NBC.com Entertainment News

NBC Names Supermodel/Producer/TV Host Heidi Klum As Fourth And Newest Judge On 'America's Got Talent'

2013-03-06T18:11:28Z

Klum Joining with Mel B, Howie Mandel and Howard Stern Marks First Time That Top-rated Summer Series Has Featured Four Judges

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - March 4, 2013 - NBC announced that supermodel/designer/executive producer/TV host Heidi Klum ("Project Runway") has been added as a new judge on "America's Got Talent" - marking the first time that the top-rated summer series has added a fourth judge. Klum will join fellow incoming judge Mel B as well as returning judges Howie Mandel and Howard Stern beginning this summer.

The announcement was made by Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC.

"Heidi has an amazing career across multiple media platforms, and has built a brand that is a force in the entertainment business," said Telegdy. "She has achieved superstardom while balancing being a businesswoman and hard-working mom, bringing a huge amount of experience, discernment and taste to the panel. As we look to develop an act that will get the world's attention, we and the contestants will benefit from Heidi's international sensibility and understanding of what works in today's global entertainment industry."

"Heidi Klum brings huge experience to 'America's Got Talent' from her background as a model, designer, actress, TV host, producer, and successful businesswoman. She knows what it takes to be a successful entertainer," said executive producer Trish Kinane. "We warmly welcome her to Season 8 alongside Howie, Howard and Mel B."

Rob Wade, Head of U.S. Television, Syco Entertainment, said: "We are delighted to welcome Heidi Klum onto the team and look forward to her providing an exciting new dynamic to the panel this season. We hope she has as much fun making this show as we do and look forward to a great season."

"America's Got some serious Talent! I'm really excited to join the panel of AGT to see it all -- from the ridiculous to the fantastic!" said Klum. "I love the surprise element of the show and not knowing what we'll see next and who will wow us. I'm also looking forward to spending time with my fellow judges - Howard Stern, Howie Mandel and Mel B!"

Klum is a major star in the fashion and entertainment world. Klum established herself as a top model, making great impact for such clients as Victoria's Secret and appearing on the covers of pop-culture mainstays, including the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.

Klum is the host and executive producer of the eight-time Emmy Award-nominated "Project Runway." Klum also hosts Germany's "Next Top Model," which has been a runaway hit in that country. Her other ventures include maternity lines for A Pea in the Pod and Motherhood Maternity, a jewelry collection for QVC called Wildlife by Heidi Klum, an active wear collection for New Balance, a collection for Babies "R" Us called Truly Scrumptious by Heidi Klum, and campaigns for Ann Taylor, Dannon and Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy. She has also launched Heidi Klum on AOL, a channel for women to find information on every topic.

Klum's modeling career began in her hometown of Bergisch Gladbach in Germany, when she won a national model search. She has since worked with many of the world's top-fashion photographers, including Sante D'Orazio, Patrick Demarchelier, Gilles Bensimon, Rankin, Matthew Ralston, Arthur Elgort, Walter Chin, Robert Erdmann, Marco Glaviano, Michael Thompson, Raymond Meier, Richard Burbridge, Mark Seliger, Wayne Mazur, Peter Lindbergh and Steven Meisel.

She has been featured in all of the top magazines, including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar, InStyle, Good Housekeeping, ID, W, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Allure, Lucky, Self, Town & Country, Redbook, Better Homes & Gardens, Esquire, Forbes, Arena, GQ, British GQ (for which she was named "Woman of the Year" twice in a row), French, British and German Vogue, German Elle, Self, Fitness, Dutch, New Woman and Grazia magazines.

Klum's acting appearances include Miramax's feature films "Blow Dry" and "Ella Enchanted," as well as ABC's "Spin City" and guest roles in "How I Met Your Mother," "The Devil Wears Prada," and "Sex and the City," PBS' "Sesame Street," and a voiceover for The Weinstein Company's "Hoodwinked Too." She hosted the "60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards" and has hosted various specials for MTV, TNT and CBS. She also swam with sharks for an episode for Discovery Channel's popular "Shark Week."

Klum has appeared on over 100 talk shows, including NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "The Late Show with David Letterman," "The View," "Live with Kelly," NBC's "Today" show, "Good Morning America," "Piers Morgan," "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and NBC's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon."

As a testament to Klum's place in pop culture, Mattel created a Barbie in her likeness. She is also featured in the iconic Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Berlin.

Klum's charity involvements include work on behalf of such organizations as The Children's Hospital Los Angeles, the American Red Cross (as part of its Celebrity Cabinet), Worldwide Orphans Foundation, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and she was the spokeswoman for the Red Dress/Heart Health initiative for four years. Klum also appears in a PSA for the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Stand Up to Cancer program and served as the 2011 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF ambassador.

"America's Got Talent," NBC's top rated summer series from producers Simon Cowell's SYCO Television and FremantleMedia North America, returns this summer with the hottest performers from across the country ready to compete in the blockbuster reality show's eighth season. The live shows again will originate from the New York Tri-State area. This year, Klum joins the recently announced, high-octane entertainer and former Spice Girl Mel B as the newest judges who take their seats on the experienced and talented judge panel along with the outspoken, unedited radio personality, television host and author Howard Stern and comedian, TV host and producer Howie Mandel. Actor, producer and comedian Nick Cannon returns as host.

