The CW Announces Two Reality Series Premieres for Summer 2009

The CW announced today that it will launch two original series for the summer: the reality relationship series Hitched or Ditched and the docu-series set in Washington, D.C., Blonde Charity Mafia.

“We’re very excited to be launching original programming during the summer months for the first time,” said Dawn Ostroff, president, entertainment, The CW. “We want to keep this season’s momentum going by freshening our schedule with two new reality shows with fun, relatable concepts aimed squarely at our young female demo.”

Hitched or Ditched premieres Tuesday, May 26 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET), following the season finale of Reaper (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET). Encore presentations will air Wednesdays (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET), beginning May 27. The six-episode run will continue until the season finale on June 30.

The half-hour episodes of Blonde Charity Mafia will premiere with two back-to-back episodes on Tuesday, July 7 (9:00-9:30 and 9:30-10:00 p.m. ET). Beginning July 14, an encore of the previous week’s episode will air at 9:00 p.m., followed by an original episode at 9:30 p.m. The six episodes will conclude with a season finale on August 4.

Hitched or Ditched is a one-hour reality show focusing on couples who are in long-term relationships but have not yet taken that big leap into marriage. Nominated by a friend who believes it’s either time for the couple to tie to the knot or break up, each episode features a different couple who accept their friend’s proposition to set a wedding date in one week’s time. Throughout the week leading up to the big day, the couple is put through a series of personalized exercises that test their relationship, all while planning their dream wedding. They may have to confront their problems ranging from mending relationships with future in-laws to dealing with jealousy issues. When the wedding day arrives, the couple will make the final decision – will they tie the knot or call the whole thing off? Viewers will witness every emotional milestone as the couple decides if it’s time to get Hitched or Ditched. The series is hosted by Tanya McQueen (Extreme Make-Over Home Edition). Hitched or Ditched is produced by RDF USA in association with Next Entertainment. The executive producers are Mike Fleiss (The Bachelor, High School Reunion), Chris Coelen (Secret Millionaire, Don’t Forget the Lyrics), Greg Goldman (Secret Millionaire, Wife Swap), Mike Duffy (Addicted to Beauty) and Jason Ehrlich (The Bachelor).

Blonde Charity Mafia is a docu-series about the lives of Washington, D.C.’s most influential 20-something Alpha Girls. The BCM runs the D.C. social circuit from charity events to society parties. Their events are the hottest ticket in town, and everyone vies for an invitation – from Congressmen to Hill staffers. Gossip about the BCM is played out and played up on LATENIGHTSHOTS.com (a local, invite-only social website), where minute-by-minute gossip updates about the BCM’s daily (and nightly) exploits are shared for the D.C. public to devour. Blonde Charity Mafia is from Capital Hills Productions, Inc. with executive producers Patty Ivins (The Modern Girl’s Guide To Life, Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Model Search) and Julie Pizzi (The Modern Girl’s Guide To Life, Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Model Search).