Syndicated Run Of “ElimiDate” Declared A Firm Go

(June 8, 2001 - Burbank, CA) - “ElimiDate,” the all-new survival dating show from Telepictures Productions, has been declared a firm go as a daily syndicated strip for fall 2001. Telepictures Distribution has cleared the series in more than 94% of the country, including in 98 of the top 100 markets and on The WB 100+. As previously announced, a network television version of the show, “ElimiDate Deluxe,” is also set to air this fall in primetime on The WB. “ElimiDate” is a new half-hour comedy dating series, which takes one contestant and matches him or her with four possible romantic partners on a group date. These potential paramours, three of whom will be eliminated over the course of the game, need to outflirt, outsmart and outlast their competition using their own brand of dating style and sex appeal. “ElimiDate Deluxe,” which will air Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on The WB, is “ElimiDate” with prime time sensibilities and production values, taking the daters to exotic and glamorous locales where they will participate in four adventurous activities throughout the course of the show. “We think ‘ElimiDate’ will stand out in the dating genre and draw an incredible young adult audience,” said Jim Paratore, President, Telepictures Productions. “Having this series in syndication as well as on The WB will offer great promotional opportunities and visibility for the brand. In producing both versions, we look forward to the challenge of creating experiences for the viewer that will satisfy their love of the show, yet are different enough that they’ll want to see both.” “With a lack of strong off-network sitcoms entering the syndication marketplace this fall, there is a need for top-notch original first-run programming,” said Dan Greenblatt, Executive Vice President, Telepictures Distribution. “‘ElimiDate’ combines the most intriguing elements of reality programming and traditional dating strips and is certain to have broad appeal across all the key demos.” “ElimiDate” is being launched on stations from the Tribune, Young and Belo station groups as well as on The WB 100+. The series is being offered for barter with a with a 3 ½ national/3 ½ local split. Alex Duda serves as executive producer of “ElimiDate” and “ElimiDate Deluxe,” both of which are produced by Telepictures Productions. The syndicated version is distributed by Telepictures Distribution. # # #