TBS Announces New Original Series "Everybody Hates the Islanders"

(via press release)

One of cable's most successful networks is once again paving the way to the future with a bold new initiative in sports programming. First unveiled by executives during May's Upfront presentation in New York, TBS will undertake a major transformation over the next year with the ground-breaking new series Everybody Hates the Islanders.

An uproarious combination of real life drama and sitcom silliness, and influenced by 24/7: Road to the Winter Classic, The Office, Coach, Sanford and Son and TV's Bloopers & Practical Jokes, Everybody Hates the Islanders is sure to revolutionize sports television as we know it.

Everybody Hates the Islanders centers around the trials and tribulations of the titular hockey team and their quest to get new players to join their roster. Every episode, the Islanders try to add a veteran player via free agency, a trade or waivers and every time they meet with a hilarious obstacle.

"At TBS, we're expanding our programming horizons with new forms and new genres - like we did with Meet the Browns, Conan and showing reruns of The Big Bang Theory at both 5:30 AND 7:00 pm," said Michael Wright, head of programming for TNT, TBS, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and the all new 24-hour singing competition network SHRILL TV. "TBS always wants to give as many viewers as possible the best in comedy today. And we feel Everybody Hates the Islanders accomplishes that goal for all sports fans.

"Every fan of every team can always laugh at the Islanders."

A one-time model franchise and four-time Stanley Cup champion, the Islanders are now a team that can't seem to catch a break. Whenever they attempt to acquire a new player, something always goes awry. Players refuse to report, file grievances trying to block trades, lie, cheat and scheme their way out of becoming Islanders. Will the next one fake his death to get out of a contract or escape in a harrowing hot air balloon chase? Anything can happen when Everybody Hates the Islanders!

"Sports fans all over the world can enjoy the one-of-a-kind comedy the Islanders bring," said Wright, who is a proud, long-time LA Kings season ticket holder of almost five weeks. "Viewers can sit back and laugh without having to worry about their team going through the same issues. Teams that have solid arenas and money and revenue sharing and media coverage and expectations greater than 'not being terrible' can have a blast kicking the Islanders when they're down episode after episode."

Everybody Hates the Islanders will also be very accessible to new viewers because having no prior knowledge of or experience with the Islanders is required to join in the fun. Fans who have paid little or no attention to the team can jump in at any time and go along with the crowd.

An impressive cast of guest stars is already set for the first season of Everybody Hates the Islanders, including Brad Garrett (Hulk Hogan's Rock n' Wrestling), Terry Crews (Norbit), Tanya Roberts (The Beastmaster), Paul Rodriguez (a.k.a. Pablo), Jaleel White (Sonic The Hedgehog), John Stamos (You Again), Avery Brooks (Spencer for Hire) and Mariel Hemingway (Superman 4: The Quest for Peace).

"Islanders' players and team management figures will make regular appearances on the show, but the team's best players, such as John Tavares, Matt Moulson, Frans Nielsen and Travis Hamonic, will be limited to only a few minutes of screen time this season," explained Wright. "This is to help viewers forget the Islanders have players of actual talent and to help fans feel more comfortable when laughing at the franchise's misadventures."

Everybody Hates the Islanders premieres this fall on TBS. TBS - Very Funny.

About TBS

TBS is basic cable's #1 network among young adults in primetime. Available in 100 million households, TBS features the Emmy-nominated series Tyler Perry's House of Payne, Tyler Perry's Gruesome Tales of Suspense and Tyler Perry's Friday Night Cockfights. TBS also features an outstanding slate of blockbuster movies you ignored when they were released in theaters a few years ago.

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This is a parody. I totally ripped off this here press release for some shows on TBS and TNT that I won't watch.