Chris Hardwick Named Host of 'Shipmates,' Dating Reality Series Making Its National Premiere August 27
Former 'Singled Out' Host Now Takes on Couples Who Face The Ultimate Dating Challenge: Three Days, Two Nights, One Date, No Escape
PRNewswire
CULVER CITY, Calif.
08/06/2001
Comedian and actor Chris Hardwick, who helped singles find their ideal mates as host of the hit MTV game show "Singled Out," will now turn his eye --and wit -- toward couples trying to survive the ultimate dating challenge on "Shipmates," a new daily series making its syndication premiere on Monday, August 27. Hardwick's appointment as host of the upcoming series was announced today by Russ Krasnoff, President, Programming and Production, Columbia TriStar Television Distribution.
"Shipmates" follows a single couple in each episode, from their initial meeting on board a Carnival Cruise Lines "Fun Ship" headed to such exotic locations as Mexico, the Bahamas and Alaska ... through their first attraction (or immediate dislike) ... all the way to their farewells, fond or otherwise. With tongue-in-cheek humor, Shipmates captures the participants' three-day arc of magical moments, sexual tension, exposed emotions and even outright confrontation. The series will air on stations representing more than 95 percent of the U.S., and will air primarily in late afternoon and late-night time periods.
"We're thrilled to be producing the series that is bringing Chris back to television," noted Krasnoff. "His strong comic sensibility will enable him to speak in the voice of the "Shipmates" viewer -- someone who's young, hip and irreverent -- and reflect the tone of the show."
A native of Kentucky, Hardwick came to the attention of MTV while a student of philosophy at UCLA. His game show, "Singled Out," quickly became one of the cable network's most successful original programs. He also appeared on the MTV game show "Trashed" and segments of its "Beach House" franchise. Since then, Hardwick has been busy as both an actor and comedian. His film credits include "Rob Zombie's House of 1000 Corpses," "Jack & Diane," "Art House" "Courting Courtney," "Total Recall" and "Couch Trip." His most recent feature is "Jane White is Sick and Twisted." On television, he starred in the UPN comedy "Guys Like Us" and has appeared on such series as "thirtysomething," "Boy Meets World" and "Mad TV." Hardwick is well-known in the comedy club circuit, and was chosen to participate in the U.S. Comedy Arts Film Festivals for 1999 and 2001.
Creators and Executive Producers of "Shipmates" are John Tomlin and Bob Young, Emmy Award-winners who brought to television such series as "A Current Affair," "Inside Edition," "American Journal" and "Judge Mills Lane."
Shipmates' official website -- which also offers online submission of personal information for singles from around the country who want to be considered as participants -- is http://www.shipmatestv.com/.
"Shipmates" is produced and distributed by Columbia TriStar Television Distribution, with national advertising managed by Columbia TriStar Television Advertiser Sales.
For further information please contact Stephanie Greenhut or Josh Gross, +1-212-983-9898, both of FerenComm; or Chris Albert of Columbia TriStar Television Distribution, +1-310-244-6467.
SOURCE: Columbia TriStar Television Distribution
Contact: Stephanie Greenhut or Josh Gross, +1-212-983-9898, both of
FerenComm; or Chris Albert of Columbia TriStar Television Distribution,
+1-310-244-6467
Website: http://www.shipmatestv.com/