Two new first-run syndicated shows will get really up close and personal. CBS Television Distribution's The Test will feature guests who have DNA and lie detector test results revealed. And MGM Television’s Paternity Court is a half-hour show with lawyer Lauren Lake who will decide cases based on the results of DNA tests.
DNA Testing Puts New Spin On Syndication
The fall 2013 first-run syndication marketplace is suddenly getting busy.
Late yesterday, two similar new shows emerged: CBS Television Distribution’s talk show The Test and MGM Television’s Paternity Court. And these may not be the last new shows to pop up ahead of next month’s NATPE conference in Miami.
The Test is a one-hour talk show is from Jay McGraw’s Stage 29 Productions, which produces The Doctors. It will be hosted by comedian-actor Kirk Fox, who has had parts in movies such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and TV shows like NBC’s Parks and Recreation.
On the show, Fox will use DNA and lie detector tests to settle paternity and relationship conflicts among his guests.
No launch group for The Test has been announced, although Tribune is considered a likely outlet.
Spokespersons for CBS and Stage 29 declined comment.
BRAND CONNECTIONS
Paternity Court is a half-hour show with lawyer Lauren Lake who has appeared on shows including Dr. Phil. She will decide cases, in part, with the results of DNA tests.
The show from MGM and 79th & York Entertainment is executive produced by David Armour, whose credits include the original Ricki Lake and Queen Latifah shows.
Paternity Court has been picked up by stations belonging to CBS, Sinclair and Weigel, Cox, Capitol, Meredith, Local TV LLC, Journal and Fisher, according to MGM.
Elsewhere, sources say, NBCUniversal is said to be developing a new show, possibly as a companion to Steve Harvey, the surprise hit of this season.
Stage 29 and CBS spokespersons declined comment.
Comments (2)
Teri Green says:
December 13, 2012 at 9:36 am
I feel sorry for the kids. His mother being a slut and his father a dead beat dad, will now be recorded nationwide. Yep, that has got to help his psychological growth.
Angie McClimon says:
December 13, 2012 at 1:49 pm
Maury Povich beat these two to the punch over 10 years ago.