NUVOtv 2014-2015 Upfront

NUVOtv is accelerating the momentum it began last year when Jennifer Lopez joined the network as its Chief Creative Officer by announcing new series and specials and the renewal of several shows embraced by NUVOtv viewers. The 2014-15 programming slate was unveiled May 12 at the Edison Ballroom in mid-town New York and hosted by Ms. Lopez, NUVOtv CEO Michael Schwimmer, EVP Programming Bill Hilary and SVP Advertising Sales Craig Geller.

NUVOtv will enter the 2014-2015 television season with a full slate of original programming, including six music and entertainment series and specials, three unscripted dramas, two comedy series, and live sports specials. This reflects a significant increase in programming across multiple genres, as well as an expansion of NUVOtv’s production partnerships with Ms. Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions banner and with Mario Lopez’s Gordo Productions. It also includes the unveiling of a new programming concept – Nu America – an umbrella franchise for the network that will feature series with an overarching theme that combines topical storytelling with social commentary.

The expanded relationship with Nuyorican Productions includes two new series and renewals of A Step Away and The Collective Powered by VEVO for new seasons. Los Jets – a new original, and the first series to be a part of the Nu America franchise – is a verité documentary series with a powerful immigration storyline. It features a high school soccer team of boys who defy the odds, face adversity, experience defeat and taste victory on and off the field, premiering July 16 at 10pm ET/PT. The second new original series from Nuyorican is reality competition Sensation (working title) – a search for the next “triple-threat” talent. This series will help discover a new Latino star with singing, dancing and acting abilities that could make them the next sensation.

Broadening its relationship with Mario Lopez, NUVOtv is launching the new docu-series Tequila King, which features Mexican entrepreneur Eric Buccio as he launches the Casa Mexico tequila brand in the U.S. NUVOtv is also renewing Mario Lopez: One on One and Love & Salsa for additional seasons.

Remarked Mr. Schwimmer, “The coming television season marks a significant milestone in the development of NUVOtv as a network that offers rich and diverse programming focused on Latino culture and entertainment with universal appeal.  We have more than doubled down on our original programming efforts since last year’s Upfront. Our commitment to the future of NUVOtv is complemented by the purchase of Fuse and we’re excited about what’s ahead for both networks.”

“As NUVOtv evolves we are striving to create content with themes and stories that are unique to our audience,” said Ms. Lopez. “I’m looking forward to showing our growth and development from last year by presenting our new slate of original programming.”

“We are confident that the original primetime line-up we are showcasing this year will offer something for everyone,” said Mr. Hilary. “From sports to comedy to music and dance, NUVOtv offers programs that will appeal to our young viewers.”

Added Mr. Geller, “Based on the very positive response we have been receiving in early meetings with agencies and advertisers, we expect a very robust market from new and existing advertisers looking to reach the highly-coveted audience that is passionate about Latino entertainment.”

Following is a look at NUVOtv’s new and returning series.

Dramatic Stories:

Los Jets (Premieres July 16 at 10PM ET) – The passage of federal legislation delivering comprehensive immigration reform continues to be highly contentious in Washington, D.C. Perhaps nowhere is this felt more acutely than in the town of Siler City, North Carolina – home of Los Jets, a small, rural community of 5000 that in a matter of 15 years has seen its Latino population surge from under 2% to over 55%.

Co-executive produced by Jennifer Lopez and Lynda Lopez under the Nuyorican Productions banner, and the first series to be part of NUVOtv’s new Nu America franchise, Los Jets follows the compelling story of Siler City’s top-ranked boys’ high school soccer team, the Jordan Matthews Jets, as they fight for a spot in the North Carolina State Championships.  The players on the Jets are all sons of Latino immigrants who came to the region in search of a better life for their families. The series offers intimate access, on and off the field, to these boys, their families, friends and founding coach, Paul Cuadros – telling a story that is candid, provocative and timely.

Brought to the U.S. at a young age by their parents, several of these boys are undocumented; and nearly all come from families where one or more members has a compromised immigration status. As a result, many of Paul’s players are grappling with tremendous uncertainty in their lives.

The boys on the current Jets team also have big cleats to fill. It has been nearly 13 years since Paul Cuadros stood up against powerful adversaries in the school administration and town to demand the creation of a soccer team at the local high school which in 2004 become State Champions.

Viewers will witness the mounting pressure facing today’s Jets to measure up to the hard-fought legacy of their team’s storied past.   Last year the team finished third in the state, missing the championship by just one goal. This season Coach Cuadros is confident his team could make it all the way–carrying the hopes and dreams of an entire community along with them.

Tequila King (Premieres Q4 2014) – The world of tequila making has become more than just the business of spirits. With high profile celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Carlos Santana, Diddy and Gloria Estefan getting in on this multi-billion dollar industry, it has transformed into a high profile global lifestyle. Come along for the ride with Mexican entrepreneur Eric Buccio as he partners with Mario Lopez to launch the Casa Mexico tequila brand in the United States. Experience the grueling production, the glitzy parties and discover why calling the shots in this game may not be as easy as pouring them.