With the talent search open to acts of all ages, "America's Got Talent" has brought the variety format back to the forefront of American culture by showcasing performers from across the country. The series is a true celebration of the American spirit, featuring a colorful array of hopeful stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage hoping to win America's hearts -- and the $1 million prize.

"America's Got Talent" is produced by Simon Cowell's SYCO Television and FremantleMedia North America. Simon Cowell, Jason Raff, Sam Donnelly, Trish Kinane and Rob Wade are the executive producers.

For embeddable clips and full episodes from NBC shows, please visit NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/americasgottalent/

For artwork and a complete press kit from the show please visit the NBC Universal Media Village website at http://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/

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NBC's 'Community' Characters To Be Immortalized As Puppets In An Episode Airing In April

2013-03-06T18:02:58Z

Award-winning Actor Jason Alexander to Guest Star as Friendly Mountain Man Which Study Group Encounters During Their Time in the Woods

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - March 5, 2013 - NBC announced today that the characters of its acclaimed comedy "Community" (Thursdays, 8-8:30 p.m. ET) will be immortalized as puppets in an episode airing in April. In the episode, the study group takes a wild balloon ride that crash-lands in the woods and they end up spending a little time with a friendly mountain man (award winner Jason Alexander, "Seinfeld"). The announcement was made at this evening's PaleyFest panel presentation for "Community" in Beverly Hills, sponsored by the Paley Center for Media.

As the study group recounts their adventures in the woods, which has left them all feeling a little awkward with one another, Dean Pelton (Jim Rash) encourages them to speak about their experience with the use of puppets. The puppets include characters Jeff (Joel McHale), Pierce (Chevy Chase), Britta (Gillian Jacobs), Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown), Abed (Danny Pudi), Annie (Alison Brie), Troy (Donald Glover) and Chang (Ken Jeong).

Guest star Alexander is well known to audiences for his portrayal of George Costanza on NBC's hit comedy series "Seinfeld," a role that earned him six Emmy Award nominations and four Golden Globe Award nominations, along with an American Television award and two American Comedy Awards. In addition, the Screen Actors Guild knighted him "Best Actor in a Comedy Series" and TV Guide readers voted him among the10 greatest television characters of all time. Beyond "Seinfeld," Alexander's career has included memorable Broadway shows including Stephen Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along" and Jerome Robbins' "Broadway," which won him the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Tony Award.

The felt and foam puppets are manufactured by Scott Johnson and Drew Massey, who most recently worked on "Warren the Ape" for MTV and "Muppets Wizard of Oz" for the Jim Henson Company.

The critically hailed "Community" is a smart, exuberant half-hour comedy series about a tight-knit study group at Greendale Community College. At the center of the group is Jeff Winger (McHale, "The Soup"), a fast-talking lawyer whose degree has been revoked. With some help from his fellow classmates, Winger forms a study group who eventually learn more about themselves than their course work. The series was created by Dan Harmon ("The Sarah Silverman Program") who serves as executive consultant. Russ Krasnoff ("The Soloist") is executive producer, along with Gary Foster ("Sleepless in Seattle"), Moses Port and David Guarascio ("Happy Endings"). Tristram Shapeero ("Nurse Jackie") is executive producer/director. The series is a Krasnoff Foster Entertainment production, in association with Universal Television and Sony Pictures Television.

For embeddable clips and full episodes from NBC shows, please visit NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/Community/

For artwork and a complete press kit from the show please visit the NBC Universal Media Village website at http://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/

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Fashion Guru Tim Gunn & Celebrity Hairstylist Ken Paves Guest Star In Fan Favorite Makeover Episode Of NBC's "The Biggest Loser" On Monday, March 4

2013-02-28T18:14:14Z

Adult Contestants and Kid Participants Biingo, Lindsay and Sunny All Reveal Their Incredible New Looks At Home With Family and Friends for First Time Ever on the Series

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - February 28, 2013 - Fashion guru Tim Gunn and celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves create amazing transformations for the adults and kids in the eagerly-anticipated makeover episode of NBC's "The Biggest Loser: Challenge America," that will also featuring heartwarming homecoming reveals with the contestants' family and friends for the first time ever on the show. The must-see makeover episode airs Monday, March 4 (8-10 p.m. ET) on NBC.

It's down to the final five contestants - Danni Allen (Wheeling, IL), Jackson Carter (Layton, Utah), Gina McDonald (Hoover, Alabama), Jeff Nichols (Monroe, Michigan) and Joe Ostraszewski (Williston, Florida), and it's the episode that contestants and viewers look forward to every season. And this season, there's a twist. For the first time ever, all the contestants plus kid participants Biingo, Lindsay and Sunny will reveal their new makeover looks at home, surrounded by family and friends in heartwarming and emotional reunions. And this week, the players also get the promise of immunity at the next weigh-in if they each lose five percent of their body weight before the next weigh-in.

