OWN Unveils Premiere Highlights

LOS ANGELES: In preparation for its January 1 launch, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network has announced the lineup for its premiere weekend schedule, as well as the regular daytime and prime-time grids.

On Saturday, January 1, the brand-new channel will kick off with the one-hour special Oprah Presents OWN. The day continues with sneak peeks of Kidnapped By the Kids, Enough Already with Peter Walsh, Searching For, Miracle Detectives and Oprah Presents Master Class. Other highlights of the launch day include The Road To Your OWN Show and the first two episodes of Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes.

Further programming joining the network at launch includes Ask Oprah’s All-Stars with Suze Orman, Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz; Cristina’s Big Bowl of Love with Cristina Ferrare; The Gayle King Show; In The Bedroom With Dr. Laura Berman; and Our America with Lisa Ling. OWN will be the exclusive home of The Best of Dr. Phil, showcasing the first-off broadcast exhibition of the hit syndicated, daily one-hour talk show. OWN will also be premiering in the U.S. Anna & Kristina’s Grocery Bag. The hit decorating show Trading Spaces rounds out OWN’s weekday lineup.

"During our launch weekend, the audience will see a little of everything OWN has to offer," said Christina Norman, the CEO of OWN. "Oprah as they’ve never seen her in Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes, expert advice from Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil and Suze Orman to get their year started right on Ask Oprah’s All-Stars, and sneak peeks at the kinds of shows we believe really fulfill our mission to be entertaining and inspiring."

In addition, three new original series have been added to the network’s 2011 roster. The Judds, which follows country music legends Naomi and Wynonna Judd; Carson-Nation, led by fashion and design expert Carson Kressley of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy fame; and Ryan and Tatum: The O’Neals, following the father and daughter acting dynasty Ryan and Tatum O’Neal.

"We’re excited these two iconic families are allowing us to chronicle their personal stories as they embark on new chapters,"commented  Lisa Erspamer, the chief creative officer of OWN. "We think our viewers will relate to the complex and dynamic relationships of Wynonna and Naomi Judd and Ryan and Tatum O’Neal, and Carson’s hilarious adventures on the road will entertain and surprise."