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Logo today announced its 2012 programming slate, laying out the new course the relatively young network is charting. The lineup for Viacom’s gay network is surprisingly diverse, from adoption and couples therapy to what a 6-year-old beauty queen does with her life after she retires from pageants. But don’t worry, RuPaul is staying put and he’ll be doling out style and beauty tips to America’s fashion-phobic females.
“Our goal at Logo has always been to be entertaining while honestly reflecting our viewers’ lives,” said Lisa Sherman, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Logo. “We’re now reinforcing our commitment to them with programming that truly mirrors how many of them are living and want to be entertained today. There’s been a seismic shift in culture since Logo launched six years ago.”
Sherman pointed to the recent hire of Ellen DeGeneres by Texan-owned J. C. Penney to illustrate just how much public opinion is changing and how LGBT individuals are becoming more fully integrated -- even brand ambassadors -- in all strata of American society. “Ellen lost her television show and all of the show's sponsors when she first came out and now look. A one-hundred-year old company is saying that she speaks to them and their customers.”
Brent Zacky, Logo’s Senior Vice President, Original Programming, adds: “These new projects are anchored by stories that go deep into today’s world: Wanting to start a family is a universal desire, no matter who you love. Families in business together during a recession could be the ultimate drama. Pets are now surrogate children for a lot of people—who go to great length to celebrate them.”
So just what exactly will you be watching on Logo in 2012?
The Baby Wait—From Tony DiSanto and Liz Gateley, the team behind Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant, this series will chronicle open adoption from the perspective of both the adoptive parents and the biological mother as she adjusts to life after giving away her child. The show will feature both gay and straight couples as well as single parents. (Greenlit) Scandalicious—A countdown show with flair, these specials will feature comedians and tastemakers alike as they voice their opinions on the most trivial of topics. Viewers may not learn much, but they will be amused. (Greenlit) Eden Wood’s World—Eden Wood achieved international fame by the tender age of six as perhaps the greatest beauty pageant contestant ever, and now she is taking her fame to NYC. Joined by her mom, her talent manager and a brand new publicist from the Big Apple, Eden is now aiming to become an actress/singer/model/entertainment superstar, while also helping young girls realize their pageant dreams with her super secrets to pageant success. (Greenlit) Outrageous—A look at the most intriguing and shocking stories in pop culture, including everything from gay Republicans to Kim Kardashian’s wedding and brief marriage. (In Development) Wiseguys—Michel Verdi’s mafioso father has just got out of prison and is moving in with Michel as she runs three successful bars and restaurants in West Hollywood. The only problem? Michael also lives with her husband, her gay brother, her boy-crazy cousin and her mom/dad’s ex-wife—who is now remarried. (In Development) Design My Dog—From the team behind America’s Next Top Model comes this new reality show that tests the creative talents of dog owners as they are paired with a designer to complete the perfect look for their canine. (In Development) Love Lockdown—A new form of relationship therapy that finds couples undergoing a 24-hour intensive therapy session to deal with their problems. Along the way the therapist may come in for an intense talk or bring in key players who may have caused riffs in the pair’s relationship. In the end however, it is “blank” or get-off-the-pot. (In Development) RuPaul’s Drag U—One of Logo’s most popular shows is back for season three with a new twist as along with the famous diva makeovers, Ru and the queens will also be providing the fashion challenged women on the program with practical everyday beauty and style tips. (Renewed) 
