| NBC GREENLIGHTS NEW HIDDEN-CAMERA COMEDY ‘BETTY WHITE’S OFF THEIR ROCKERS,’ -WORKING TITLE- HOSTED BY MULTIPLE EMMY WINNER BETTY WHITE |
| Network Orders 12 Episodes of Smash International Hit with White as Executive Producer from Chris Coelen’s Kinetic Content |
| UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — March 31, 2011 — NBC will broadcast “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers,” (working title) a new hidden-camera comedy show hosted and executive-produced by seven-time Emmy Award winner Betty White, it was announced today by Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC and Universal Media Studios. The series of 12 half-hour episodes will be produced by Kinetic Content, the new company run by Chris Coelen (“Secret Millionaire”).
Known throughout Europe as “Benidorm Bastards,” “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers” follows a band of seven senior citizens who make it their mission to play pranks on unsuspecting younger people. ”Betty White is a comedic genius who escalates hilarity in any situation,” said Telegdy. “Viewers will thoroughly enjoy watching her pull one over on the unsuspecting youth of America.” ”People have been telling me that I’m ‘Off My Rocker’ for years — now I can prove it,” commented White. ”NBC is a terrific home for great comedy and Betty White’s mischievous sense of humor is a perfect fit with this format which has shattered ratings expectations and garnered critical acclaim in every territory around the world,” said Coelen, CEO of Kinetic Content. Caroline Kusser, Director North America of SevenOne International, said: “We are thrilled to work with Betty White and Chris Coelen — an absolute dream team for this hilarious international smash hit.” The deal reunites White with NBC, where “The Golden Girls” ran successfully for seven seasons. More recently, White’s performance on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” earned her another Emmy. A television veteran whose many credits extend to the medium’s early years, White also gained notice and an Emmy Award for her performance as Sue Ann Nevins on the classic “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” White remains one of the busiest actresses in Hollywood. Having just turned 89 years old, she continues to star with Valerie Bertinelli, Wendie Malick and Jane Leeves in the hit sitcom “Hot in Cleveland” for TV Land, which has been picked up for a third season. In addition, her new book “If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t),” will be released by Penguin on May 3. Consistent with the fun, playful tone of White’s persona, the original version of the series has received many awards worldwide. “Benidorm” swept the 2010 Rose d’Or Awards, winning the Best Comedy Award as well as the Golden Rose for Best Program of the entire competition. In addition, the show won Best Comedy Format at the 2010 FRAPA Format Awards. Distributor SevenOne International has sold “Benidorm Bastards,” originally produced by Shelter in Belgium, to over 20 territories worldwide, including France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, throughout Scandinavia and South Korea. The program has been an instant ratings hit, regularly doubling the channel averages in each territory where it has launched. |
Excited for Betty White’s Off Their Rockers? NBC put together an awesome site full of Betty White goodies. Hilarious clips of the star hosting Saturday Night Live, chatting with Jay on the Tonight Show, furthering education on Community, and walking the red carpet. Don’t miss the classic photos of the television legend, including her at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1967, playing Beer Pong with Jimmy Fallon, and harassing 30 Rock’s Tracy Jordan! Make sure to try out our favorite game, “Is Betty White Hotter Than…” too.
Whoa Betty, the ultimate collection of Betty White greatness, can be found here: http://www.nbc.com/collections/betty-white/