Bravo Continues Original Programming Push

PASADENA: Bravo Media is increasing the network’s original programming by an additional 20 percent in 2011, targeted at the "passion groups" of food, fashion, beauty, design and pop culture.

Joining the original series roster is a new music competition, Platinum Hit, which features songwriters Jewel and Kara DioGuardi (a former American Idol judge). The show, set to debut in summer 2011, will feature 12 aspiring songwriters who will put their skills to the test in a unique creative process.

Million Dollar Decorators heads to Bravo in April. The series will explore the personal and professional lives of some of the hottest high-end interior decorators in Los Angeles. Also launching in April, Pregnant in Heels follows maternity concierge Rosie Pop as she advices her wealthy Manhattan clients and expecting mothers as the prepare for parenthood. Rocco’s Dinner Party will watch as chefs compete to throw the ultimate dinner party for Rocco DiSpirito and his celebrity friends. The series will debut later this year. 

Among the returning originals are season four of The Real Housewives of New York (premiering February 15), season four of Million Dollar Listing (February 3), The Real Housewives of Orange County season six (March 6) and more Watch What Happens: Live, hosted by Andy Cohen on Tuesdays and Sundays at 11 p.m.

Bravo also confirmed new season orders for The Rachel Zoe Project, Flipping Out and Work of Art: The Next Great Artist. The Millionaire Matchmaker and Bethenny Ever After (known in its first season as Bethenny Getting Married?) are headed back to Bravo as well. The network will begin a ninth season of Top Chef, while Top Chef Masters returns for its third run, with Curtis Stone as host. As previously announced, Kathy Griffin will be featured in four all-new stand-up comedy specials and Donny Deutsch will be delving out relationship advice with the interactive lice special Love Calling (working title).

Frances Berwick, the president of Bravo Media, commented: "Bravo continues to expand the hours of original programming, bringing viewers even more outsized hits that embrace pop culture and showcase big name talent such as Rocco DiSpirito, Jewel, Kara DioGuardi, and our newest ‘Bravolebrity’ Curtis Stone." Berwick added, "We are known for evolving projects into cultural touchstones and we look forward to continuing that with our upcoming slate of creative new series."