Nu Point of View (New Season Premieres July 4 8PM ET) – Inspired by the creative vision of Jennifer Lopez, Nu Point of View is a ground-breaking platform for aspiring Latino filmmakers that gives talented writers, producers and directors the opportunity to bring their passion projects to the national stage. The emerging filmmaker showcase is hosted by Gina Rodriguez and co-executive produced by Jennifer Lopez under the Nuyorican Productions banner

Dexter (Season 4 Premieres May 26; Season 5 on July 7; Season 6 on August 18; Seasons 7 and 8 in Fall 2014) – Dexter Morgan is America’s favorite serial killer. As a Miami forensics expert, he spends his days solving crimes and nights committing them. Golden Globe® winner Michael C. Hall stars in the hit Showtime Original Series. The series features a stellar cast of Latino actors including recent Alma-award winner Lauren Velez, David Zayas, Aimee Garcia, Christian Camargo, Edward James Olmos and Jimmy Smits, to name just a few.

Music & Entertainment:

Sensation (working title) (New Series Premieres Q2 2015) – This weekly series will follow a nationwide search for the next Latino sensation. Unlike other reality competition shows, the winner will have to be a triple-threat – with singing, dancing and acting talent that blows away the other contestants. The series is co-executive produced by Jennifer Lopez under her Nuyorican Productions banner.

Supersong (New Special Premieres June 8 10PM ET) – This one-hour special goes behind the scenes of the writing and recording of Ricky Martin’s FIFA World Cup anthem, “Vida.” The viewers are invited to follow the journey as music makers from around the world submit their songs to Ricky and vie for international stardom. NUVOtv viewers will get an exclusive first look at this momentous music video.

A Step Away (New Season Premieres Q1 2015) – This weekly series charts the extraordinary journeys of ten professional dancers performing on tour with some of today’s biggest music artists. The series, co-executive produced by Jennifer Lopez under her Nuyorican Productions banner, offers an exclusive inside look at life on the road and an intimate account of the dancers’ lives as they travel the world with global superstars.

The Collective, Powered by VEVO (New Season Premieres Q4 2014)- In collaboration with VEVO, this weekly series celebrates DJs who are on the rise and celebrity tastemakers who will offer their personal music picks of the week and share what’s trending in music, fashion, live events, viral videos, and more. The series is co-executive produced by Jennifer Lopez under her Nuyorican Productions banner.

Love & Salsa (New Season Premieres Q1 2015) – This competition series combines match-making and dance to find the perfect romantic partner for each contestant. This returning series is executive produced by Mario Lopez, Mark Schulman of 3 Arts Entertainment and Gil Lopez of Gordo Entertainment in association with JAAM Productions.

Mario Lopez: One-on-One (New Season Premieres Q2 2015) – Actor, author, on-air host, and executive producer, Mario Lopez does it all. Maybe that’s why the biggest stars in Latino pop culture sit down with him each week for all-access interviews. This returning series is executive produced by Mario Lopez, Mark Schulman of 3 Arts Entertainment and Gil Lopez of Gordo Entertainment in association with JAAM Productions.

Comedy:

Stand Up & Deliver (New Season Premieres Q1 2015) – After an extremely successful season in Cabo San Lucas, Stand Up & Deliver’s Jose Sarduy and Julissa Bermudez are heading back to Mexico to host one of Latin America’s biggest comedy festivals. In addition to side-splitting stand up from iconic comics from both sides of the border, viewers will get a whirlwind tour through Mexico’s most famous party destination, complete with pool fiestas and cantina hopping!

Original Comedy Specials (Premieres Begin Q2 2014) – In partnership with Levity Entertainment Group (LEG), which owns some of the nation’s most recognizable standup comedy establishments including The Improv and the Levity Live Comedy Clubs, NUVOtv is expanding its comedy franchise to bring viewers classic and new specials in 2014-15. Beginning in June, specials will feature Rick Gutierrez, Pablo Francisco, Pete Correale, Jim Breuer, Alonzo Bodden, Sebastian Maniscalco, Jamie Kennedy and more.

Sports:

Knockout (New Season Premieres 2015) – This returning weekly competition series features rookie boxers who come to Las Vegas to train with legendary trainers Floyd Mayweather Sr., Ruben Guerrero and  Yoel Judah. Nine new contenders will compete for a shot at a contract with one of these pros. The season will end with a live prize fight.

Knockout Live Boxing Specials (First Special Premieres June 7) – For the first time ever, NUVOtv will broadcast live boxing events under the Knockout brand. The first television event will be a live boxing special during which up-and-coming boxers will face off in the ring, taking place June 7 in Miami.