Network Orders 20 More Episodes of Hit Original Series Starring Jon Taffer

To Premiere this Fall   

New York, NY, May 9, 2013 – Spike TV has greenlit 20 more episodes of the network’s popular original series, “Bar Rescue” starring renowned bar and nightlife expert Jon Taffer.  From the producers of “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” and the first 11 powerhouse seasons of “The Biggest Loser,” “Bar Rescue” features Taffer, as he wields his nearly three decades of experience in the restaurant, bar and nightclub business to help give failing establishments one last chance to transform themselves into profitable businesses.

“Bar Rescue” is among Spike TV’s original series that have successfully managed to broaden the network’s audience base. The third season, which premiered on Sunday, February 10  averaged a robust 1.8 million viewers, its highest ever, and improved the timeslot by a staggering +282% with Adults 18-34 and +195% with Adults 18-49.  The series drew a franchise-high 2.2 million viewers on April 7 and delivered more Men 18-49 than the highly-acclaimed “Mad Men.”

In “Bar Rescue,” Taffer travels nationwide, targeting a different failing establishment in each episode.  His approach may ruffle feathers along the way, but Taffer pulls no punches and values bottom lines above hurt feelings.  Owners and employees he believes are standing in the way of success are urged to check their egos at the door, as he employs a proven scientific approach to solving the problems befalling bars.

“Bar Rescue” is produced by Eyeworks USA and Executive Producers JD Roth, Todd A. Nelson Brant Pinvidic, DJ Nurre, Tim Warren and Jon Taffer.  Sharon Levy is Spike TV’s Executive Vice President, Original Series, Tim Duffy is Senior Vice President of Original Series for Spike TV, and Justin Lacob, Director of Original Series, serves as the network’s Executive in Charge of Production.

Spike TV also has announced that Taffer will be featured in the Spike pilot “Hungry Investors.” With Eyeworks USA producing, Taffer teams up with two fellow restaurant industry experts to seek out “diamonds in the rough” — neighboring establishments that are failing miserably, despite having amazing potential to succeed. The ‘Hungry Investors’ put the struggling restaurants to the test in a head-to-head, challenge-based competition and the one enterprise that shows the most promise of turning things around earns a significant cash investment. Executive Producers are JD Roth, Todd A. Nelson, Brant Pinvidic, DJ Nurre, Andy Scheer and Jon Taffer.

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

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Press Contacts:

Shana Tepper               Spike TV         310-407-4728              shana.tepper@spike.com

David Schwarz           Spike TV         212-767-8639              david.schwarz@spike.com