As expected, Fox has announced that it is starting a network primarily for its owned stations that are losing their UPN affiliations in September with the WB/UPN merger and the launch of The CW. My Network TV is expected to do two hours Monday through Saturday of "network-quality television" from 8 to 10 p.m. ET beginning Sept. 5. The full press release:

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060222/20060222005710.html?.v=1

The initial programming lineup will be the novela-inspired soaps "Desire" and "Secrets" ("Desire" was already scheduled for syndication), but this was listed for development:

"America's Brainiest" (working title) (Celador ("Who Wants to Be A Millionaire")) -- This quiz show, based on the hit British program, will find the country's smartest individuals and reveal them in an exciting format.

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In addition, the press release stated:

In addition, Twentieth Television is in advanced negotiations with FremantleMedia North America ("American Idol") on an international format.

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The question is--game, comp or reality (or maybe even a scripted format)? We shall see.

Unfortunately, ukgameshows.com don't have a fully-loaded page on the original British version of "Brainiest," so there's no format description there to link. The series was hosted by Carol "Countdown" Vorderman, with a one-shot special hosted by Tess Daly, who's the Samantha Harris of "Strictly Come Dancing" ("Dancing With the Stars") over there. Don't know if they'll continue with a woman for the U.S. version--I'm afraid it just might be Jillian Barberie.

Done. How's that for service?

Tess Daly wasn't really one-shot, she hosted the daily heats whilst Vorderman hosted the primetime finals.

Actually, I'd prefer to see a U.S. version of 15 to 1, but this will do.

Of course, given the state of America and Fox today, our "brainiest" could end up being a Paris Hilton-Jessica Simpson final.

Shhhhh! Don't give them any ideas! :-)

My Network TV? And people thought that The CW was a stupid name...

So does this mean that everybody who doesn't live in one of those ten choice markets misses out on all these new series? Or will they offer them on a secondary basis to the lesser markets where they'd air in oddball hours on a CW, Fox or A/C/N station?

Hmm. America's Brainiest sure sounds like an extension of a Fox show hosted by Dick Clark called "America's Smartest Kids" or something like that. The thing I most remember about that show is where Dick says "The game is on the line!" followed by a very nellowdramatic stinger towards the end of a match.

Fox has said it's going to try to sell the programs to markets - and there are lots of them - where there were separate WB and UPN stations, and one of them will lose an affiliation.

But it isn't.

I would love to meet you in person. You couldn't possibly interact with people in this fashion day in and day out.

Brandon Brooks

Personally, I think we should throwCraig, Henke, Witch, Passepartout, Chumley, and cool245 in a cage, throw away the key, and make them fight to the death.

BTW, Karlberg, learn to spell. It's "melodramatic."

Don't forget irismason and musicman.

If you're going to stay on topic, fine. If you're going to rag on other members, I'm locking the thread and we'll next hear from you after the vernal equinox.

Here, MyNetworkTV will be on KDFI 27 (ObGS - they originally signed on with "Make Me Laugh" and "Joker's Wild" in 1981 as KTWS). I'm wondering if MyNetworkTV was or will be modeled after something here (and possibly other markets).

This season, KDFI is allowing average Joes and Janes to appear in promos and even introduce some of their favorite shows. Just a thought.

That--and that myspace.com web site acquired last year by Rupert that's all the rage with the kids today, I suspect. One division of News Corp. helping the other.

I suppose someone who knows more about the world of television could correct my reasoning, but I find it amusing that UPN and the WB are combining due to paltry market shares, and many of the stations left out in the cold . . . are consolidating into another netlet.

To me, this looks more like a glorified syndication package than a proper network. It kind of reminds me of Sony's "Screen Gems Network" from a few years back, but in primetime, and with original, first-run programming.

On another note, I wonder if we'll be seeing these stations rebrand as My 9, My 50, etc.

Yes - WWOR is going to rebrand itself as "My9TV".

I have a description of the Aussie version of the show ("Australia's Brainiest....") on my website - it follows the exact format of the British version. It has sprouted a whole series of specials - featuring anything from comedians to quiz show champs.

Australian Game Show Home Page - Australia's Brainiest....

So the Celador bible seems to require a female host. Once again, we can hope it isn't Jillian Barberie (or Dorothy Lucey, which could even be worse). At least "So You Think You Can Dance" has been renewed, which knocks Lauren Sanchez out of the running.

The difference is Jillian would probably dress the same as Brooke Burns did on DED.

Which is really all she's good for, IMO, and even that doesn't do much for me since I've heard her open her mouth.

/ball gag

Yeah, joking about spanking while guest-hosting R&K won't exactly endear you to the fan base...LOL

Chuck Donegan (The Illustrious "Chuckie Baby")