Adweek’s Jason Lynch, covering the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour in Pasadena reports on two new additions to the CNBC prime time lineup, including new original docuseries: The Deed.
Premiering Wednesday, March 1 The Deed features two savvy multi-millionaire real estate moguls—Sidney Torres and Sean Conlon—who, between them, have done over half a billion dollars in property deals. Torres and Conlon come to the aid of struggling property investors (ie. flippers) in dire need of help. The projects are failing, and the investors are on the brink of financial ruin. Torres and Conlon use their own money to infuse the projects with cash, and offer their years of expertise to help people faced with losing everything. Season 1 has 8 episodes, 4 in New Orleans with Torres and 4 in Chicago with Conlon.
Jim Ackerman, evp, primetime alternative for CNBC admits that house-flipping TV shows on networks like HGTV and A&E paved the way for this new series, adding that The Deed will take a different approach. “We try to champion small business people that risk everything for great reward,” he said. None of the people featured on the show were able to get the money they needed from the bank. “So their desperation was very real,” said Ackerman.
CNBC also announced the return of two original series, The Filthy Rich Guide (spring 2017) and Jay Leno’s Garage (summer 2017), as well as a pilot order for Back in the Game, a docuseries hosted by former Major Leaguer Alex Rodriguez which focuses on athletes in financial distress. One former athlete will be guided by A-Rod, and “a stable of influential mentors, will get a second chance to earn a job or build a business,” Ackerman says.
“We have always said business is a great backdrop for storytelling. We continue to build on our momentum and deliver more originals that stay true to our DNA,” he said.
CNBC’s prime time saw its third consecutive year of growth among young adults. The network’s signature show The Profit saw year over year growth in all key demos last year. And its audience is becoming more affluent as a result of these new shows in its prime time lineup.