The makeover fun begins with fashion expert Tim Gunn, who works his magic helping the contestants pick out stylish new outfits to flatter their new slimmer selves. Then celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves, whose clients have included Jennifer Lopez, Victoria Beckham and Eva Longoria, crafts incredible new looks for each player and teen, leading to amazing and dramatic transformations. After travelling home to show off their new looks and enjoy emotional reunions with loved ones, it's back to the task at hand for the contestants - losing five percent of their body weight while faced with all the temptations, distractions and realities of home that contributed to them being overweight in the first place.

While home, the players are also challenged to lead group workouts in their community, and a few former Biggest Losers - including season 11 winner Olivia Ward and season 11 player Marci Crozier - stop by to help. Later, after tearful goodbyes with loved ones, the final five return to the ranch and weigh in to see if they have all lost enough weight to keep everyone safe from elimination for one more week.

"The Biggest Loser: Challenge America" is a production of Shine America, 25/7 Productions and 3 Ball Productions. Ben Silverman, Dave Broome, Lisa Hennessy, Eden Gaha, Paul Franklin, JD Roth and Todd A. Nelson are the executive producers.

For embeddable clips and full episodes from "The Biggest Loser," please visit NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/

For artwork and a complete press kit from the show, please visit the NBC Universal Media Village website at http://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/

Please like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/biggestloser and follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/biggestlosernbc

SNL Roars Into March With All-Star Line-Up Including Justin Timberlake And Kevin Hart

2013-02-21T18:49:26Z

New York, NY - February 21, 2013 - SNL returns on March 2 with Kevin Hart making his hosting debut. Just finishing his record breaking worldwide arena tour, Hart is currently starring in and producing "Real Husbands of Hollywood," and will next be seen in the concert film "Let Me Explain" in theaters in the summer.

Musical guest Macklemore & Ryan Lewis will also make their SNL debut. Their album, "The Heist," was released in October 2012 and their current hit single, "Thrift Shop" topped the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for four straight weeks.

Multiple Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Justin Timberlake returns to SNL on March 9 pulling double-duty as host and musical guest. Entering his fifth turn as host, Timberlake's third solo album "The 20/20 Experience," due out March 19, is preceded by the Billboard chart-topping single "Suit & Tie."

"Saturday Night Live" is produced in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels.

Justin Timberlake Celebrates Launch Of New Album "The 20/20 Experience" With A Week Of Appearances On NBC's "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" March 11-15

2013-02-21T18:43:42Z

New York, New York - February 21, 2013 - "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" will host Justin Timberlake for a week of appearances March 11-15 (12:35am ET on NBC) to celebrate the launch of his third solo album, "The 20/20 Experience." Timberlake is scheduled to perform each night and will sit down to chat with Fallon on Monday and Friday. His visit will mark the first time any featured artist has appeared in every show during a single week.

Timberlake's highly anticipated studio album, "The 20/20 Experience," is set to be released March 19 on RCA Records. The 10 track album features the Billboard record-breaking single "Suit & Tie."

From Universal Television and Broadway Video, "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" is executive produced by Lorne Michaels and produced by Michael Shoemaker. Gavin Purcell produces.

Versatile Entertainer And Former Spice Girl Mel B Joins NBC's Top-Rated Summer Series 'America's Got Talent' As New Judge Along With Howie Mandel And Howard Stern

2013-02-21T18:35:46Z

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - February 21, 2013 - NBC announced today that versatile entertainer and former Spice Girl Melanie Brown (or "Mel B") will join the network's top-rated summer series "America's Got Talent" as a judge, and will take her place alongside fellow judges Howie Mandel and Howard Stern beginning this summer.

The outstanding contestants from the Season 8 open-casting auditions will be invited back to perform in front of Mandel, Stern and Mel B in five cities across the country, with the Top 48 Acts moving on to compete during this summer's live shows and vie for the coveted $1 million grand prize. Submissions are still being accepted online at www.agtauditions.com

The announcements were made by Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC.

"This exciting addition of the dynamic Mel B to our lineup of judges promises that fans will see a strong, talented and opinionated woman match up against our equally outspoken judges Howard Stern and Howie Mandel," said Telegdy. "Her presence has powder-keg potential for lots of fireworks this summer as the #1-rated 'America's Got Talent' will return with even bigger and more exotic acts than any year before."

"I'm thrilled to be part of this season of 'America's Got Talent' and to get to work with Howie and Howard," said Mel B. "It's so exciting to be bringing some Girl Power to the panel!"

Executive producer Sam Donnelly said, "We are ecstatic to add chart-topping musical star Mel B to the judging panel. Mel's experience in music, dance and acting will certainly come in handy as she judges and advises some of the best and most unique acts in the world that will be coming her way this season on America's Got Talent." Added executive producer Jason Raff: "Mel B is an international superstar and we're thrilled to welcome her to 'AGT' Season 8 - we know she'll definitely add some 'spice' to our panel."

Brown, best known to audiences as Mel B of the Spice Girls, is a chart‐topping musical artist, actress, author, television personality and groundbreaking entrepreneur.

Mel B just returned from Australia where she appeared on the record breaking show "The X Factor" for two seasons as one of the four judges and was co-host of one season of the Australian version of "Dancing With the Stars."

