VH1 to Launch ‘Inside the Arena’ Scripted Web Series as Companion to ‘Hit the Floor’ (Exclusive)

The web series will be the cable channel’s first scripted offering in the digital space

VH1 is continuing to expand its digital offerings with the launch of its first scripted web series titled “Inside the Arena,” a companion series to its scripted drama, “Hit the Floor,” TheWrap has learned.

The first episode of “Inside the Arena” will premiere on the VH1 website and on the VH1 app after “Hit the Floor’s” second season return on Monday, May 26 at 9/8c and continue throughout the season.

“Inside the Arena” will feature the stars of “Hit the Floor” in character as they discuss the storylines that are unfolding on the TV series. This will give “Hit the Floor” fans a new view of the plots from the show.

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“We have been tactically and creatively leveraging the ravenous appetite for our content across all our screens, and the ‘Hit The Floor’ companion web series, ‘Inside the Arena,’ is born out of that,” VH1’s senior vice president of connected content, Dan Sacher, told TheWrap in a statement.

He continued, “‘Inside the Arena’ gives our fans the opportunity to engage even deeper with “Hit the Floor” characters and storylines throughout the week, looping them back to each week’s premiere episode.”

Sacher’s team is planning more digital initiatives surrounding “Hit the Floor.” For example, the cast will stage a takeover of VH1’s Instagram account on Monday to share behind-the-scenes looks leading up to that night’s second season premiere.

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The success of “Hit the Floor” in its first season makes it a good candidate for a web companion. Last summer, it was the No. 1 new scripted series on cable among the advertiser-coveted Adults 18-49 demographic and averaged 1.9 million viewers.

Earlier this month, VH1 announced its most ambitious digital enterprise ever. In June, VH1 will launch “Make a Band Famous,” a totally original digital program that will live stream a battle of the bands over 24 hours until one band is named the winner.

VH1’s digital initiatives are driven by stats that show that the network’s viewers are naturally looking for new ways to engage with its TV programming before and after shows air. Over the last year, the network has experienced a double digit increase in page views on VH1.com and a triple digit increase in page views on mobile.

Watch TheWrap’s exclusive first look at “Inside the Arena” above.

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