The Biography Channel launches Bio Blast programming and two new hit reality shows

    TORONTO, Feb. 8 /CNW/ - The Biography Channel is pleased to announce the
launch of Bio Blast, a hot new block of programming that kicks off on
Saturday, February 23. Bio Blast features the channel premiere of two reality
shows, Rock of Love and The Surreal Life, followed by an hour-long biography
delivering a behind-the-scenes look of individuals who have impacted music,
television, film, politics, and popular culture.
    The Biography Channel will spice up the weekend programming line up with
the introduction of the hit series Rock of Love and The Surreal Life for a
real look at some former superstars and B-list celebrities. The three-hour
block will take place on Saturday and Sunday evenings and bring a blast of
reality to the weekend revealing the fascinating lives of the most talked
about stars and forgotten icons.
    Rock of Love, the ultimate "bachelor" reality series, with 80s glam band
Poison's front man Bret Michael as the prize, takes a look at what women will
do for true love or rock star infatuation. With a fan base built on 20 years
of continuous multi-platinum success and sold-out tours, women come from far
and wide to get their shot at impressing the musical legend. From days on the
tour bus to all-night benders with the band, these brave women enter the
indulgent scene of rock celebs taking part in various challenges to determine
if they have what it takes to win the rocker's heart or if they will be booed
off the stage.-  Rock of Love - Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. ET and Sundays 4:00 p.m. ET

    The Surreal Life, with six successful seasons under its belt, takes a look
at the tensions that arise and egos that soar when you place a group of
celebrity has-beens under one roof. In a Hollywood Hills mansion these
once-famed stars participate in activities and challenges while personalities
surface and relationships form and deteriorate. Check out how the series began
as Gabrielle Carteris, Corey Feldman, Emmanuel Lewis, Jerri Manthey, Vince
Neil, Brande Roderick and MC Hammer take part in a survivor style camping trip
and a Vegas extravaganza.

    -  The Surreal Life - Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. ET and Sundays
       at 5:00 p.m. ET

    Airing Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. ET and repeating on Sundays at 6:00 p.m. ET,
Bio Blast wraps things up with a look at the meteoric rise and tragic decline
of pop icon Britney Spears and guarantees to bring viewers the hottest
biographies each weekend.

    -  Britney Spears - Saturday February 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET and Sunday
       February 24 at 6:00 p.m. ET

    -  Brad Pitt - Saturday, March 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET and Sunday, March 2 at
       6:00 p.m. ET

    -  Reese Witherspoon - Saturday, March 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET and Sunday,
       March 9 at 6:00 p.m. ET

    -  Anna Nicole Smith - Saturday, March 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET and Sunday,
       March 16 at 6:00 p.m. ET

    To coincide with the launch of this new block programming, The Biography
Channel is also introducing a new look with the unveiling of a new logo. For
more information, please visit www.thebiographychannel.ca.

    About The Biography Channel Canada

    The Biography Channel launched in Canada on September 7, 2001 and is the
only 24-hour television channel dedicated to showcasing biographies,
documentaries and movies about the most intriguing people from Canada and
around the world. Available to digital cable and satellite customers, The
Biography Channel in Canada is owned by Rogers Media Inc.

                         www.thebiographychannel.ca