The WB’s New Hit Friday Night Comedies “Reba,” “Maybe It’s Me” And “Raising Dad” Get Full Season Pick-Ups

(October 23, 2001 – Burbank, CA) — After stellar performances the first three weeks on the air, The WB has ordered full season pick-ups of all three new Friday night comedies, “REBA,” “MAYBE IT’S ME” and “RAISING DAD,” bringing the episode order to 22 for each series, it was announced today by Jordan Levin, President, Entertainment for The WB. "We're thrilled that we've achieved our goal of being the #1 network with females 12-34 right out of the box,” said Mr. Levin. In our first season to develop comedies specifically targeted for Friday night, we've scored our first breakout comedy hit in ‘Reba.’ Ms. McEntire is a genuine star and brings a broad audience to the night. Along with the critically praised ‘Maybe It’s Me’ and the family friendly ‘Raising Dad,’ we have three new shows forming the foundation of a long-term comedy block on Friday night.” The WB’s Friday night comedy line-up is a major success story for The WB this fall, highlighted by phenomenal ratings performance by “REBA” starring Reba McEntire, massive critical acclaim for the offbeat “MAYBE IT’S ME” and the popular return to television of “RAISING DAD” star Bob Saget and newcomer Kat Dennings. This past Friday, The WB Friday scored #1 finishes in every target demographic as its four comedies occupied the top four spots on television in teens and female teens. The network was #1 for the night in those two demos (teens, 3.1/14; female teens, 5.0/21), #1 from 8-10 p.m. in women 12-34 (2.8/11) and tied for #2 in persons 12-34 (1.9/8). “REBA” was created by Allison M. Gibson, who serves as executive producer with Mindy Schultheis and Michael Hanel for Twentieth Century Fox Television. “MAYBE IT’S ME” was created by Suzanne Martin, who serves as executive producer along with Jay Daniel and Jeff Martin for Warner Bros. Television and Touchstone Television. “RAISING DAD,” which was developed with the support of the Family Friendly Forum’s script development fund just as “Gilmore Girls” was last season, was created by Jonathan Katz, who serves as executive producer along with Norman Steinberg for Paramount Network Television. # # #