Five Snaps Up “Joey” And “Two And A Half Men”

(August 12, 2004 – UK and Burbank, CA) - Five has acquired the year’s most eagerly-anticipated new comedy series, “Joey,” and America’s highest-rated new scripted series of the 2003/04 season, “Two And A Half Men” from Warner Bros. International Television, it was announced today (THURS). The two shows will form the basis of Five’s new Comedy Hour. Multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award-nominee Matt LeBlanc reprises his “Friends” role as charming, and still-single Joey Tribbiani, who has struck out on his own and moved to Hollywood, hoping to truly make it as an actor. Starring alongside Matt LeBlanc are Paulo Costanzo (“Road Trip,” “40 Days and 40 Nights”), Andrea Anders (“The Stepford Wives”) and Drea de Matteo (“The Sopranos,” “Swordfish”). “Two And A Half Men” stars Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer in a comedy about three guys from two generations learning what it means to be a man. Jeff Ford, Five’s Managing Editor and Director of Acquisitions said: “I am delighted that the channel has secured the rights to ‘Joey’ and ‘Two And A Half Men.’ Five has become synonymous with quality US imports and the acquisition of these two comedy series is a great coup for the channel.” Jeffrey Schlesinger, President, Warner Bros. International Television said: “We are pleased that Five has acquired the UK rights to ‘Joey,’ which we expect will follow in the tradition of ‘Friends,’ a series that was as popular in the UK as it was in the US, and ‘Two and a Half Men,’ which we expect to be a hit in the UK. We believe that these will become signatures series for Five.” Deal was negotiated on behalf of Warner Bros. International Television by Chris Law, Managing Director, UK Territories, WBITV. “Joey” is made by Bright-San Productions and Silver and Gold Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television Production Inc. “Two And A Half Men” is made by Chuck Lorre Productions Inc. and The Tannenbaum Company, in association with Warner Bros. Television Productions Inc. # # #