/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38858856/Wahlburgers-TV-Show.0.jpg)
Big news for reality television: Last night on the Aresenio Hall Show, actor, producer, and one-time New Kid on the Block Donnie Wahlberg revealed that he and his family are going to be the focus of a brand-new A&E reality show that will focus on their lives as the owners of the Hingham, Mass restaurant Wahlburgers (a pilot was shot back in January). The show will feature Donnie Wahlberg and fellow entertainer/brother Mark Wahlberg (listed as "founders" of the restaurant), brother Paul Wahlberg (executive chef of the restaurant), mother Alma, and neighborhood guys Henry "Nacho" Laun and Johnny "Drama" Alves (the inspiration for the character Johnny Drama on Entourage). Says Donnie: "It's going to be a lot of fun. It's about our business, it's about our restaurant."
According to the press release below, the show will put the spotlight on Paul "as he takes on the challenges of running a burger joint that touts the family name ... gets caught up in a whirlwind of bustling kitchens, an impending expansion [like Canada] and everything in between." The show is set to premiere on on January 22, right after the mega-hit Duck Dynasty (the star of which, incidentally, is now also a restaurant operator). Check out the press release below, and watch Donnie talk about the show with Arsenio Hall:
Video: Donnie Wahlberg Announces New Reality Show
GET UP CLOSE WITH THE WAHLBERG FAMILY IN THE NEW ORIGINAL A&E SERIES "WAHLBURGERS" PREMIERING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 AT 10:30 PM ET/PTMARK AND DONNIE HEAD HOME AND JOIN FORCES WITH THEIR OLDER BROTHER PAUL IN THEIR NEWEST ROLES AS RESTAURATEURS
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 12, 2013 - A&E Network's newest original series "Wahlburgers" gives a behind-the-scenes look into one of Boston's most well-known families, the Wahlbergs. Brothers Mark and Donnie head back to their hometown to join forces with their professed 'most talented sibling,' Paul, in their tasty business venture. An homage to their humble beginnings, the hamburger restaurant is home base for the gang from the old neighborhood, including the real Johnny "Drama" and of course their spirited mother Alma. "Wahlburgers" premieres January 22 at 10:30 PM ET/PT on A&E.
"We're thrilled to partner with the entire Wahlberg family as they graciously lift the curtain to share this new side of their story," said David McKillop, Executive Vice President and General Manager of A&E Network. "This series offers viewers a new take on the celebrity reality series showcasing one of America's favorite families."
The youngest of nine siblings, Mark and Donnie are no strangers to being in the spotlight. Now it's older brother Paul's turn to shine as he takes on the challenges of running a burger joint that touts the family name. Even with his brothers' full support, this proves no easy task as he gets caught up in a whirlwind of bustling kitchens, an impending expansion and everything in between. The chef and restaurateur is careful to capture the flavor of their Dorchester home in every aspect of the restaurant.
At the heart of the family, and the chaos, is the matriarch of the Wahlberg clan, Alma. The mother who has seen it all is still the apple of her sons' eyes. The battle to be her favorite is constant among the men who don't make any big decisions without their mother's backing. She isn't afraid to step in and speak her mind and when she does, everyone listens.
Never far from the action is Mark and Donnie's original entourage, Johnny "Drama" Alves and Henry "Nacho" Laun. These childhood pals are not reluctant to take advantage of old friendships, especially when it comes to a free burger. Also from the old neighborhood is Mark's childhood friend, and former partner-in-crime, Billy Leonard who is by his side when he's in town and keeps him up-to-date when he's not.
In the city that witnessed the family's rags-to-riches story become a reality, all eyes are on the Wahlbergs who are determined to make the restaurant a success in Boston and beyond. Now they just have to agree on a second location.
"Wahlburgers" is produced for A&E Networks by 44 Blue Productions, in association with Closest to the Hole Productions, Leverage Entertainment and Donnie D Productions. Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and Donnie Wahlberg are Executive Producers. Executive Producers for 44 Blue Productions are Rasha Drachkovitch and Jym Buss. Executive Producers for A&E are Lily Neumeyer and Devon Graham.
· Donnie Wahlberg Announces New Reality Show [YouTube via TheWrap]
· Get Up Close With the Wahlberg Family in the New Original A&E Series "Wahlburgers" [Futon Critic]
· All Food TV Coverage on Eater [-E-]
Loading comments...