In 2010, along with her husband and children, she also starred in a reality series for The Style Network called "Mel B: It's a Scary World," which let viewers get to know the family and see how Mel manages a multi-faceted career, raises her family and still finds time for her husband. Mel as also appeared as the volcanic personality and red-hot presence driving "Peep Show," the sensual, sophisticated and sly spectacle redefining Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino and was on Season 5 of the ABC hit series "Dancing With the Stars," where she came in second place with her partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy. On Broadway, she headlined as Mimi in a major production of "Rent" and appeared in a presentation of "The Vagina Monologues."

Mel B's brash persona was at the core of the Spice Girl's global success, racking up worldwide record sales of $55 million, a Guinness Book of World Records status for "Most No. 1 Entries in the U.K. Charts" and "Most Consecutive No. 1's for a New Act." The group's enduring popularity brought about one of the most successful concert tours of 2007-08 with the reunion trek grossing more than $70 million. In 2012, the Spice Girls reunited for a performance at the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony and for the premiere of "Viva Forever: The Musical." Based on the songs of the Spice Girls, the musical, written by Jennifer Saunders and produced by Judy Cramer, is currently playing in the West End at the Piccadilly Theater.

The VTR auditions for new contestants begin in New Orleans (March 4 - March 5) at the Lakefront Arena before a move to San Antonio (March 20 - March 21) at the Lila Cockrell Theater. The auditions continue in New York City (April 8 - April 10) at the Hammerstein and then re-locate to Los Angeles (April 24 - April 26) at the Pantages Theater before concluding in Chicago (May 8 - May 10) at the Akoo Theater. For taping times and ticket information visit, www.nbc.com/agt

"America's Got Talent," NBC's top rated summer series from producers Simon Cowell's SYCO Television and FremantleMedia North America and returns this summer with the hottest performers from across the country ready to compete in the blockbuster reality show's eighth season. The live shows again will originate from the New York Tri-State area this summer. This year, the high-octane entertainer and former Spice Girl Mel B joins the experienced and talented judge dais along with the outspoken, unedited radio personality, television host and author Howard Stern and comedian, TV host and producer Howie Mandel. Actor, producer and comedian Nick Cannon returns as host.

"America's Got Talent" is produced by Simon Cowell's SYCO Television and FremantleMedia North America. Simon Cowell, Jason Raff, Sam Donnelly, Trish Kinane and Rob Wade are the executive producers.

All-Star Sponsors On Board For NBC's 'All-Star Celebrity Apprentice,' Premiering Sunday, March 3

2013-02-20T01:39:48Z

NEW YORK - February 19, 2013 - Donald J. Trump and Mark Burnett have partnered with some of the world's most prominent and recognizable brands for NBC's "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice," premiering Sunday, March 3 (9-11 p.m. ET).

Continuing to revolutionize brand integration on television, "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" welcomes world-class brands to its All-Star season, including: Australian Gold, Farouk Hair Systems' Chi and BioSilk products, Foxwoods Resorts, Kraft, LG Electronics, South African Tourism Board and Walgreens.

"This season's All-Star cast brings creativity and energy to every task, which offers an extraordinary value for our sponsors" said Trump, series host and executive producer. "We continue to be the top television show for branded integration and have lined up a fantastic group of sponsors."

Over the past 12 seasons, big-name brands have partnered with "The Apprentice" franchise in order to take advantage of the high-profile series for astonishing sales results. In "Apprentice" history, many of America's largest and most successful companies have eagerly chosen to showcase new or current products in the form of "Apprentice" tasks, including Best Buy, Burger King, Dove, Domino's Pizza, Dairy Queen, The Dial Corporation, General Motors, Home Depot, Kodak, Lexus, Microsoft, Nestle, Outback Steakhouse, Procter & Gamble, Staples, Pontiac, Pedigree, Priceline.com, Right Guard, Rockport, Snapple and Unilever.

"'The Celebrity Apprentice' franchise continues to work with the biggest names in advertising in order to launch and promote products from America's top companies," said executive producer Page Feldman. "We have created a format that continues to adjust with new trends."

A few sales highlights from past seasons are:
• Most successful product launch for the home care division for Dial US in 2007 with Softscrub
• Doubled sales of Kodak printers in 2008
• Chicken of the Sea was voted the most effective integration on a TV show by The New York Times in 2009
• Clock Work Home Services received a 30 per cent lift in call volume in 2010
• 7UP experienced a significant lift in WOM and online chatter, increasing its Facebook fan base by over 330 per cent in 2011
• Show ranked as top series in branded recall for 2011 season in ranking by The New York Times
• Walgreens received an 80 per cent lift from the Walk with Walgreens campaign in 2012

Of equal importance, since the 2007 premiere of the "Celebrity" version of the franchise, the series has generated millions of dollars for charities worldwide.

This season, Trump returns with the first-ever "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice," including 14 fan-favorite celebrities fighting for a second chance to raise money and awareness for their charity of choice. The last person standing will have the honor of delivering a $250,000 bonus check to their designated charity.

