TBS Superstation Presents An All New Episode of RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!, Featuring the Ancient Tattooing Practices of Samoa

Business Wire, Sept 7, 2000

Entertainment Editors & TV Writers

ATLANTA--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Sept. 7, 2000

TBS Superstation's original series RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!(R) showcases an all new episode, including segments exploring the ancient half-body tattooing ceremonies of Samoa. The episode of RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!(R), (TV-PG) hosted by actor Dean Cain (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman), premieres Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 8:05 p.m. (ET/PT), exclusively on TBS Superstation.

In RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!(R), viewers visit a world of amazing feats, facts and artifacts that stretch the limits of the imagination. The series features events and reports from around the world.

Highlights from the Sept. 13 episode include the following:

    --  Samoan Tattoo: Still practiced without modern equipment, the
        ancient Samoan method of body art covers the lower half of a
        young man's body with elaborate designs and patterns. The
        inks, made of ash and nuts, are set into the skin by hammering
        a comb-like tool with a mallet.

    --  Snake Charmer: Johnny Tong, a clean-cut California man who
        works as a Venice Beach performer, has trained his pet snake
        to slither up his nose and out his mouth.

    --  Indoor Beach: In Kyoto, Japan, there is an indoor water park
        complete with beach, palm trees and artificial islands. The
        ocean paradise can hold up to 10,000 people, and the
        artificial surf, sun and sand are so realistic that fewer
        people are flocking to the real shoreline.

    --  55 Seat Bicycle: Roger Dumas wanted to build a bike for each
        of his relatives. Instead, he built one bike for all of his
        relatives. Dumas and his relatives will put the two-story,
        55-seat bike to a test during their family reunion.

RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!(R) premiered on Jan. 12 to a 3.3 rating and delivered a record-breaking 2.6 million households, basic cable's largest household audience ever for an original series premiere (excluding sports).

RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!(R), airs as part of TBS Superstation's iWatch Wednesday, an Enhanced TV viewing experience from the Superstation and HyperTV with Livewire that uses the Internet to provide viewers with a multimedia accompaniment during the prime-time airings of TBS Superstation's Wednesday night programs. As viewers watch the Wednesday night line-up of RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!(R), and WCW Thunder, they are able to experience carefully synchronized interactive Web content on TBSsuperstation.com, including trivia, games, contests, polls and behind-the-scenes information. Viewers can also chat online as the shows are airing. To participate, viewers should log on to TBSsuperstation.com to download the free HyperTV software plug-in. They will then be able to interact, free of charge, with the exclusive show-related Web content.

RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!(R) is produced by Columbia TriStar Television Distribution, with Erik Nelson and Dan Jbara serving as executive producers. RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!(R) is being produced in association with Cain's production company, Angry Dragon Entertainment, and Nelson's Termite Art Productions.

TBS Superstation is the TV Haven for the Regular Guy. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s flagship entertainment network, the Superstation reaches 79.7 million households and is cable's most-watched network, a position held for 23 consecutive years. The Superstation offers high profile original movies and series, blockbuster movies, popular series and sports, all reflecting the attitudes, tastes, values and beliefs of the Regular Guy and the people in his life. The Superstation's Web site is located at TBSsuperstation.com.