{alltv} Spike TV chases older men with new projects

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LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – While nearly every TV network is chasing younger viewers, Spike TV is about to issue a surprising declaration: "We want to go a little older."

The network is developing six comedy projects and a one-hour drama aimed at "older" men (meaning, in Spike's terms, ages 25-49).

The projects include reality master Thom Beers ("Deadliest Catch") tackling a scripted comedy set in an air traffic control tower, "Saturday Night Live" director Beth McCarthy Miller doing a sports comedy, and a one-hour drama about an undercover cop infiltrating a militia.

But when advertisers covet young men, why go older?

"We started this network we heard you couldn't get younger guys to be loyal to a TV network, they're off playing video games and going online," said Spike TV president Kevin Kay. "I think we've proven (that's not true) with shows like 'Deadliest Warrior,' 'Blue Mountain State,' 'The Ultimate Fighter.' We're now trying very consciously to find things relatable to older guys and that are a little less edgy."

Spike TV's current median age during primetime is 36, which is quite youthful by network standards. "That would not be a bad thing at all (if the age increased)," Kay said.

The network hopes to pick up two of its new projects to series, and is particularly looking for a companion to its comedy "Blue Mountain State," which recently returned for a second season. Here are the orders:

THUNDERBALLS

A half-hour comedic series about three life-long friends who comprise a beer league bowling team called the "Thunderballs."

UNTITLED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS COMEDY

A high-stakes workplace comedy focusing on the fun-loving yet dysfunctional men and women air traffic controllers at a major international airport. Beers will serve as an executive producer.

UNTITLED BETH McCARTHY MILLER PROJECT

A ripped-from-the-headlines comedy about a veteran sports writer and the crazy world of modern-day athletes he reports on. Miller will serve as an executive producer.

POWERBALL

When a 30-something loser who still lives with his parents wins the multi-million dollar Powerball lottery, he decides to use his newfound wealth to buy the love and respect of his family and community.

AT EASE

Two misfit U.S. Army drill sergeants use unorthodox methods to turn an endless stream of recruits into the greatest fighting force on earth while staying one step ahead of an uptight new captain with a grudge.

UNTITLED FAMILY BARBECUE COMEDY

Tired of the corporate rat race, a "Clark Griswold"-type cashes in his 401k retirement plan and drags his family kicking and screaming to pursue his dream of competing on the professional barbecue circuit.

F.T.W.

A gritty one-hour drama focusing on an Atlanta police officer who is recruited by the Department of Homeland Security to return to his hometown and infiltrate a militia organization linked to domestic terrorism with which he has familial ties.