Univision: More Original Shows For 2011-'12 Slate

Randy-Falco

Univision, which has been trying to increase its reality programming as a balance with its telenovelas, announced it will jump on the weight-loss trend, started by "The Biggest Loser" and about to be advanced with ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition."

"Si Se Puede (It's Possible)" will include three to four Hispanic families looking to drop weight and top each other. "Biggest Loser" creator Dave Broome and Emilio Estefan are producers. It is expected to launch early next year, weekly, in prime time.

The show, with a format that includes a panel of judges, trainers and nutritionists, offers ample opportunities for brand integration much like the NBC hit.

Estefan stated that he is inspired by the opportunity to "produce television that will promote healthier and happier families, especially at a time when obesity amongst Latinos is at an all-time high."

advertisement

advertisement

Word came as Univision held its upfront event Thursday and confirmed it has three new cable networks coming in 2012, one each focusing on news, sports and telenovelas.

Also coming in the reality genre is the show "Protagonistas (Novela Stars)," which is sort of a cross between "American Idol" and "Big Brother." Aspiring novela stars live together in a house with their movements monitored 24/7 and compete to be the next luminary.

There is also a competition series, "Pequeños Gigantes (Little Giants)," among 28 child entertainers (singers, actors, dancers, etc.), with seven judges.

Univision announced four new novelas -- three from Mexican broadcasting partner Televisa -- and one for which Univision's studio is a co-producer. Randy Falco, executive VP and COO at Univision, stated that Univision's decades-long relationship with Hispanics "makes us one of the leading media brands in this country and the gateway to connect with this consumer."

Also coming is a new annual awards show to honor individuals making an impact on Hispanic America, known as "Premios Univision (Univision Awards)."

Among the offerings at sister network TeleFutura is series "MIA," about a brave female undercover cop in Miami Beach working in an auto-theft ring who finds herself in love with two men -- one good, one evil.

Cable network Galavision will launch a cooking competition show where two chefs face off with a mix of ingredients.

Next story loading loading..