New socialite drops in for E! series
The Hollywood Reporter
August 9, 2007
By Kimberly Nordyke
On the heels of its decision not to renew "The Simple Life," E!
Entertainment Television has found its next socialite-centric comedic
reality series.
The cable network has greenlighted an untitled series, from Ryan
Seacrest Prods. and Bunim-Murray Prods., starring 26-year-old socialite
Kim Kardashian, daughter of the late Robert Kardashian, one of the
attorneys who defended O.J. Simpson during his murder trial, and
stepdaughter of Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner.
The series also will star Kardashian’s "Brady Bunch"-style family, which
includes her "fiercely competitive and hormonal" sisters, Kourtney, 28,
and Khloe, 23; half sisters Kendall, 11, and Kylie, 9; their
"firecracker" mother, Kris, who doubles as Kim Kardashian’s
"stressed-out" manager; and stepdad Jenner, who is described as quiet
and conservative.
The show is set to debut in the fall.
"The Kardashians are just your typical, modern-day, celebrity,
estrogen-driven, say-anything, blended family, as typical as any of that
really is," said Lisa Berger, E!’s executive vp programming and
development. "There is much more to Kim and her family than meets the
eye, and I think her hilarious home life and versatile career will
appeal to our viewers."
The series was created by Eliot Goldberg and Seacrest, who will
executive produce for Ryan Seacrest Prods. (E!’s "Paradise City"). Jon
Murray and Jeff Jenkins will exec produce for Bunim-Murray ("Simple
Life," MTV’s "Real World").
"At the heart of this series — despite the cat fights and endless
sarcasm — is a family that truly loves and supports one another,"
Seacrest said. "The familiar dynamics of this family make them one
Hollywood bunch that is sure to entertain."
Added Murray: "We’re honored that E! and Ryan Seacrest chose
Bunim-Murray Prods. to help fully realize the potential for this truly
inspired series idea. We had a blast working with E! on ‘The Simple
Life,’ and with Ryan’s company added to the mix, it will be even more
exciting."
E! last month confirmed its decision not to renew "Simple Life,"
starring socialites Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.
Other socialite-themed series that have aired on E! include "The
Gastineau Girls," starring mother-daughter duo Lisa and Brittny
Gastineau, and "Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive," starring the offspring of
various celebrities.
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