Next for Oxygen: A Dating Show and (Maybe) a Jersey Docusoap

Expect more original programming as the network tries to build its female base

So what’s next for Oxygen?

For starters, more original fare. Lots of it.

GM Jason Klarman told TheWrap that the network will boost the number of hours to first-run fare by around 40 percent in the next year.

"We’re investing in programming," he said.

Klarman will unveil a development slate of several projects at this weekend’s TV Critics Assn. press tour. While he wouldn’t talk details, insiders said to expect Oxygen to announce its first-ever dating show. The series will likely debut in March.

Also in early development, according to an Oxygen source: A project cheekily dubbed "Jersey Couture," about a family that runs a formal wear shop in the suddenly hot NJ.  Oxygen hasn’t given the concept a series order yet, so don’t too excited about this one (yet).

Already announced as being in the development pipeline: A project focused on hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and his entourage of powerful women.

Klarman hopes to get daytime ratings to start showing the sort of growth experienced by the network’s primetime lineup. And look for more movies: A showing of "Monster In Law" last year did big numbers for the network.

 

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