‘Test’ tube TV
Daytime show targets ‘Paternity’
CALL it “The Father of All Reality Shows.”
Orion TV, a division of MGM, has begun production in LA on “Paternity Court,” a new syndicated series premiering this fall — and devoted exclusively to paternity tests and, often, to their emotional ramifications.
Hosted by “judge” Laura Lake — an attorney and “relationship expert” who’s appeared as a talking head on shows including “Dr. Phil” and “The Today
Show” — “Paternity Court” will tackle all sorts of paternity cases, with the results revealed onair at the end of every show.
Producers say the serie how will differ from the “Who’s Your Daddy?” patenity episodes of “Maury” — a popular, highly rated feature of Maury Povich’s daytime talk show that are sometimes combative — in that “Paternity Court” is allabout building relationships once the patenity results are revealed.
On the show — the plan is to feature one case every episode — Lake will hear both sides of the case, present the results and then offer advice to the people effected.
“Our hope is that Lauren Lake’s verdict will inspire litigants to take responsibility for the outcome and provide resolution,” John Bryan, president of MGM TV, said in a statement. “‘Paternity Court will tell the stories of emotionally lifechanging issues beyond the parent/child relationship.”
“Paternity Court” will air in New York City, but its broadcast home, and timeslot, are yet to be determined.
The show has been cleared on many outlets, including CBS and Tribune stations, so it could air locally on CBS stations Ch. 2 or Ch. 55 or Ch. 11, which is owned by Tribune.