VH1 revamps programming

As it begins its annual courtship ritual with the advertising community, VH1's deportment is decidedly more understated than it has been in years past. Gone are the tawdry trappings of "Flavor of Love" and its innumerable libidinous offspring. Stalled out at a rest stop, the "Rock of Love" bus may have taken its last venereal voyage. The "Tool Academy" has lost its accreditation.

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While VH1 hasn't fallen out of love with irreverence, it's also no longer in the business of getting Bret Michaels laid. Instead, the Viacom net is prepping a slate of unscripted series designed to more faithfully reflect the concerns of its core demographic. "As much as they've enjoyed the 'Love' franchise, our audience was getting a little fatigued by all those manufactured reality shows," said Tom Calderone, president, VH1. "They want more authenticity in their reality, which isn't to say that it can't be comedic and light."

To that end, VH1 is unveiling the most comprehensive lineup of original programming in its 25-year history. Before the year is out, the net will introduce 44 new series, each of which will align with one of three genres: music, celebrity and "real life stories."

Upcoming series launches include "You're Cut Off!" (June 14), a rehab of sorts for nine spoiled party girls; and "Money Hungry" (summer), a weight-loss competition strip in which contestants risk losing $10,000 of their own cash if they don't reduce their caloric intake.

Music-themed programming will account for 40% of VH1's overall schedule. In conjunction with the release of her fourth studio album, "Bionic," the network on June 13 will fete Christina Aguilera with all-new episodes of "Behind the Music" and "Storytellers."

The new programming reflects VH1's commitment to its "Gen Mix" audience, a demo composed of younger Gen Xers and older Millennials. Ranging between 25 and 34 years of age, the Gen Mix crowd is particularly attuned to celebrity -- so much so that endorsements from actors and musicians are as influential as recommendations from friends and family. On April 11, VH1 offered a preview of its more sober new celeb/music direction, bowing "What Chilli Wants," starring 39-year-old TLC singer Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas; the practically demure premiere drew 1.63 million viewers.

"A lot of their new stuff should be an easier fit," said one national TV buyer who had steered clear from some of the more outrageous VH1 fare. "But we don't want to lose sight of deliveries, either."