A+E’s FYI Network will launch July 7 with a slate including food, home and style series, all geared towards the network’s ambition of offering a “personalized experience” for each viewer, network president Jana Bennett announced Wednesday.
The network, which will replace the Bio Channel, targets an upscale audience with a “younger, more modern sensibility.”
“The network’s programming embraces the way a new generation experiences their lives today, not defined by one passion or interest,” FYI said in a statement.
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The slate includes three food series, two home design series, and one style series, with several pilots still in development.
“The Epic Meal Show,” based on YouTube sensation “Epic Meal Time,” stars Harley Morenstein and his team creating “spectacular new dishes.” Produced for FYI by The Collective and Nexttime Productions; executive producers for FYI are Gena McCarthy, Liz Fine and Audra Smith. 16-episode order (30 mins)
“The Feed” is described as a buddy comedy road show featuring culinary celebrities — “Top Chef” judge Gail Simmons, “The Taste” judge Marcus Samuelsson and comedian and food-blogger Max Silvestri — touring American food culture and the creative world of cooking and food trends. Produced for FYI by Giant Pirates. Executive Producers for FYI are Gena McCarthy and Lauren Wohl; Ross Jacobson and Troy Searer are Executive Producers for Giants Pirates; Gail Simmons and Marcus Samuelsson serve as Executive Producers. 6-episode order (1 hour)
“World Food Championships” follows home cooks and professional chefs from across America as they compete for a $50,000 grand prize in the annual World Food Championships in Las Vegas. Chef Jeffrey Saad and “Top Chef” alum Tiffany Derry cohost. Produced for FYI by Sharp Entertainment; Executive Producers for FYI are Gena McCarthy and Toby Faulkner; Dan Adler, Jennifer O’Connell, Larry Hochberg and Matt Sharp are Executive Producers for Sharp Entertainment. 6-episode order (1 hour)
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“Tiny House Nation” embraces the micro-living movement. In each one-hour episode, a family looking to downsize will work with a team of designers to build a “mini-dream home” no bigger than 300 square feet.
Produced for FYI by Loud TV; Executive Producers for FYI are Gena McCarthy and Toby Faulkner; Brent Montgomery, Nick Rigg and Shawn Witt are Executive Producers for Loud TV. 10-episode order (1 hour)
“Renovation Row” is a competition series pitting three teams against each other to renovate identical urban homes in dilapidated neighborhoods. The team that raises the value of the house and the property value of the surrounding neighborhood the most is crowned the winner. Produced for FYI by Jane Street Entertainment; executive producers for FYI are Gena McCarthy, James Bolosh and Toby Faulkner; Donna MacLetchie and Linda Leeare are executive producers for Jane Street Entertainment. 10-episode order (1 hour)
“B.O.R.N. to Style” is a lifestyle makeover series centered around the Harlem-based boutique, B.O.R.N. (Borrowed, Old, Refurbished, and New) and its leader, Jonathan Bodrick. The B.O.R.N. style team focuses on a new client each week for a top-to-bottom style makeover that “goes beyond just their look.” Produced for FYI by Left/Right; executive producers for FYI are Gena McCarthy, Liz Fine and Lauren Wohl; Banks Tarver, Dean Slotar, Ken Druckerman and Tracey Kemble are executive producers for Left/Right. 1o-episode order (1 hour)
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Pilots in development include “Jennifer’s Way,” an unscripted series following former actress Jennifer Esposito as she attempts to expand her gluten-free New York bakery, and “Red Hot Design,” which features designer and artist Shasta Smith and her crew turning unusual materials into upscale pieces of art and furniture.