Starz shoots and scores for two - Offers sampling of original series comedy block of Blunt Talk and Survivor's Remorse

Starz is currently offering multi-platform, nationwide sampling of its upcoming comedy block featuring the first two episodes of its new original series "Blunt Talk" and the entire six-episode first season of "Survivor's Remorse." In addition, "Survivor's Remorse" Executive Producer LeBron James and "Blunt Talk" series star Patrick Stewart are also sampling their respective series premieres on Facebook for a limited time prior to the linear season premieres on Saturday, August 22 at 9 PM ET/PT on STARZ.

James began hosting free access to the premiere episode from Season 2 of "Survivor's Remorse" directly on his Facebook page exclusively for his 22 million followers on Friday, August 14. Stewart posted the premiere episode of "Blunt Talk" for his legions of Facebook followers on Saturday, August 15.

"Starz has sampled many new original series on multiple platforms - including Facebook - over the past few years and we continue to witness first-hand the importance of engaging fans in the social media community who have migrated the ‘water cooler talk' to a much bigger and virtual break room, " said Starz CEO Chris Albrecht. "The network and our shows, including ‘Power' and "Outlander,' are definitely benefitting from the tremendous online community engagement."

Alison Hoffman, executive vice president of marketing for Starz, added: "Having LeBron James and Patrick Stewart share early previews of their shows directly with their passionate Facebook fans is an exciting opportunity for Starz. It's a great way to get viewers watching, buzzing and sharing our content."

On-demand and online sampling opportunities of the two "Blunt Talk" episodes and first season of "Survivor's Remorse" were made available beginning August 15 and will continue through August 25 via select U.S. cable, satellite and Telco affiliates, Starz.com, STARZ ON DEMAND and the free STARZ PLAY app for all users in the United States. "Survivor's Remorse" season one is also available on iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, Sony Entertainment Network and Xbox Video.

The sampling begins one week in advance of the comedy block premiere of the 10-episode, first season of "Blunt Talk" from MRC and executive produced by Seth MacFarlane, Jonathan Ames (creator and showrunner), Stephanie Davis and Tristram Shapeero; and the sophomore season of "Survivor's Remorse" from showrunner/executive producer Mike O'Malley and executive producers Tom Werner, Maverick Carter, LeBron James, Paul Wachter, Victor Levin and Hilton Smith.

In addition to the online and on-demand sampling, a first season marathon of "Survivor's Remorse," which The Washington Post called "screamingly funny," will air on STARZ on August 18-20 at 11 PM PT/ET. A sneak-peek of episode 201 from "Survivor's Remorse" Season 2 will be available on STARZ PLAY and STARZ ON DEMAND immediately following the season finale of the STARZ Original series "Power" on August 15 exclusively for STARZ subscribers.

About "Blunt Talk"

Set in Los Angeles, the story follows Walter Blunt, a British import intent on conquering the world of American cable news and the fallout from his well-intentioned, but mostly misguided decision-making, both on and off the air.

Through the platform of his nightly cable news show, Blunt is on a mission to impart his wisdom and guidance on how Americans should live, think and behave. Besieged by network bosses, a dysfunctional news staff, numerous ex-wives and children of all ages, Blunt's only support is the heavy-drinking, devoted manservant he transplanted from the U.K. to join him in Los Angeles. The series is greenlit for a two-season, 20-episode commitment.

The cast is led by Patrick Stewart (X-Men franchise, Ted) in the role of Walter Blunt, Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook) as Rosalie, Blunt's tough and motherly producer-manager and Adrian Scarborough (The King's Speech) as Harry, Blunt's manservant. Dolly Wells ("Doll & Em") who was cast as Celia, Blunt's senior producer and head writer; and Timm Sharp ("Enlightened") who was cast as Jim, Blunt's head writer, round out the cast.

MacFarlane and Fuzzy Door Productions, Inc. serve as executive producers. Ames, who created the series, will also serve as executive producer, showrunner as well as a writer on the project. Tristram Shapeero ("Community") and Stephanie Davis ("Bored to Death") serve as executive producers with Shapeero also serving as director. Stewart will also serve as producer on the series.

MRC, the studio behind MacFarlane's directorial debut Ted, which is the highest grossing original comedy of all time worldwide, the highly anticipated sequel, Ted 2, and the award-winning series "House of Cards," is best known as one of the most artist-friendly independent studios.

For more information, follow @BluntTalk_Starz on Twitter. Join the conversation with #BluntTalk and #STARZ.

About "Survivor's Remorse"

"Survivor's Remorse" follows the life of Cam Calloway (played by Jessie T. Usher), a hard-working, young basketball star who is thrust into the limelight after signing a huge contract with a pro basketball team in Atlanta. In the second season, we see Cam and his cousin and confidant, Reggie Vaughn (played by Ronreaco Lee), continue trying to navigate Cam's meteoric rise. From business deals to relationships and friendship, the two confront the challenges of balancing the needs of family with the rewards and responsibilities generated by their newfound wealth and fame. Cam, Reggie, and the unforgettable group of characters that is the Calloway clan, wrestle with the rewards and pitfalls of stardom, love and loyalty. The cast also includes Mike Epps, Tichina Arnold, Teyonah Parris and Erica Ash.

Mike O'Malley, Emmy®-nominated actor for his role on "Glee," serves as executive producer and showrunner for "Survivor's Remorse." Tom Werner, Chairman of the Boston Red Sox, and LeBron James executive produce with Maverick Carter, sports marketing executive and LeBron James's business partner; Paul Wachter, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Main Street Advisors, Victor Levin ("Mad Men," "Mad About You") and Hilton Smith ("Hung," "Deadwood").

The second season of the critically acclaimed half-hour scripted comedy series will feature 10 episodes - up from its six-episode first season.

For more information, visit the "Survivor's Remorse" Facebook pageand follow @SRemorse_Starz on Twitter. Join the conversation with #SurvivorsRemorse and #STARZ.