CMT Orders Action-Packed Summer with New & Returning Series

CMT will continue to build its impressive slate of original programming this summer with two new series and three returning hits, it was announced today at the network's annual upfront presentation. CMT will launch its summer lineup with the series premieres of BROKEN SKULL RANCH, where the ultimate tough guy Steve Austin pushes eight adrenaline pumped contestants to the limits in a test of endurance and strength, and MY DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY, in which broken families and desperate parents ASPiRE to mend relationships with their defiant teens. The new shows will round out CMT's ambitious schedule, along with the return of hits PARTY DOWN SOUTH, staking its claim on Thursday nights as the highest-rated series in CMT history and DOG AND BETH: ON THE HUNT, a proven franchise that has connected with audiences across the country.

CMT has also greenlit a ninth season of DALLAS COWBOYS CHEERLEADERS: MAKING THE TEAM, the longest running reality series for the network. Slated to air in late 2014, CMT will bring back the beloved My Big Redneck Family for a second season, along with a third season of SWAMP PAWN. Previously announced DEATH VALLEY follows the quest of those who brave the intolerable wasteland in search of treasure, and is slated for a fall 2014 premiere. CMT will continue its history of groundbreaking musical performances and retrospectives as the network also announced the summer premieres of CMT CROSSROADS: KATY PERRY AND KACEY MUSGRAVES, marking the 50th episode of the critically acclaimed music series and INSIDE FAME: FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE, the first in-depth profile of the multiplatinum duo and their rise to stardom. Additionally, the always highly-anticipated 2014 CMT Music Awards is set to air June 4th.

"We've had a tremendous year of growth at CMT," said Jayson Dinsmore, EVP of CMT Programming and Development. "We produced the biggest show in the channel's history, established a beachhead on the highly competitive Thursday night and have more returning series than at any point ever before. With more fresh content across all platforms, we've grown our audience and increased our social footprint to over 10 million active users. And by engaging our audience on a deeper, personal level and connecting with them beyond the linear channel, we're laying the foundation for the next generation of loyal CMT viewers."

Today's announcements come at a time when CMT has posted four consecutive quarters of year-over-year ratings increases, with 22% total day growth and 31% growth in prime.* CMT just wrapped the first quarter (1Q'14) with its highest-rated prime rating since 2009. It is one of the fastest-growing networks among all of cable due in large part to its loud slate of new originals, proven returning hits and expansion into additional key nights featuring original premieres.

Below is a complete rundown of CMT originals slated for summer/fall 2014:

CMT'S SUMMER LINEUP

INSIDE FAME: FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE - premieres May 2014
One-hour special
CMT's biography series INSIDE FAME returns to TV with the first in-depth look at country superstars, Florida Georgia Line. The duo dominated the country charts in 2013, achieving multiplatinum status with their debut "Cruise," which was named the best-selling digital country single in history with sales of over 6.8 million digital downloads (Soundscan). INSIDE FAME takes fans inside the lives of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley with all new interviews, never-before-seen home videos, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and more. Jayson Dinsmore and Lewis Bogach serve as executive producers for CMT.

CMT MUSIC AWARDS - premieres June 4 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT
Two and a-half hour special
It's CMT's biggest night of the year as the annual CMT Music Awards brings the party live from Nashville with country music's best-loved superstars and special celebrity guests. The annual awards show, now entering its 13th year, is the network's highest-rated night each year. Michael Dempsey will executive produce the 2014 CMT Music Awards alongside director Joe DeMaio. John Hamlin and Margaret Comeaux will serve as executive producers for CMT.

PARTY DOWN SOUTH - premieres June 5 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT
13 one-hour episodes
The eight housemates of Party Down South are back for another season of muddin', funnelin' and gettin' country as they embark on an epic spring break. After an unforgettable summer in South Carolina, Daddy, Lil Bit, Lyle, Mattie, Tiffany, Lauren, Walt and Murray return to reignite old friendships and flames and even make some new connections along the way. This bold and hilarious dysfunctional family will work hard and party harder as this season is sure to be the most outrageous yet. Party Down South is produced by 495 Productions with SallyAnn Salsano, Joel Zimmer and Kyle Simpson serving as executive producers. Morgan Selzer and Jayson Dinsmore executive produce for CMT.

CMT CROSSROADS: KATY PERRY AND KACEY MUSGRAVES - premieres June 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
One-hour special
For more than a decade, CMT Crossroads has delivered some of the most unforgettable performances on television. Next up are global superstar Katy Perry and recent Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves, who will appear in the 50th episode of the critically acclaimed and longest-running music series of the network. For the first time in the series history, this all-new episode of CROSSROADS will not only air on CMT, but will also air on multiple channels including VH1, MTV, MTV Hits and Palladia. The two stars will swap lyrics and share stories in a performance to be taped live in Los Angeles before embarking on a tour together later this summer. CMT Crossroads is produced by Tom Forrest and Kathryn Russ. John Hamlin, Margaret Comeaux and Bill Flanagan serve as executive producers for CMT.