The celebrity contestants are: Trace Adkins, Stephen Baldwin, Gary Busey, Marilu Henner, La Toya Jackson, Penn Jillette, Lil Jon, Claudia Jordan, Bret Michaels, Omarosa, Lisa Rinna, Brande Roderick, Dennis Rodman and Dee Snider.

"All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" airs Sundays (9-11 p.m. ET) beginning Sunday, March 3. Starting Sunday, March 31, the series will then air Sundays (10-11 p.m. ET). Trump will "hire" the All-Star winner in a live broadcast on Sunday, May 19.

"All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" is produced by Mark Burnett in association with Trump Productions. Mark Burnett, Donald Trump, Page Feldman, and Eric Van Wagenen are executive producers. Sadoux Kim, Johnny Petillo and Michael Dietz are co-executive producers.

A full press kit and photos for "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" can be accessed on the NBCUniversal Media Village website: http://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/networks/nbcentertainment/allstarcelebrityapprentice

An electronic press kit for "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" is available at https://nbc.epk.tv/

Please visit NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice/

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NBC's 'The Biggest Loser' Teams With Pinterest In A First-of-its-kind Partnership To Bring Take-away Tips Seen In The Show To Promote Healthy Living To Millions

2013-02-19T17:51:21Z

Joint Effort with Shine America Begins Monday, February 18 and Features Tips and Tricks from "The Biggest Loser" Experts, Including Trainer Dolvett Quince

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - February 18, 2013 - In a first-of-its-kind broadcast entertainment partnership, NBC and Shine America will team with Pinterest -- the online tool millions use to find inspiration for their lives-- to jointly promote "The Biggest Loser" (Mondays, 8-10 p.m. ET) with fitness and food ideas and tips seen during broadcast. Through the partnership, NBC will create instructional content based on each week's episode specifically for the Pinterest platform so that fans can more easily incorporate what they've seen on the show into their own lives and turn motivation into reality. The integration begins today (Monday, February 18) and will continue until the series' season finale on March 18.

The announcement was made today by NBC, Shine America and Pinterest.

Beginning with tonight's broadcast of "The Biggest Loser," when contestants either try a new exercise or see a healthy recipe or explore a healthy lifestyle tip, pop-up text will appear on screen directing viewers to "The Biggest Loser" Pinterest page at pinterest.com/nbcbiggestloser. There they will find detailed "how-to" images from experts such as "The Biggest Loser" trainer Dolvett Quince and Chef Devin Alexander. Fans can re-pin the content to their own Pinterest boards or save it and share it with others.

Each episode will feature one show-inspired exercise, recipe, or lifestyle tip and every post will consist of a series of easy-to-follow photos with text directions.

"We are thrilled to be the first entertainment company to execute a partnership of this kind with Pinterest. Pinterest is one of the top sources of engagement for our content and the utility it offers its users is perfect for this kind of initiative," said Robert Hayes, Executive Vice President, NBC Entertainment Digital. "'The Biggest Loser" and Pinterest are an ideal pairing since our respective communities value inspiration, motivation and self-empowerment."

"As 'The Biggest Loser' continues to break barriers in its 14th season, we are proud to be the first official entertainment partner with Pinterest and NBC in this way," said Vivi Zigler, President of Shine 360˚ and Digital. "Being at the forefront of all things health, wellness and lifestyle Pinterest was a natural fit with 'The Biggest Loser' to provide fans with take-away content and a powerful user experience."

"Connecting NBC's engaging programming directly to content on Pinterest that people can save, share and, ultimately, use in their lives creates a uniquely valuable experience for viewers," said Barry Schnitt, Head of Communications at Pinterest. "People watch 'The Biggest Loser' to get inspired and that's the same reason they come to Pinterest, making the show a perfect place for us to start."

"The Biggest Loser" is bigger and bolder as it returned last month with a powerful new mission -- to tackle the nation's childhood obesity epidemic head on. For the first time ever in the show's history, kids (ages 13-16) are participating along with 15 adult contestants. New mother Jillian Michaels is also back, ready to whip contestants into shape with her tough-as-nails, no-nonsense approach, alongside returning trainers and top fitness experts Bob Harper and Dolvett Quince. The show is hosted by Alison Sweeney.

"The Biggest Loser" is a production of Shine America, 25/7 Productions and 3 Ball Productions. Ben Silverman, Dave Broome, Todd Lubin, Lisa Hennessy, Eden Gaha, Paul Franklin, JD Roth and Todd A. Nelson are the executive producers.

For embeddable clips and full episodes from "The Biggest Loser," please visit NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/

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About Shine America

Shine America is a world leader in producing and distributing compelling scripted and unscripted television and digital content and through its global Shine 360˚ division, building brands through the leveraging of its intellectual property and creating integrated marketing opportunities for advertisers. Shine America is known for popular and award-winning original series including "The Biggest Loser," "Tabatha Takes Over" and "The Face"; adaptations of Shine Group formats "MasterChef," "Minute to Win It," "One Born Every Minute" and "Parental Control"; long-running scripted hits "The Office," "Ugly Betty" and "The Tudors"; and over 20 ground-breaking original online series on MSN, Yahoo!, YouTube premium channels and other platforms, many of these produced in partnership with global brands such as Walmart, Toyota, Kraft Foods, Subway and Microsoft. Through Shine Group's distribution arm, Shine International, Shine America distributes its extensive library of programming and formats to more than 150 countries. Visit www.shineamerica.com for further information.

