MTV ON WITH THE SHOWS

Newly named MTV/VH1 Entertainment Prez Brian Graden has announced that six new original series have been greenlighted for the 2002-2003 season.

"With this new slate of programming, we’re working with artists to create an even deeper connection with our audience, and, in certain cases, even including fans in the creative process," said Graden, who says not one of the new shows stars either Puck or Martha Quinn. "At its core, this new roster of shows is essentially about music and reflecting what life is like for many young adults today, and no, we are not planning a rock version of Fear Factor with David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar and Gary Cherone."

The six new shows, which will bow either later this year or early 2003, are:

mtvTREATMENT: MTV and Korn look for an unknown video director to helm the third video from the band’s new album, Untouchables, then follow them through the creative process. It’s a rock version of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s HBO series, Project Greenlight, featuring a cameo appearance by band manager Jeff Kwatinetz as Orson Welles. Premieres Q4 ’02.

artistLAUNCH: An hour-long show documenting the making of an album, from writing and recording to label meetings, promotion, video shoots and paying off independent promoters. Like The Sopranos, with more violence. Bows Q4 ’02.

FM Nation: MTV rides shotgun with young adults on a typical Saturday night looking for love, fun and adventure. Like Happy Days without the Fonz. Bows Q4 ’02.

Crashing With…: Rock stars stay for a night with a typical "all-American" family. The premiere airs July 18, featuring Master P and Lil’ Romeo crashing with the Quackenbush family in Shreveport, LA, where they are greeted by a welcoming committee bearing shotguns.

Made: MTV provides "full life makeovers" for subjects who desperately need a change. Each episode follows an individual’s story over the course of however long it takes to achieve their intended goal. Michael Jackson will not appear. Six-episode slate bows Q1 ’03.

Suspect: True Crime Stories: MTV solves real-life mysteries like catching the thief who took the cookies from the cookie jar or finding out if your girlfriend is seeing someone behind your back. From executive producer Mike Nichols, the show bows Q4 ’02.