Griffin and Baio bring double dose of reality to VH1

By Nellie Andreeva and Kimberly Nordyke

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - VH1 has picked up a reality series starring actor Eddie Griffin and has green-lighted an untitled series from Scott Baio.

Baio's reality show will bring together eight male teen idols of the 1980s and '90s to examine what life is like after idol-dom and what it will take to get their careers back on track. The series, which will begin casting shortly, is scheduled to premiere in winter 2009.

The network has given an eight-episode order to the Griffin project. Tentatively titled "Eddie Griffin Going for Broke," it chronicles his life and how the actor -- whose credits include "Undercover Brother" and "Norbit" -- juggles being both a player and a family man.

The series is produced by the Grief Co., which also was behind A&E's "Gene Simmons: Family Jewels."

The teen idol series will be executive produced by Baio and former child stars Jason Hervey and JD Roth. Baio and Hervey ("The Wonder Years") also will appear on the show in some capacity.

"The idea of gathering the biggest heartthrobs of a generation under one roof to look at their fame is a fascinating opportunity, especially considering the fact that our producers have actually lived and are still living that journey," VH1 executive vice president production and programming Jeff Olde said.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter