ReelzChannel Showcases New Originals

NEW YORK: ReelzChannel presented three new original series at its first-ever Upfront event in New York, including the scripted miniseries The Disciples.

Part of its mission to feature faith-based entertainment, the six-hour The Disciples presents the story of Jesus' 12 Apostles. Debuting in 2015, it comes from Associated Television International. The other two new series for Reelz's 2014-2015 season are Asylum Entertainment's Mansion Matchmakers, featuring the firm that helps companies gain access to the most lavish locations in Hollywood, set for a summer launch; and High Noon's Branson Cab, launching in January 2015, about a family running a cab company in Branson, Missouri.

The Upfront presentation featured the stars of previously announced reality series Polka Kings and had an Oktoberfest theme.

"As we continue building on the momentum generated by the success of Hollywood Hillbillies and Beverly Hills Pawn we're excited to offer our viewers and advertisers a lively and fun environment in which to experience our network," said Stan E. Hubbard, the CEO of Reelz.

"Hollywood entertains and moves people in a positive way and our first-ever Upfront event was about capturing that and showing our network's personality," said Bill Rosolie, the senior VP of advertising sales at Reelz. "We have hit series, new original programming and a totally new daytime lineup, and as an independent network, we'll leverage that to create opportunities for our partners that are a lot trickier for big networks to execute."

Returning highlights for Reelz include Barabbas, starring Billy Zane; the TV movie Bomb Girls: Facing the Enemy and returning series Hollywood Hillbillies, Beverly Hills Pawn and OK TV!