Taking advantage of its star power, NUVOtv presented its 2014-2015 programming slate on Monday night with superstar Jennifer Lopez and actor, host and executive producer Mario Lopez.
J-Lo, who last year joined the network as its Chief Creative Officer and part owner, helped CEO Michael Schwimmer, EVP Programming Bill Hilary and SVP Advertising Sales Craig Geller host NUVOtv’s upfront event. Mario Lopez was also on board to promote the network and plug his shows.
NUVOtv’s new season will have more original programming, including six music and entertainment series and specials, three unscripted dramas, two comedy series, and live sports specials.
The increase in programming highlights the expansion of NUVOtv’s production partnerships with J-Lo’s Nuyorican Productions and Mario Lopez’s Gordo Productions.
The network also unveiled a new programming concept – Nu America – an umbrella franchise that will feature series that combine topical storytelling with social commentary.
Following is a look at NUVOtv’s new and returning series.
Dramatic Stories:
Los Jets (Premieres July 16 at 10PM ET) – Co-executive produced by Jennifer Lopez and her sister Lynda Lopez under the Nuyorican Productions banner, and executive produced and directed by Mark Landsman, Los Jets is the first series to be part of NUVOtv’s new Nu America franchise. It follows the story of Silver City’s top-ranked boys’ high school soccer team, the Jordan Matthews Jets, as they fight for a spot in the North Carolina State Championships. The players on the Jets are all sons of Latino immigrants who came to the region in search of a better life for their families.
Tequila King (Premieres Q4 2014) – The program highlights the world of tequila making, showing Mexican entrepreneur Eric Buccio as he partners with Mario Lopez to launch the Casa Mexico tequila brand in the United States.
Nu Point of View (New Season Premieres July 4 8PM ET) – An emerging filmmaker showcase, hosted by Gina Rodriguez. The show is a platform for aspiring Latino filmmakers that gives talented writers, producers and directors the opportunity to bring their passion projects to the national stage.
Dexter (Season 4 Premieres May 26; Season 5 on July 7; Season 6 on August 18; Seasons 7 and 8 in Fall 2014) – The hit Showtime original series, featuring a stellar cast of Latino actors including Lauren Velez, David Zayas, Aimee Garcia, Christian Camargo, Edward James Olmos and Jimmy Smits, continues its run on the network.
Music & Entertainment:
Sensation (working title) (New Series Premieres Q2 2015) – This weekly reality series will follow a nationwide search for the next Latino sensation. The series is co-executive produced by Jennifer Lopez under her Nuyorican Productions banner.
Supersong (New Special Premieres June 8 10PM ET) – This one-hour special goes behind the scenes of the writing and recording of Ricky Martin’s FIFA World Cup anthem, “Vida.”
A Step Away (New Season Premieres Q1 2015) – This weekly series charts the journeys of 10 professional dancers performing on tour with some of today’s biggest music artists. The series is co-executive produced by Jennifer Lopez and her Nuyorican Productions.
The Collective, Powered by VEVO (New Season Premieres Q4 2014)- In collaboration with VEVO, this weekly series celebrates DJs who are on the rise and celebrity tastemakers who will offer their personal music picks of the week and share what’s trending in music, fashion, live events, viral videos, and more. The series is co-executive produced by Jennifer Lopez/Nuyorican Productions.
Love & Salsa (New Season Premieres Q1 2015) – This competition series, hosted by Mario Lopez’s wife Courtney, combines match-making and dance to find the perfect romantic partner for each contestant. This returning series is executive produced by Mario Lopez, Mark Schulman of 3 Arts Entertainment and Gil Lopez of Gordo Entertainment in association with JAAM Productions.
Mario Lopez: One-on-One (New Season Premieres Q2 2015) – Actor, author, on-air host, and executive producer, Mario Lopez interviews the biggest stars in Latino pop culture. This returning series is executive produced by Mario Lopez, Mark Schulman of 3 Arts Entertainment and Gil Lopez of Gordo Entertainment in association with JAAM Productions.
Comedy:
Stand Up & Deliver (New Season Premieres Q1 2015) – Jose Sarduy and Julissa Bermudez head back to Mexico to host one of Latin America’s biggest comedy festivals.
Original Comedy Specials (Premieres Begin Q2 2014) – In partnership with Levity Entertainment Group (LEG), NUVOtv expands its comedy franchise to bring viewers classic and new specials in 2014-15. Beginning in June, specials will feature Rick Gutierrez, Pablo Francisco, Pete Correale, Jim Breuer, Alonzo Bodden, Sebastian Maniscalco, Jamie Kennedy and more.
Sports:
Knockout (New Season Premieres 2015) – This returning weekly competition series features rookie boxers who come to Las Vegas to train with legendary trainers Floyd Mayweather Sr., Ruben Guerrero and Yoel Judah. Nine new contenders will compete for a shot at a contract with one of these pros. The season will end with a live prize fight.
Knockout Live Boxing Specials (First Special Premieres June 7) – For the first time ever, NUVOtv will broadcast live boxing events under the Knockout brand. The first television event will be a live boxing special during which up-and-coming boxers will face off in the ring, taking place June 7 in Miami.