‘Couples Therapy’ Executive Producer Developing ‘Couples in Crisis’ Project With VH1 (Exclusive)

Specials will chronicle troubled celebrity couples attempting to mend their relationships

“Couples Therapy With Dr. Jenn” executive producer John Irwin is once again teaming up with VH1 for programming about troubled celebrity souls.

Irwin (pictured) is pairing with VH1 to develop a series of specials revolving around celebrity couples going through rough times, along the lines of Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott.

The concept behind the specials, which bear the working title “Couples in Crisis,” is to enlist famous pairs who’ve made headlines with their marital woes, work with them to resolve their issues and put the special on the air within three weeks.

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The project, which is being produced by Irwin Entertainment, is currently on the lookout for the first couple to serve as the subject of the inaugural installment.

Irwin, who also worked on VH1’s”Celebrity Rehab” and “Sober House,” has developed a bountiful working relationship with the network. In addition to “Couples Therapy,” which returns for a fifth season on Sept. 10, he’s also executive producing “Make or Break: The Linda Perry Project,” which stars former 4 Non Blondes frontwoman Linda Perry and premieres on the network July 16.

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Irwin Entertainment recently produced Comedy Central’s Tracy Morgan special “Bona Fide,” as well as Comedy Central specials starring Kevin Hart, David Spade and Patton Oswalt , plus the recently taped stand-up special starring “The Howard Stern Show” personality Artie Lange. The company has also brought aboard producer Noah Bonnett to develop non-scripted projects for both cable and broadcast networks.

Bonnett, who has consulted on unscripted projects for a variety of production companies including Endemol USA, Fremantle Media and Dick Clark Productions, boasts credits such as the Nickelodeon game show “Brainsurge,” the TBS offering “Bam’s Bad Ass Game Show,” truTV’s “Killer Karaoke” and the ABC offering “Bet Your Baby.” At Irwin Entertainment, he will focus on formatted reality shows and game shows.

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“Noah has great ideas, fantastic drive and an in-depth understanding of the non-scripted market,” Irwin said of Bonnett. “He’ll be a terrific asset for Irwin Entertainment, and I’m certain he will take our current slate to a whole new level.”

“Irwin Entertainment has a real gift for telling compelling stories and making people laugh,” Bonnett added. “John is a gifted producer who has made some incredible television, and I’m excited to work with him.”

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