About NBC Entertainment

NBC Entertainment develops and schedules programming for the network's primetime, late-night, and daytime schedules. NBC's quality programs and balanced lineup have earned the network critical acclaim, numerous awards, and ratings success. NBC has earned more Emmy Awards than any network in television history. NBC's roster of popular scripted series includes the Emmy Award-winning comedies "The Office" and "30 Rock," as well as the critically acclaimed "Parks and Recreation" and "Community," and new popular comedies "The New Normal," "Go On" and "Guys With Kids." NBC's drama slate is highlighted by the buzz-worthy new series "Revolution" and "Chicago Fire," veteran award-winning shows "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Parenthood," and the acclaimed recent additions "Smash" and "Grimm." Unscripted series for NBC include the vocal competition hit "The Voice" as well as "The Biggest Loser," "The Celebrity Apprentice" and the perennial #1 most-watched summer series, "America's Got Talent."

In late-night, NBC regularly delivers #1 broadcast results with "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," "Last Call with Carson Daly" and "Saturday Night Live." NBC Daytime's "Days of our Lives" consistently ranks among daytime's top programs in the valuable women 18-34 category. The five-time, Emmy Award-winning NBC.com streams full episodes and provides original content for NBC entertainment shows online and through apps for mobile and tablet devices. NBC recently launched NBC Kids, a new Saturday morning programming block designed specifically to address the developmental needs of preschool-aged children. Programmed by the kids' experts at Sprout, the nation's first 24-hour preschool television channel, this new three-hour block will feature educational series that promote active, healthy lifestyles for younger children.

Howie Mandel And Nick Cannon Join Betty White For Super-sized Laughs In All-new Episodes Of "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" February 19 & 26 On NBC

2013-02-14T17:46:47Z

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - February 14 - Howie Mandel and Nick Cannon (NBC's "America's Got Talent") deliver big laughs to all new episodes of "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" airing Tuesday, February 19 and Tuesday, February 26 respectively at 8 p.m. ET. Both episodes will be followed at 8:30 p.m. ET by special "best of" episodes from season one of NBC's hidden camera series.

The fun starts on Tuesday, February 19 at 8:00 p.m., when Betty White prepares her house to accommodate special guest Howie Mandel and his germaphobia. Also, Howie schools Betty in the art of fist-tapping instead of hand-shaking, with unexpected consequences. Meanwhile, Betty's posse of senior pranksters is out on the streets, busy pulling pranks on the younger generation. An elderly man asks a stranger for advice on "manscaping," a senior enlists a man's help protecting a top secret document from people who are tailing him, a prankster shakes hands with a stranger before sharing news of her contagious hand rash, and an affectionate senior citizen offers "free Grandpa hugs" to passersby.

Then on Tuesday, February 26 at 8:00 p.m., Nick Cannon is the special guest, and quickly discovers the darker side of Betty White when discussing his twins and the advantages of having a look-alike. And later, Betty shows Nick who the real expert is when it comes to hip hop. Also this week, a bathrobe-clad senior searches for the art class in which he'll be a nude model, a lady offering to take pictures for tourists decides to turn the camera on herself instead, and an elderly prankster serves as a "cart valet" at Costco, helping sanitize carts for customers.

The Off Their Rockers Prankster's Challenge" continues through February 20, inviting viewers to send in their funniest prank ideas. If Betty and the show's producers like the prank, it could appear in the show's season finale, with the winner's name and hometown shown on air and also featured with the prank on the "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" homepage on www.nbc.com. Guidelines for submission are detailed on the site at http://www.nbc.com/betty-whites-off-their-rockers/exclusives/pranksters-challenge/, where prank ideas can be submitted through midnight ET on February 20.

Chris Coelen, Betty White, Emma Conway, Tim Van Aelst, Kathleen Burns and Matilda Zoltowski are the executive producers of the series, produced by Kinetic Content.

For embeddable clips and full episodes from "Betty White's Off Their Rockers," please visit NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/betty-whites-off-their-rockers/

For artwork and a complete press kit from the show, please visit the NBC Universal Media village website at http://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/

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The Kids Return, Contestants Clash & The Players Face A Fierce Challenge To Win Group Immunity On NBC's 'The Biggest Loser,' On Monday, February 18

2013-02-13T18:30:58Z

Plus, Subway's Jared Stops by with Exciting News Regarding This Season's Winner, and Jillian and the Kids Embrace the Importance of Body Acceptance by Signing Seventeen Magazine's Body Peace Treaty

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - February 13, 2013 - Kid participants Biingo, Lindsay and Sunny return to the ranch, two contestants clash in a big way, and the players are tasked with a an arduous challenge to try and win immunity for all in a lively episode of "The Biggest Loser: Challenge America," airing Monday, February 18 (8-10 p.m. ET) on NBC.

