VH1 has picked up a reality series starring Eddie Griffin.

In addition, the network has greenlighted an untitled series from Scott Baio that will bring eight male teen idols of the 1980s and '90s together to examine what life is like after idol-dom and what it will take to get their careers back on track. The series, which will begin casting shortly, is scheduled to premiere in winter 2009.

The network has given an eight-episode order to the Griffin project, tentatively titled "Eddie Griffin: Going for Broke," which chronicles his life and how he juggles being a player and a family man at the same time.

The series is produced by the Grief Co., which also was behind A&E's "Gene Simmons: Family Jewels."

Leslie Grief, Adam Reed and Griffin are exec producing, and Griffin's manager, Artistry's Dan Spilo, is producing. Griffin is also repped by Gersh and Bob Lange.

Meanwhile, the teen idol series will be executive produced by Baio and former child stars Jason Hervey of Bischoff Hervey Entertainment and JD Roth of 3 Ball Prods. Baio and Hervey also will appear in some capacity.

"The idea of gathering the biggest heartthrobs of a generation under one roof to look at their fame is a fascinating opportunity, especially considering the fact that our producers have actually lived and are still living that journey," VH1 executive vp production and programming Jeff Olde said.

Eric Bischoff, Michael Swerdlick and Todd Nelson also exec produce.

Double dose of reality for VH1

Eddie Griffin, Scott Baio sign for series

By Nellie Andreeva and Kimberly Nordyke

May 9, 2008, 01:00 AM