Upfronts 2015: Spike Sets New Scripted Series

New York-- Spike TV, armed with a new logo and new tagline, announced several new scripted series during its upfront presentation here Tuesday afternoon as it looks to expand its;reach to female viewers.

The network, under its new tagline “The Ones To Watch” said it has reached a development deal with actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (pictured) and Dany Garcia’s production company $7 Bucks Productions to create live event, specials, sports and initiatives surrounding troops and veterans, said network president Kevin Kay.

In addition, the network will launch Emergency Broadcast, developed by legendary Pictures and features a group of government first responders who confront crises and disasters. The series will complement previously announced shows including The Crusaders, Deep Web, The Chairman, Red Mars, War At The Shore, and Tut.

Also, the network has teamed with health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels to develop Sweat Inc, a competition series in which 12 aspiring fitness entrepreneurs compete to develop the next big groundbreaking exercise program. Spike also greenlit eight more episodes of its original series Lip Sync Battle.

Kay said the network is broadening its original programming slate to reach more female viewers and create more co-viewing opportunities. Women accunted for 42% of Spike's audience in 2014, up from 34% in 2010.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.