truTV's THE CARBONARO EFFECT Premieres to 1.2 Million Viewers

truTV's brand new series The Carbonaro Effect, starring Michael Carbonaro, launched with 1.2 million viewers last night, growing +9% over its Impractical Jokers lead-in. The show also scored +7% growth compared to truTV's year-to-date performance in the Thursday 10 p.m. half hour. In key demos, The Carbonaro Effect garnered 631,000 adults 18-49 and 326,000 adults 18-34, with a median age of only 38.

truTV helped build anticipation for The Carbonaro Effect with an April 1 sneak peek that garnered such a positive reaction from viewers, the network expanded its order from 13 to 26 episodes before the series had officially launched. Last night's premiere drew an even stronger response, out-delivering the sneak peek by +56% among total viewers, +48% among adults 18-49 and +52% among adults 18-34.

The Carbonaro Effect is the first series to launch as part of truTV's new programming evolution. The network is focused on creating shows that appeal to "funseekers," a younger, dual-gender audience that looks for television to take them on a fun ride that both surprises and entertains.

"We are incredibly excited that viewers have embraced The Carbonaro Effect and the enormous fun Michael Carbonaro generates with his dazzling sleight of hand," said Chris Linn, president, head of programming for truTV. "This series is the perfect introduction to the kind of premium, innovative shows and engaging personalities we'll be rolling out in the coming months as we continue to shape and evolve the truTV brand."

Over the past eight months, truTV has put significant resources behind reshaping its brand, greenlighting nine new series and turning over a slate of more than 30 new projects in development. In addition to The Carbonaro Effect, truTV's slate of new shows includes Motor City Masters, a competition series out to find America's next great car designer; Friends of the People, truTV's first-ever sketch comedy series; Fake-Off, a pop-culture-themed talent competition series; Way Out West, a reality western about three rival outfitter families in the Idaho backcountry; How to Be a Grown Up, a comedic take on the relatable trials and tribulations of true adulthood; Local News (working title), a look at the playful rivalry between the news teams at two small town television stations; Hair Jacked, a new ambush game show that gives contestants the opportunity to win big money or go home with the cut of the day; and Jokers Wild!, a spinoff of truTV's hit series Impractical Jokers.

The Carbonaro Effect - Thursdays at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) - TV-14-L

truTV's new series The Carbonaro Effect stars Michael Carbonaro, a magician by trade but a trickster at heart. In each episode of this hidden-camera series, Michael amazes and amuses ordinary unsuspecting people in various locations and situations. Posing as an ordinary bartender or a seemingly unremarkable salesman, he astonishes unknowing citizens by turning a tuft of hair into a puppy or pouring 12 pints of beer from an ordinary bottle. Whether they are alone or with their friends, everyone is left stunned and delighted, even though they have no idea what just hit them. Real people. No camera tricks. Just The Carbonaro Effect.

Actor, magician, comedian and improv artist Michael Carbonaro is a familiar face to television viewers thanks to his appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He has also played roles on Happily Divorced, The Newsroom, 30 Rock, Wizards of Waverly Place, CSI: Miami and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He is an OutFest Best Actor Award winner, as well as a two-time nominee for an Academy of Magical Arts Magician of the Year award. Michael hosts and performs shows of comedy, magic and other bizarre acts at a variety of clubs worldwide, including NYC's Joe's Pub and Hollywood's Magic Castle.

The Carbonaro Effect is being produced for truTV by Fields Entertainment and 11 Television, with Simon Fields, Kevin Healey & Michael Carbonaro serving as executive producers.