The week kicks off with the news that the seven remaining contestants can win immunity for all if they lose a collective 70 lbs. Helping them with that daunting task are kid participants Biingo, Lindsay and Sunny, who surprise the adult contestants by returning to the ranch. A pop challenge testing the kids' brains and brawn will give the adults a chance to shave as many as 10 pounds off the total amount of weight they need to stay at the ranch another week.

But with emotions and tensions at an all-time high, this week's theme of "working together" might be a tougher challenge than losing the amount of weight that will keep them all safe for another week. Two contestants clash and one refuses to work out in the same gym as the other. And Jillian grows increasingly frustrated with one player for the negative thought patterns that keep holding her back.

An exhausting sand-digging challenge at the beach offers another weigh-in advantage, but only if they work together to succeed while racing against the clock. And later, the trainers and players scale new heights in an intense team-building challenge, forcing all - including those who haven't gotten along this week -- to rely on and trust one another to succeed. Then a tension-filled weigh-in reveals whether they'll all be safe - or have to send another player home.

Also this week, Subway's Jared stops by with some exciting news about an opportunity waiting for this season's winner, and Jillian and the kids discuss the importance of body acceptance and sign Seventeen magazine's "Body Peace Treaty."

For embeddable clips and full episodes from "The Biggest Loser," please visit NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/

For artwork and a complete press kit from the show, please visit the NBC Universal Media Village website at http://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/

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NBC's Emmy-winning 'The Office' Closes Its Doors With 200th Episode In Hour-long Series Finale On May 16

2013-02-07T18:49:46Z

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - February 07, 2013 - NBC's Emmy Award-winning "The Office" (Thursdays, 9-9:30 p.m. ET) will close up shop with its 200^th episode, a one-hour series finale on Thursday, May 16 (9-10 p.m. ET).

"The Office" has established itself as a genuine hit, earning prestigious television honors such as the 2006 Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series, 2006 Peabody Award, 2006 & 2008 AFI Honors, Producers Guild Award, Writers Guild Award, SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy, Ace Eddie Award for editing and a Television Critic's Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy.

The series is executive-produced by Ben Silverman, Greg Daniels, who developed the series for American audiences, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Howard Klein, Paul Lieberstein, Brent Forrester and Dan Sterling.

Christoph Waltz And Alabama Shakes Make Their SNL Debuts On February 16

2013-01-30T22:58:47Z

February 9 - Justin Bieber/ Justin Bieber; February 16 - Christoph Waltz/ Alabama Shakes

New York, NY - January 30, 2013 - Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner ("Django Unchained") Christoph Waltz makes his SNL hosting debut on February 16. Waltz received an Oscar, SAG and Golden Globe award, among many others, for his performance in "Inglorious Basterds" in 2009.

Joining Waltz is Alabama Shakes, making their musical guest debut. The rock band recently received three 2013 Grammy Award nominations, including Best New Artist, for their critically acclaimed album "Boys & Girls."

SNL returns on February 9 with Justin Bieber pulling double duty as host and musical guest for his first time.

"Saturday Night Live" is produced in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels.

NBC's Hit 'Chicago Fire' Adds Four-legged Series Regular When Rescue Dog 'Pouch' Makes Her Mark As New Firehouse Canine

2013-01-30T19:47:30Z

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - January 30, 2013 - If the dog is truly man's best friend, then a firehouse dog must be a firefighter's comrade in arms, as viewers of NBC's "Chicago Fire" will see in tonight's (Wednesday, January 30) episode that introduces new series regular "Pouch" -- a precocious rescue puppy adopted by Firehouse 51 as well as embraced by the show's cast and crew.

Pouch acquired her moniker (also her real name) owing to her being "half pooch and half couch," per Derek Haas, one of the hit drama series' executive producers and co-creator. In Wednesday's episode, firefighter Peter Mills (Charlie Barnett, one of the series' stars) discovers a wayward mutt and wants to keep him in the firehouse, but is overruled by no-nonsense Battalion Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) and Mouch (Christian Stolte). Over time, the irresistible Pouch eventually is named and claimed by the entire fire-and-rescue team.

"We saw a dog like our Pouch while doing a ride-along with the Chicago Fire Department last summer," said Haas. "A kid offered his dog to the firemen and said it was either going there or it would have to go to the pound for adoption."

"All firehouses have a million stories to tell about a firehouse dog, and we thought he would make a great addition," he continued. "Pouch will literally grow up before our eyes. Plus, pets are great stress relievers, and firefighters and rescue squads are under tremendous pressure every day, so they will appreciate her presence as a working dog."

While traditional lore dictates that firehouse canines are spotted Dalmatians, Haas knows otherwise. "I have yet to see a Dalmatian in any of the Chicago firehouses that we have visited," he said.

As a pup and newcomer to show business, Pouch is still feeling her way on the Windy City set. "She's not immune to making a puddle on the floor but she has a great personality," added Haas. "She just doesn't know how to hit her mark yet."

Starting tonight, expect the cuddly Pouch to make her mark on "Chicago Fire."

