CBS, Litton Partner On Sat. Morning Block

CBS has partnered with Litton Entertainment on a new Saturday morning programming block, premiering on the CBS Television Network, Saturday, Sept. 28.

Branded “The CBS Dream Team, It’s Epic!” the three-hour FCC educational/informational compliant programming block will consist of six all-new high-definition half-hours with a pro-social message targeted to viewers 13-16 years old.

Each of the shows will be rated TVG and offer what CBS calls “uplifting, educational and entertaining messages on subjects of interest to teenage audiences. Topics will include heartwarming stories about pet adoption and animal care, healthy eating makeovers, personal interest stories about people who’ve accomplished extraordinary things and sports, with stories about athletes making a positive impact in their communities.”

Among the hosts of the new programs are animal trainer Brandon McMillan (Lucky Dog), veterinarian Chris Brown (Dr. Chris Pet Vet), television food personality Jamie Oliver (Jamie Oliver’s 15 Minute Meals), sports personality Laila Ali (All In With Laila Ali) and OMG Insider co-host Kevin Frazier (Game Changers with Kevin Frazier).

“CBS is excited to partner with Litton on these terrific new shows that combine entertainment with uplifting pro-social messages that will make CBS Saturday morning destination viewing for young audiences,” said Angelica McDaniel, SVP, daytime, CBS Entertainment.

“Litton Entertainment is proud to bring six innovative educational series to the CBS Network,” said Dave Morgan, Litton founder and CEO. “We join CBS in our mission to inspire young people and the American family to see television as an entertainment and educational resource in each original episode we produce.”

Following are CBS’s descriptions of the shows comprising “The CBS Dream Team, It’s Epic!” lineup:

Lucky Dog — Animal trainer Brandon McMillan is swooping into animal shelters across the U.S., rescuing hard-to-love, out-of control, untrained and unadoptable dogs.  Then, back at Brandon’s training facility known as the Lucky Dog Ranch, he goes to work on the seemingly impossible task of turning the frightened pooches into perfect pets.  In the end, a lucky family will adopt an even luckier dog, making each episode an adoption story that truly warms the heart.

Dr. Chris Pet Vet — Chronicling the adventures of Dr. Chris Brown, Dr. Chris Pet Vet allows viewers a unique insight into the life of one of the world’s busiest vets and the animals he devotes his days to caring and treating.  For those animals that require specialist services, Dr. Chris calls on his good friend and colleague Dr. Lisa Chimes, who works at a small animal specialist hospital.  Each episode delivers not only a carefully crafted mix of human and animal interest stories, but also features a variety of animals that undergo elective procedures as part of long-term treatments involving the most intricate and technologically advanced surgery.

Recipe Rehab — Families submit their favorite high-calorie, family-style recipes, and two chefs face off in a head-to-head competition to give the recipes a low-calorie twist.  After making each rehabbed recipe in their own kitchen, the family chooses their new favorite.  This recipe makeover challenge promotes using healthy, wholesome ingredients and shows healthy food choices can have positive effects on quality of life.

Jamie Oliver’s 15 Minute Meals — Best known for his Emmy-winning  Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, Jamie Oliver is one of the world’s favorite celebrity chefs who also aspires to teach the world to cook. Jamie’s core belief is that simply cooking for oneself using fresh ingredients is the easiest way to maintain a balanced diet, and to this aim, he has perfected a delicious collection of healthy recipes that can be prepared in no time. The dishes Jamie cooks in 15 Minute Meals are fast, fun and most of all flavorful. In his signature and entertaining style, Jamie makes these meals for viewers in real time, offering hints, tricks and lots of nutritional info along the way.

All In With Laila Ali — All In, hosted by Laila Ali, scours the globe to track down the world’s most compelling stories, profiling inspirational people, groundbreaking achievements and extraordinary lifestyles.  Whether through sports, culture, travel or adventure, All In steps off the beaten track into uncharted territory inspiring audiences to go all in on their dreams.

Game Changers with Kevin Frazier — Celebrating athletes and fans who reach out in their communities to make life better for so many, Game Changers, hosted by OMG Insider‘s Kevin Frazier, highlights professional athletes who use their public image to make positive changes in the lives of fans in need. Young reporters go out in the field to file their stories and bring back journalistic gold to the Game Changers studios to culminate in heartfelt reflection and insight from the host.  Whether on or off the field, Game Changers takes an inspirational look at how sports positively impacts individuals and the communities they serve.