Gypsyville Among New TLC Programs

SILVER SPRING: A U.S. version of the British series Big Fat Gypsy Weddings is among the broad range of 2011-2012 programs unveiled by TLC at its Upfront presentation today.

The network has acquired the original Channel 4 production and is at work on its own version, Gypsyville, both produced by Firecracker Films. Announcing the deal, Amy Winter, general manager of TLC, noted, “Having the opportunity to explore the hidden and often misunderstood gypsy and traveler culture continues the network’s commitment to compelling storytelling and surprising real-life characters.”

Big Fat Gypsy Weddings will air weekly starting in June. The series will also air on TLC in Poland, Romania, Russia, Bulgaria, Serbia and Slovenia later this year. Gypsyville, examining the lives of gypsies and travelers in America, is scheduled to debut in early 2012. Other new productions include 9/11 Colliding Lives, a two-hour special for Q2; Baby’s First Day, filmed at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Maternity Ward in Nashville, Tennessee.; Extreme Christmas Trees for the fourth quarter and Extreme Couponing for the second quarter. Other highlights are the Billy Ray Cyrus-hosted Homecoming, I Kid with Brad Garrett, NY Ink, Niecy Nash’s Wedding Bash, Pawn Queens, Off the Rez, Randy to the Rescue with Say Yes to the Dress star Randy Fenoli, the makeover series Spouse vs. House and the recently announced Who Killed Chandra Levy docu-movie.

“Viewers trust TLC to deliver open-hearted and unfiltered stories of real-life people living extraordinary lives,” said Winter. “And while the unique circumstances attract audiences, it’s the surprisingly relatable characters that keep them watching.  Our programming connects with viewers and gives them a moment to exhale in today’s increasingly crazy and unpredictable world.”