Bravo’s Watch What Happens Gets Five-Night Strip

NEW YORK: Bravo Media’s talk show Watch What Happens: Live, hosted by Andy Cohen, is expanding to five nights of original episodes starting January 8, 2012.

The talk show, which is currently in its fifth season, evolved from Cohen’s daily narrative blog to a live web series, then premiered as a weekly show on Bravo in July 2009. The half-hour show covers pop culture topics and features celebrity guests from all genres of entertainment. Cohen is the executive VP of original programming and development at Bravo.

“Expanding Watch What Happens: Live to five nights a week is the natural progression for this hit interactive show, and a testament to Andy’s enormous appeal,” said Frances Berwick, the president of Bravo and Style Media. “It cements Bravo’s tentpole in late night with this one-of-a-kind live, relatable and truly unpredictable format.”

"In my wildest dreams when I started at Bravo seven years ago, I never imagined that I would end up fulfilling my lifelong dream,” added Cohen. “It’s the perfect storm—I get to do the three things I’m most passionate about: producing, developing and hosting for a brand that I love.”

In addition, Jerry Leo, the former senior VP of program strategy and acquisitions has been promoted to the role of executive VP of program strategy and production. Leo’s expanded role will include the current slate of originals, from the creative to production operations and management of more than 30 series. He also oversees the strategic planning of all linear and digital scheduling.

“Bravo is on track to have its sixth consecutive best year ever and Jerry has played an integral role in each year of the network’s success,” Berwick said. “His knowledge of our brand, his many years of expertise and programming instincts will be instrumental to Bravo’s continued growth.”