TLC has announced that it plans to introduce 13 new reality series as part of the cable network's 2009-2010 programming slate.

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"Viewers come to TLC to meet remarkable people in extra-ordinary circumstances. Our authentic characters draw people in and their relatability keeps them watching," said TLC president Eileen O'Neill. "In television, we're always looking for the next generation. In addition to expanding our family and relationship properties, the [new] line-up reenergizes popular genres that capture life's biggest moments."

Two of the new shows -- Mom Inc. and Eat, Drink and be Married -- are part of a partnership between TLC and Milojo Productions, a production company run by Live with Regis and Kelly host Kelly Ripa and her husband Mark Consuelos.

Mom Inc. is the working title for a new series that will help struggling entrepreneurs turn an innovative idea into a lucrative business.

Working in collaboration with HSN, Mom Inc. will find budding business women from across America and give them the chance to prove that they have what it takes to get their very own creations sold on HSN -- with Ripa selecting a product in each episode and sending her expert into the field to put the would-be moguls through a series of tasks meant to get their product ready for the public.

Eat, Drink and be Married will follow the Frungillo family as they run their four successful catering facilities.  Each episode of the series will introduce viewers to a different couple who has hired the Frungillo family for their wedding -- documenting the event from the initial booking to the actual nuptials.

The other new series announced by TLC are The Little Couple, Wedded to Perfection, Wild Weddings, Freakin Fabulous with Clinton Kelly, Making Over America with Trinny & Susannah, The General, Restorer Guy, Stager Invasion, Cake Boss, Ultimate Cake-Off and The Police Women Project.

Based on the Little People: Just Married special TLC aired in January, The Little Couple will follow Bill Klein and Jen Arnold -- both of whom are less than four-feet tall -- as they embark on their new life together and face the challenges of marriage.  TLC ordered the reality series last month.

Wedded to Perfection will follow spouses Jung Lee and Josh Brooks as they run their Fete Events business, which plans and executes high-end weddings and special events in New York City.

Wild Weddings will provide a look at the lighter side of weddings, as the six-part series will include flops, fiascos, gaffs and mishaps as they take place at actual wedding ceremonies.

Freakin Fabulous with Clinton Kelly is the working title for a new reality series that is based the What Not to Wear co-host's "Freakin' Fabulous: How to Dress, Speak, Behave, Eat, Drink, Entertain, Decorate, and Generally Be Better Than Everyone Else"  book.  The series will follow Kelly in his everyday life, which includes dishing advice while making public appearances.

Making Over America with Trinny & Susannah will star Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine -- the original hosts of the U.K. What Not to Wear program that TLC's version was based on -- as they help give American women makeovers and provide them fashion tools to help transform their lives. TLC premiered Making Over America as a special that aired immediately after the network's broadcast of the 2009 Miss America pageant in January.

The General is the working title for a new reality series starring Summer Baltzer, an interior designer who takes the reigns of her family's business and turns botched contracting jobs into dreams homes.

Restorer Guy will follow home restoration expert Gable Painter and his team as they restore historic homes across America.

Stager Invasion will be hosted by Lisa Lynch and follow the staging expert as she helps desperate homeowners by bringing in a team of property experts to stage and help sell their house quickly and for the highest price possible.

Cake Boss will follow master baker/cake artist Buddy Valastro and the staff of his bake shop in Hoboken, NJ.  In addition to Valastro, the shop's staff also his mother, four older sisters and three brothers-in-law.  TLC ordered the Ace of Cakes-like reality series last month.

Ultimate Cake-Off is a new reality competition series that will pit top bakers from across the country against one another as they battle to design the biggest, most outrageous and breathtaking cakes.

The Police Women Project is a new Cops-like reality series that will follow five women working in the Broward County Florida Sheriff's Office as they respond to 911 calls, bust gangsters, serve warrants, go on car chases and participate in undercover sting operations.

In addition to the aforementioned new series, TLC has also announced 12 of its existing reality programs -- 18 Kids and Counting; American Choppers; Jon & Kate Plus 8; LA Ink; Little People, Big World; Moving Up; The Real Estate Pros; Say Yes to the Dress; Street Customs; Table for 12; Toddlers & Tiaras; and What Not to Wear -- will all return with new episodes during the 2009-2010 season.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio

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