Factual
Z Living premiering three series in US
MUMBAI: Leading Health Entertainment Network, Z Living is premiering three new series in an all-new primetime programming block kicking off January 2017 in the US.
ZEEL president – content & strategy, international business Rajeev Kheror said, “More than two years ago, in October 2014, we created an entirely new category – ‘Health Entertainment’ in the US with the launch of the Z Living Network. This January, the Z Living Network takes another momentous step as we further strengthen the original programming with the launch of our three new series – ‘Altar’d’, ‘Finding Fido’ and ‘POPSUGAR Presents: Conquered’. These programs which embrace our positioning, will further define Health Entertainment to the world.”
All three original shows evoke Z Living’s mission of creating content focused on all aspects of healthy living, including food, fitness, family, relationships, lifestyle and more.
Altar’d airs at 8 pm ET/PT, followed up by Finding Fido, featuring award-winning photographer and New York Times Best-Selling Author Seth Casteel (“Underwater Dogs,” “Pounce”), at 9 pm ET/PT and POPSUGAR Presents: Conquered at 10 pm ET/PT. New episodes for all three series will air weekly on Tuesday nights.
Altar’d captures the journeys of six engaged couples who are determined to lose weight and adopt healthy lifestyles before saying “I do.” Three months prior to their nuptials, the future bride and groom are paired with acclaimed fitness trainers Chris Marhefka and Erin Stutland to shape their transformations. However, in a twist that none of the participants see coming, the couples will be separated, unable to see each other for the entire 90 days until they are reunited for an incredible and emotional reveal at the altar. While the arduous process brings many of the couples closer together, it offers others a newfound clarity that could prompt them to re-evaluate their anticipated walk down the aisle. Altar’d is produced by Bodega Pictures. Josh Ackerman and Benjamin Nurick are executive producers. Tim Krubsack serves as executive producer for Z Living.
In each episode of Finding Fido, Casteel plays matchmaker to hopeful pet owners-to-be and dogs in need of homes. After meeting with prospective “pet parents,” he gets to know their environment, assesses their health, wellness and lifestyle needs, and then locates three potential canine candidates. The future owners spend time with each dog – at home and in public – before finally determining their perfect match. Throughout each episode, Casteel also demonstrates quick and easy dog behavioral tests that can help evaluate a specific canine’s personality and demeanor. Finding Fido is produced by 3 Ball Entertainment. Todd A. Nelson, Ross Weintraub, DJ Nurre, Jeff Altrock, Tim Krubsack and Jay Bluemke are executive producers.
From POPSUGAR Studios, Conquered unveils unique and uplifting stories about people – from the everyday to the influential – who have broken boundaries and conquered obstacles in order to achieve their goals. Each half-hour episode will explore such themes as physical achievement, career, personal relationships and health, among others. POPSUGAR Presents: Conquered is produced by POPSUGAR Studios. Executive producers for POPSUGAR are Nicole Lucas Haimes, Ted Haimes, Jordan Allen and David Grant. Tim Krubsack executive produces for Z Living.
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
