Bravo plans to step up its interactive and transmedia game in 2013. At the network’s upfront presentation at 30 Rockefeller Plaza this morning, the channel teased some of the initiatives coming this year.
One of the channel’s most successful franchises is the “Real Housewives.” Aside from some specials and spin-offs, each edition of the series tends to exist in its own bubble. The network is hoping to change that with “The Real Housewives Awards,” an annual online event where loyal viewers can vote for their favorite characters in categories like “Most Coveted Closet” and “Most Desirable Destination Vacation.” The awards will be able to bring together the Housewives programs in one place, and will hopefully introduce viewers who may watch one version of the show to the others.
In addition, it looks like Bravo may be extending its “Last Chance Kitchen” franchise to “Top Chef Masters.” The channel didn’t give any more details, but did say that this year’s edition of “Top Chef Masters” would feature a “parallel digital competition which will affect the outcome of the series.”
Also, Bravo is formally unveiling the digital after-show for “Watch What Happens Live,” hosted by Andy Cohen.
“[It is] a more relaxed–if that is even possible–uncensored conversation between Andy and the guest, without TV cameras, digital cameras, but not TV cameras,” Bravo Media president Frances Berwick said.
Speaking of Bravo, the channel’s digital maven, Lisa Hsia, will be speaking at the Lost Remote show in a few weeks. You can find out more about attending here.