Spike TV

Mondo Times editors    Boulder Colorado USA

Posted at 9:28am on Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Matt Walsh and Ian Roberts Star in New Spike TV Comedy 'Players'

New York (February 4, 2010) -- Spike TV expands its comedic slate with "Players," a series created by and starring one of the founders of the acclaimed improvisational comedy troupe, the Upright Citizens Brigade, Matt Walsh. "Players" follows two brothers (Walsh and Ian Roberts) with conflicting personalities trying to run a successful sports bar.

"Players" stars Walsh as Bruce Fitzgerald, a free-spirited, fun-loving, guy's guy who is living out his fantasy of owning a sports bar that allows him to bet on games, drink for free and date the cocktail waitresses. His older, uptight brother, Ken (Ian Roberts), tries to keep the focus on turning a profit while avoiding lawsuits and health code violations.

The series also features Krista (Danielle Schneider), the promiscuous waitress who has an affinity for B-list athletes and married men, Barb (June Diane Raphael), the insecure and neurotic waitress who falls in love with Bruce, Hickey (Jack McGee), a retired cop who got Bruce out of a gambling debt and was rewarded with a job where, instead of actually working, he spends most of his time bidding on sports memorabilia on eBay, and Calvin (James Pumphrey), the young, simple-minded bartender who lives in the store room and is an aspiring sports model who idolizes Bruce.

Mondo Times editors    Boulder Colorado USA

Posted at 6:29pm on Monday, February 1st, 2010

Spike TV to Debut Two New Original Series

New York (February 1, 2010) -- Spike TV explores the outrageous world of little person wrestling and Brooklyn scrap-metal workers in two new, half-hour unscripted original series, it was announced today by Sharon Levy, Spike TV's senior vice president of original series.

"The driving forces behind these new shows are the tremendous personalities of these very distinctive characters," said Levy. "We believe their authenticity and honesty will resonate with our young male audience."

"Half Pint Brawlers" is a six-episode series chronicling the often-absurd yet astonishing wild adventures of one of the most extraordinary performance groups in the country. These self-proclaimed hardcore little person wrestlers, led by their gregarious owner, Puppet "The Psycho Dwarf," entertain crowds in venues all across the U.S. with their unique brand of wrestling prowess. Along the way, Puppet deals with issues surrounding little person wrestling events while, at the same time, keeping his rambunctious wrestlers in line.

A combination of "Jackass" and "Little People, Big World," the new Spike TV series is currently shooting in locations throughout the country. The series will be seen through the eyes of these extreme little people, "The Brawlers," as they travel the underground wrestling circuit filling bars, clubs and arenas ranging from 500-5,000 fans. The show will not only focus on their actions in the ring, but their wild lifestyles outside the ring, filled with chaotic parties and over-zealous groupies.

"Scrappers" is a ten-episode comedic reality show set in one tough office: the streets of Brooklyn, NY. In each episode, this crew of real-life competitors and friends will hunt for the best scrap in town. They'll find treasure in tons of twisted metal, paper, or rubber, recycling everything from old cars to building materials. What others might think is trash, they turn to cash.

"Scrappers" begins shooting in Brooklyn in early March.

From tough-guy boss Frankie Noots who runs his business from his dilapidated van, to Sal The Barber who's training to become a mixed martial arts fighter when he's not chasing scrap, viewers will get to know these larger-than-life men behind the metal as they pursue the big score and get ever closer to becoming the "Scrap Kings of Brooklyn."

Mondo Times editors    Boulder Colorado USA

Posted at 9:42am on Friday, January 29th, 2010

Spike TV to Develop Late Night Series

New York (January 29, 2010) -- With the late-night wars in full swing, it only makes sense that Spike TV, a network for guys, would jump into the ring. Spike TV is partnering with Thom Beers, Philip Segal and Original Productions to develop a weekly half-hour series that will be a combination of talk and comedy with a focus on "manformation" for the true guys' guy, it was jointly announced today by Sharon Levy, senior vice president, original programming for Spike TV, and Thom Beers, CEO of Original Productions.

Instead of a typical movie star plugging an upcoming project, this Spike TV series will showcase interesting guests from all walks of life who find themselves in extraordinary situations, such as a convenience store clerk who defended himself against would-be criminals, or a former stock broker who quit his job to join the Green Berets in Afghanistan. The show will have two hosts and various correspondents and the network is currently scouring the country to cast the series pilot with the right fresh face and regular guy-image. Additional details will be announced at a later date.

"This won't be your typical late night series with typical celebrity chit-chat," said Levy. "This show will come with that distinctive and irreverent Spike voice and point-of-view our viewers have come to expect from us. We are looking to provide our young male audience with water cooler chatter for the next day."

Mondo Times editors    Boulder Colorado USA

Posted at 12:43pm on Friday, January 15th, 2010

Spike TV Presents Award-Winning Film 'Facing Ali'

"PASADENA, Calif., January 15, 2010 -- Spike TV presents the world television premiere of the award-winning documentary, "Facing Ali." Produced by Derik Murray (Legends of Hockey), Network Entertainment and Lionsgate in association with Spike TV, the film is directed by Pete McCormack (Uganda Rising) and delves into the fascinating life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali in and out of the ring through the eyes of those who fought him.

"Facing Ali" showcases ten of Muhammad Ali's acclaimed rivals, from Joe Frazier to George Foreman, paying tribute to perhaps the world's most beloved and inspiring athlete. Three-time world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali defeated almost every top fighter of the golden age of boxing and symbolized the sport for generations of fans. Now, many of his legendary opponents share the life-changing experience of facing Ali in the ring, and the profound lasting effect it had on their lives.

With exclusive interviews and vintage footage, "Facing Ali" recreates his most unforgettable rivalries, and recounts his triumphs, tragedies and unstoppable spirit."