MTV green-lights 4 new unscripted series including “Untitled Virgins Project,” renews “Awkward” with new show runners

MTV announced earlier today they have given the green light to four new unscripted projects, including one that seems to be a complete 180 degree turn from their previous reality show successes, Jersey Shore and Teen Mom (1, 2, 3). The show is tentatively called Untitled Virgins Project and is described as “a docu-series following the lives of young adults as they navigate the world of relationships and sexual pressures all while sharing one major thing in common: virginity.” (I suppose they could also have the GTL mantra — but definitely no Smush Room!)

In addition to Untitled Virgins Project, the network is also jumping headfirst into the seemingly crowded cooking competition genre, albeit with a slightly more youthful MTV spin with MTV’s House of Food (working title) and Snackdown. And the fourth venture is called The Ex and the Why, “a 30-minute daytime strip where young adults who have unresolved issues from past relationships are given the chance to make amends.”

Here is the full press release from MTV with details about all four shows:

MTV GREEN-LIGHTS NEW UNSCRIPTED SERIES FOR 2014 SEASON INCLUDING “UNTITLED VIRGINS PROJECT” AND “MTV’s HOUSE OF FOOD” (WT)

Pick-ups Include Two New Afternoon Series “SNACKDOWN” (WT) and “The Ex and the Why”

MTV Also Picks up Season 4 of Hit Scripted Series “Awkward” with New Show Runners: Chris Alberghini and Mike Chessler

Santa Monica, CA (August 5, 2013) – MTV announced today the pick-up of four new unscripted shows set to debut in 2014. Part of the new schedule includes two prime time weekly series with “Untitled Virgins Project,” a docu-series following the lives of young adults as they navigate the world of relationships and sexual pressures all while sharing one major thing in common: virginity; and “MTV’s House of Food” (working title) featuring young aspiring chefs living under one roof while competing in a variety of cooking competitions for a rare chance to win a career-launching apprenticeship.

Additionally, MTV green-lit two new afternoon series, “SNACKDOWN” (working title) from the beautifully twisted mind of Rob Dyrdek comes a new cooking competition show, challenging young cooks to unleash their imaginations on your standard “munchies fare” and elevate them to a fully baked art-form; and “The Ex and the Why” a 30-minute daytime strip where young adults who have unresolved issues from past relationships are given the chance to make amends.

In making the announcements, MTV President of Programming Susanne Daniels said, “We’ve got a pretty explosive line-up with this new slate of shows – virgins, food and exes – all part of the millennial palate.” She added, “I’m very proud of our team who really dug deep to unearth unchartered areas or unique twists on genres that will appeal to our audience.”

Daniels also announced the Season 4 pick-up of MTV’s hit scripted series, “Awkward” with new show runners. Chris Alberghini and Mike Chessler ( “90210,” “Cashmere Mafia,” “Are You There, Chelsea?” and “Reba”) will now serve as Executive Producers of the popular scripted comedy. The second half of Season 3 of “Awkward” will premiere in October, with Season 4 running in 2014. The series was created by Lauren Iungerich.

Below are the new show descriptions and credits:

“Untitled Virgins Project” – This series follows the lives of young adults trying to maneuver the often tricky world of virginity which includes messy love lives, awkward parental sex talks, sexually active friends, and the pressure to give in to their temptations — all of which can make for a very tumultuous journey. Throughout each episode of this hour-long weekly show, MTV will explore the stories of different v-card-carrying cast members across the country, all dealing with the overwhelming question of keeping their virginity… or losing it. The series will be supported with informational resources from MTV’s Emmy and Peabody-winning “It’s Your (Sex) Life” campaign, which empowers young people to make better decisions about their sexual health.

Producers:
Endemol USA

Executives in Charge for MTV:
• Lauren Dolgen
• Colin Nash
• James DeSimas
• Julie Schwachenwald

“MTV’s House of Food” – In this drama-infused take on food TV, a group of young aspiring chefs with no formal culinary training are put to the ultimate challenge. “MTV’s House of Food” (working title) is a one hour, weekly docu-series that combines the exciting real-life competitive elements of culinary school, with the dramatic setting of a house reality show. The cast has been chosen for their passion for cooking and food culture, and their backgrounds are as varied as their personalities. With three of the country’s best chefs as their teachers and the gastronomically diverse city of Los Angeles as their classroom, this determined group will live together and learn together but only one will win an apprenticeship of a lifetime.

Producers:
T Group Productions
• Jenny Daly
• Mike Duffy

Executives in Charge for MTV:
• Tony DiBari
• Karen Frank
• Elaine Metaxas
• Matthew Parillo
• Marcy Dyno

“SNACKDOWN” — From the mind of Rob Dyrdek comes a new cooking competition show, which takes mundane munchies and elevates it to a fully baked art-form! “SNACKDOWN” (working title) is a half hour strip, cooking competition show where a group of amateur chefs battle it out in an array of “snack” inspired challenges. Host Eddie Huang brings his culinary skills and snack-expertise to help guide our contestants through these unique challenges. Then it’s up to our three judges to decide each amateur chef’s fate. The panel consists of supermodel and foodie fanatic Chrissy Teigen, master chef Jason Quinn, and a third judge TBA. The contestants are all vying for a cash prize, their recipe published in the “SNACKDOWN” cookbook, and the coveted golden spork necklace!

Producers:
Superjacket Productions
• Rob Dyrdek
• Shane Nickerson

Broken Road Productions
• Todd Garner

Executives in Charge for MTV:
• Lauren Dolgen
• Kristina Edwards
• Michelle Klepper

“The Ex and the Why” – All too often relationships end with unanswered questions and hurt feelings. In every episode of this half hour strip, someone gets the opportunity to finally get closure and just maybe a second chance at happiness and love. Each brokenhearted participant will walk us through the ups and downs of their failed relationship while our producers lure their ex into a surprise meeting. When all is finally revealed, will the exes get their lingering questions answered? And is there a chance to rekindle their relationship?

Producers:
495 Productions
• SallyAnn Salsano

Executives in Charge for MTV:
• Lauren Dolgen
• James DeSimas
• Jennifer Russakoff