'Real Housewives' Stars Nene Leakes, Adrienne Maloof, Camille Grammer And Kyle Richards Spice Up 'Betty White's Off Their Rockers' Tuesday, January 29

2013-01-28T19:32:14Z

NBC's Must-see Back-to-back Episodes From 8-9 p.m. ET Also Launch 'Off Their Rockers Prankster's Challenge,' Inviting America to Submit Their Funniest Prank Ideas for the Chance to See Their Prank Filmed for the Season Finale

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - January 28, 2013 - NeNe Leakes (NBC's 'The New Normal") and 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" Adrienne Maloof, Camille Grammer and Kyle Richards bring their own spicy brand of humor to NBC's popular hidden camera series 'Betty White's Off Their Rockers," airing Tuesday, January 29 (8-9 p.m. ET). The must-see, back-to-back episodes also kick off a special 'Off Their Rockers Prankster's Challenge," inviting America to send in their funniest prank ideas for the chance to see their prank filmed for the show's season finale. The fun starts off at 8:00 p.m. ET with NeNe Leakes debating 'best break-up songs" with Betty, and schooling the seven-time Emmy Award winner in the fine art of getting mad and throwing wine at people who annoy her. Meanwhile, Betty's posse of seniors is out pulling outrageous pranks on the younger generation, from feigning an argument in the produce department that leads to egg-throwing, to luring people into a car wash with a sign held by a young, scantily clad girl, only to surprise customers with lusty old ladies waiting to wash the cars instead. The pranks continue at a dog park, where one senior, in charge of a 'dog doping" scandal in the neighborhood, asks a woman to have her pooch pee in a cup to confirm he's drug-free.

Then 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" Adrienne Maloof, Camille Grammer and Kyle Richards take the 'Rockers" set by storm in the 8:30 p.m. episode, humorously exposing the 'reality" of reality show stars, and learning to be careful what they wish for when they ask to join Betty for a photo shoot. Out on the streets, Betty's senior tricksters are hard at work, with one posing as a nun asking for dating advice, another enlisting help trying to escape his facebook stalker, and elderly female pranksters trying to get young men to help them maneuver their tandem bike.

The January 29 episodes also mark the start of the 'Off Their Rockers Prankster's Challenge," inviting viewers to send in their funniest prank ideas. If Betty and the show's producers like the prank, it could appear in the show's season finale, with the winner's name and hometown shown on air and also featured with the prank on the 'Betty White's Off Their Rockers" homepage on www.nbc.com. Guidelines for submission are detailed on the site at http://www.nbc.com/betty-whites-off-their-rockers/exclusives/pranksters-challenge/, where prank ideas can be submitted starting Tuesday, January 29 through midnight ET on February 20.

Chris Coelen, Betty White, Emma Conway, Tim Van Aelst, Kathleen Burns and Matilda Zoltowski are the executive producers of the series, produced by Kinetic Content.

For embeddable clips and full episodes from "Betty White's Off Their Rockers," please visit NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/betty-whites-off-their-rockers/

For artwork and a complete press kit from the show, please visit the NBC Universal Media village website at http://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/

Like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/NBCBetty and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NBCBetty

Fans Of NBC's 'Days Of Our Lives' To Meet Their Favorite Stars At Fan Event At Universal Orlando Resort In Florida On Saturday, February 23

2013-01-25T19:53:52Z

"Days of our Lives" Cast Members Scheduled to Attend the Fan Event

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - January 25 - The stars of NBC's daytime drama "Days of our Lives" will meet fans face-to-face at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida on Saturday, February 23. The event for loyal "Days of our Lives" viewers will offer fans the chance to meet and greet many of their favorite cast members during autograph signings, a Q&A session and much more. These events will happen throughout Universal Orlando Resort, including Universal CityWalk (free of charge) and Universal Studios Florida (theme park admission required).

"Days of our Lives" stars scheduled to attend include John Aniston, Camila Banus, Shawn Christian, Casey Deidrick, Galen Gering, Kate Mansi, Eric Martsolf, Peggy McCay, James Scott and Arianne Zucker.

Below is a tentative schedule for the day:

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

"Meet & Greet" with the cast of "Days of our Lives" at Universal CityWalk

12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

"Meet & Greet" with the cast of "Days of our Lives" at Universal CityWalk

3:45 - 4:45 p.m.

Q&A with the cast located in the Animal Actors Theater within Universal Studios Florida

7:45 - 8:15 p.m.

Fans can see their favorite "Days" stars toss beads from a dazzling float during Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras parade within Universal Studios Florida.

For more information about the "Days of Our Lives" fan event, visit www.nbc.com/days or http://bit.ly/10E8UAO. For more information about Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

About Universal Orlando Resort

There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation, but there is only one place where vacation becomes adventure: Universal Orlando Resort. It is a unique destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It's the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained - you become part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, be transformed into a banana-loving minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D.

Universal Orlando Resort is an NBCUniversal company.

About "Days of our Lives"

"Days of our Lives" is produced by Corday Productions Inc. in association with Sony Pictures Television. Ken Corday is Executive Producer and Greg Meng is Co -Executive Producers. Gary Tomlin and Christopher Whitesell are the Head Writers.