings to daytime talk the unique TMZ point of view, blending the best elements of broadcast and digital, encouraging viewers to interact in a global conversation,” Werner says.