NEW YORK, May 25, 2009 / FW/ — Last week’s Upfront Market in New York had celebrities at the network’s upfront suites around the city. After all, even if their shows have high ratings, no advertisers mean budget cuts.
Hence, it is prudent for the stars of the TV shows to show their support of the network by being present when network executives and media representatives negotiate advertising time slots and spots.
Gossip Girl’s Jessica Szhor wore the Zebra cloque dress from the Rebecca Taylor Spring 2009 Collection to the CW Network Upfronts at Madison Square Garden.
Beth Riesgraf, who plays the role of Parker in TNT’s “Leverage”, was seen at the Lia Sophia Upfront Suite wearing a Camilla & Marc Demi Skirt
Directed by Dean Devlin, “Leverage”, is an American television drama series tjat premiered on TNT on 2008.
It follows a team of a Los Angeles-based team of thieves, computer experts and con artists, headed up by former insurance investigator Nate Ford (played by Timothy Hutton), who use their skills to right corporate and governmental injustices visited on the little person.
With a Robinhood meets Ocean’s 11 theme, the series ranks as ad-supported cable’s #1 entertainment program in the Tuesday 10 p.m. (ET/PT) timeslot among viewers, households and adults 25-54. The Dec. 7 premiere was watched by 5.6 million viewers and scored TNT’s best original series telecast ever in delivery of adults 18-49 during the regular broadcast season.
Through its first nine episodes, Leverage has averaged 3.2 million viewers and 1.4 million adults 18-49 in Live + Same Day viewing. The first six episodes scored strong growth when comparing Live to Live + 7 numbers, with total viewership rising 33% to 4.1 million and adults 18-49 rising 42% to 1.9 million.
On February 2, 2009, TNT announced that it had renewed the show for a second, fifteen episode season, to premiere in July 15, 2009.
The second season will also see the Leverage team relocate to Portland, Oregon following the destruction of their headquarters.
Meanwhile, it’s a different story in Los Angeles for celebrities.
Reality TV star Audrina Patridge of “The Hills” was spotted wearing Lilac embroidered top from the Rebecca Taylor Spring 09 Collection while out and about in the City of Angels.
