VH1 Plans Original Programming

  • April 23, 2001
(AP) - VH1 is getting behind the music - and replacing a lot of it with comedies and dramas. The cable network announced it plans to debut a slate of original programming over the next year that includes scripted series, reality shows and feature-length films.

"We tried really hard to make sure that all our new shows are fundamentally about music," said Lauren Zalaznick, head of original programming at the music channel.

Among the new programs is the drama "Pulling the Strings," which stars James Brolin as a beleaguered entertainment mogul. Brolin will co-produce the show with his wife, Barbra Streisand.

Other shows include the animated "Camp Chaos," which will parody chart-topping musicians; "Hit Men," a drama about the mob and the music business, produced by KISS frontman Gene Simmons; and "Devil's Music" about an apostate of hell who persuades musicians to sell their souls for success.

The network also is planning TV movies based on the lives of MC Hammer and rockers Def Leppard, and a battle-of-the-bands show called "Cover Wars."

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