DOG AND BETH: ON The Hunt - premieres June 14 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT
15 one-hour episodes
The world's most famous Bounty Hunters are at it again! Dog, Beth, Leland and Dakota are back on the road, crisscrossing the country to train fellow bondsmen and helping track down some of America's most dangerous criminals. With their trademark candor and strong belief in second chances, the Chapmans motivate and inspire both the local bondsmen and the fugitives that the Chapmans Capture along the way. This season, Dog introduces new high-tech surveillance gear and the latest in cutting-edge ballistic equipment. Expect more adrenaline-filled hunts, dramatic captures and emotional moments of redemption than ever before. This season also includes a very special episode celebrating Dog's birthday. Dog and Beth: On the Hunt is executive produced by Duane and Beth Chapman and their production company, Entertainment by Bonnie and Clyde, and by Electus, LLC (Chris Grant, Ben Silverman and Corie Henson) and Alan Deutsch. Matt Trierweiler is the executive producer for CMT.

BROKEN SKULL RANCH - premieres July 2014
10 one-hour episodes
In this ultimate badass competition show, Steve Austin brings eight elite athletes to the Broken Skull Ranch each week to test their strength, stamina and endurance. Each episode, contestants go head-to-head until the Last Man Standing earns the right to take on the toughest obstacle course in America, the "Skullbuster," and the chance to win $10,000. STEVE AUSTIN'S BROKEN SKULL RANCH is produced by 51 Minds Entertainment with executive producers Christian Sarabia, Rabih Gholam, Steve Austin and co-executive producer Vincent Cariati. Julia Silverton, Jayson Dinsmore and Joe Livecchi executive produce for CMT.

MY DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY - premieres July 2014
Nine one-hour episodes
Struggling parents call family fixer Dave Vitalli for help with their difficult teenagers, but anything can happen when he shows up. His years of experience working with families in Crisis have taught him the apple usually doesn't fall far from the tree, and parents soon find themselves under as much scrutiny as their kids. You won't find Vitalli's techniques in any textbook. Armed with lie detectors, drug-sniffing dogs and other surprise tactics, Vitalli pulls no punches digging out the truth and setting families straight. MY DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY is produced by Shed Media US with executive producers Pamela Healey, John Hesling, Dan Peirson and Jeff Cvengros. Matt Trierweiler, Jayson Dinsmore and Joe Livecchi executive produce for CMT.

DALLAS COWBOYS CHEERLEADERS: MAKING THE TEAM - premieres August 2014
Eight one-hour episodes
America's most iconic and beloved cheerleading squad and CMT's longest-running entertainment series is back as Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team returns for its ninth season. This season, audiences will experience unprecedented access to America's sweethearts. The making of this year's squad will prove to be one of the most dramatic and competitive seasons ever as hopefuls from all around the world will attempt to survive a fierce audition process, a strenuous training camp and finally ... opening game. Season nine will see familiar faces from the past and new characters who will surely have everyone talking. Expect surprise appearances by celebrities, musical artists and guest choreographers and a backstage pass to the famous jaw-dropping calendar shoot. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team will Capture all the dance, action and high stakes as 500 girls attempt to live out their dreams. DCC is produced by Triage Entertainment with executive producers Stu Schreiberg, Stephen Kroopnick, Eugene Pack, Peter Zasuly and Kelli McGonagill Finglass. Jayson Dinsmore and Jonathan Unger are executive producers for CMT.

CMT'S FALL LINEUP

DEATH VALLEY - premieres fall 2014
Eight one-hour episodes
It's called "The Gateway to Hell." Here, every sunrise unleashes intolerable heat, every stranger is a potential threat and every hilltop crawls with deadly creatures. But for those brave enough to battle the elements, Death Valley offers up immense treasure buried deep within its hills and valleys. This series follows five unique individuals as they live off the grid, creating their own rules for survival in their quests to find riches in this treacherous wasteland. DEATH VALLEY is produced by Glassman Media with Andrew Glassman as executive producer. Julia Silverton and Jayson Dinsmore executive produce for CMT.

SWAMP PAWN - premieres fall 2014
13 one-hour episodes
A CMT fan favorite returns for a third season as Rick Phillips and the rest of the Bayou Pigeon crew brave the dangers of the swamp to hunt for crawfish, gators and other lucrative catches. Swamp Pawn is produced by Pilgrim Studios with Craig Piligian and Scott Popjes as executive producers. Julia Silverton, Joe Livecchi and Jayson Dinsmore executive produce for CMT.

MY BIG REDNECK FAMILY - premieres fall 2014
10 one-hour episodes
America's favorite redneck family is back. My Big Redneck Family documents the laugh-inducing daily dilemmas, parenting predicaments and martial mishaps of the Clampet Family in their hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. These mud-ridin', gun-totin' rednecks know how to bring the laughs ... and the beer. My Big Redneck Family is produced by Pink Sneakers with Kimberly Ehrhard and John Ehrhard serving as executive producers. Lewis Bogach and Joe Livecchi executive produce for CMT.

*Source: NMR, Live+SD, 1Q14 (12/30/13-03/30/14) vs. 1Q13 (12/31/12-03/31/13)

ABOUT CMT:
CMT, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 92 million homes in the U.S. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand. The network's digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.