New Paramount Network Scores First-Ever Emmy Nominations

The new Paramount Network today received its first-ever Emmy nominations as a network after successfully rebranding earlier this year.

"When we launched the network in January, we pledged to be the home of high-quality scripted originals that both fans and critics would love," said Kevin Kay, President of Paramount Network, TV Land and CMT. "Today's multiple nominations demonstrates that we're on the right path and that we're establishing a strong brand name and presence."

The Viacom-owned network received a total of four nominations, including three for the limited-run series, "Waco," including John Leguizamo for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special and Original Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or Movie. The six-part scripted event series chronicled the untold story behind the 1993 standoff between the FBI, ATF and David Koresh's spiritual sect, The Branch Davidians. Timed to the launch of the network in January, "Waco," premiered to the best ratings for an ad-supported cable drama debut in nearly six months.

"If you stick around long enough in this business somebody eventually writes a great role in a great show with an incredible cast, directed brilliantly where you can finally be yourself," said John Leguizamo, nominated in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role as Jacob Vazquez in "Waco."

In addition, the hit reality series, "Lip Sync Battle," scored its third-consecutive nomination in Outstanding Structured Reality Program category. The critically-acclaimed and award-nominated series produced by Casey Patterson Entertainment and Matador Content, currently in its fourth season, is hosted by entertainment icon and two-time GRAMMY Award-winner LL COOL J and television personality, #1 NY Times Best Selling author, and model, Chrissy Teigen and features celebrities going head to head - lip-syncing the song of their choice - battling for the coolest bragging rights on the planet. The series, which helped launch Paramount Network with a LIVE special, has proven to be a multiplatform superstar, with over 1 billion cross-platform views since launch, over 2 Million Facebook followers and over 2 Million Youtube Subscribers. In addition, the "Lip Sync Battle" franchise is taking over the world airing in 120 territories spread out over six continents and original format versions in in 20 countries.

"THANK YOU Television Academy! LSB is honored to be nominated at a time when there's so much incredible content being produced. LIP SYNC BATTLE is a family of producing partners; John Krasinski, Stephen Merchant, LL COOL J, Chrissy Teigen, 8 Million Plus Productions, Matador Content and Paramount Network. Together we're thrilled to be in the esteemed company of so many phenomenal nominees this year," said Casey Patterson, Executive Producer of "Lip Sync Battle."

"Thank you, Academy for this recognition. I'm lucky and blessed to be hosting & producing LIP SYNC BATTLE with this amazing team," said LL COOL J on Lip Sync Battle's nomination in the category of Outstanding Structured Reality Program. "It's crazy fun bringing joy and laughter into people's homes each week."

The news comes as the new Paramount Network begins to roll out its inaugural slate of original series, including "Yellowstone," "American Woman," and "Waco." Starring Oscar® winner Kevin Costner and written and directed by Oscar® nominated screenwriter Taylor Sheridan ("Wind River," "Hell or High Water," "Sicario"), "Yellowstone" recently premiered to a record-setting audience of nearly 5 million viewers (Live+3 Days P2+) and is currently the second most-watched original ad-supported series year-to-date in all of cable behind only "The Walking Dead." "American Woman," starring Alicia Silverstone, Mena Suvari, and Jennifer Bartels also bowed to impressive ratings and now ranks as ad-supported cable's highest rated half-hour scripted series premiere in P/W18-49 and W25-54 since early January. Timed to the launch of the network in January, "Waco," starring Michael Shannon and Taylor Kitsch, premiered to the best ratings for an ad-supported cable drama debut in nearly six months. Additionally, Paramount Network recently announced a 10-episode order for "First Wives Club," premiering next year with Tracy Oliver ("Girls Trip") set to write and direct the series

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