Exclusive: Discovery’s TLC unveils first international programming slate

Discovery’s female-skewing pay TV network TLC has unveiled its first ever international programming slate. It comprises six original shows that will mostly start airing on the international TLC in the second quarter and complement the content from the domestic US version of the channel.

The slate includes TLC’s first gameshow, 12x30mins Money on the Menu. The show sees the host surprise potential contestants by turning up unannounced on their doorsteps disguised as delivery man – a mobile gameshow then ensues. It is produced for TLC by Original Media.

There is also a version of the 6x60mins Don’t Tell the Bride for the TLC in Norway, which was the first country to launch the channel outside the US. Based on the entertainment format for the BBC (UK) from UK indie Renegade, the local version will be made by producer Mastiff Norway. The Russian division of Mastiff is making 6x30mins Daughters vs. Mothers for the Russian TLC, a makeover show for mothers and daughters at war over their wardrobes.

Happily Ever Laughter is a 6x30mins clip show made by the producers of MTV series Pranked, CheriSundae. It will feature wedding themed clips, with videos from bachelor parties, weddings, receptions and honeymoons.

UK indie Maverick TV, part of the All3Media group and producer of Channel 4 (UK) Embarrassing Bodies, is making 12x30mins My Secret Body with TLC for its international nets. Each episode follows one person struggling to come to terms with an embarrassing secret about their body.

UK and Canada-based producer Cineflix is making a 13x60mins series, World’s Worst Mom, in which the host stages ‘family interventions’, freeing kids from overbearing, overly-attentive parents. It is fronted by Leonore Skenazy, the US newspaper columnist who has pioneered the ‘free-range kids’ movement.

Discovery announced an international content unit last September. It develops and produces content for TLC and other Discovery nets and is run by Luis Silberwasser, chief content officer at Discovery Networks International.

Silberwasser said: “TLC’s international production and development unit has hit the ground running, and I am very excited about the variety of programs we have underway with some of the best production companies in the business.”

Discovery added that TLC in Poland is now top-rated net among women 25-49, is the top international lifestyle net in Asia and a top-ten cable net in Norway.