"Pickler & Ben" brings a Nashville vibe to national daytime audiences with Sept. 18 debut

NASHVILLE. Tenn., Aug. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "Pickler & Ben," daytime television's newest "go-to" destination for the best in lifestyle and entertainment, launches nationally on Monday, Sept. 18. Hosted by country music star Kellie Pickler and Emmy-winning television personality Ben Aaron, this highly anticipated talk show will premiere in 38 local television markets across the country.

The show features Kellie and Ben hosting segments with top celebrities, tastemakers and experts on everything from entertaining and home design to cooking, DIY and more. The show will be recorded in front of a live audience at a studio in one of America's hottest cities — Nashville — on an expansive, modern farmhouse-styled set.

"This show truly feels like home — it's like spending time with a bunch of good friends who just stopped by to trade stories on the back porch," said Kellie. "We have a little something for everyone. We'll laugh, get inspired and meet some very talented and extraordinary people."

"When Kellie and I get together, it's anything but predictable," said Ben. "We have an incredible team of creative minds behind this show, and I can't wait to deliver our country-city combo to viewers across America."

Through a partnership with leading entertainment and lifestyle retailer, HSN, "Pickler & Ben" will feature a unique interactive format inviting viewers to "shop the show" by purchasing items featured on air from the comfort of their homes. Fans can shop items directly on PicklerandBen.com and HSN.com.

"Pickler & Ben's" live studio audience will include a mix of Nashville locals and out-of-towners seeking the best in entertainment. Nashville is one of the country's fastest-growing cities, with nearly 100 people each day moving to the city made famous by country music, all-American food, Southern charm and world-class hospitality. Fans are invited to join a taping by requesting tickets through the show's website.

"Pickler & Ben" is produced by Grammy Award-winning superstar Faith Hill; co-founder of Happy Street Entertainment, Lisa Erspamer; and president and CEO of Sandbox Entertainment Jason Owen; in partnership with The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE: SSP). Award-winning director Joe Terry ("The Oprah Winfrey Show") will direct "Pickler & Ben." Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution is distributing the show in national syndication.

To get a sneak peek of the show, stay up to date on episodes and get a behind-the-scenes look at the hosts in action, follow "Pickler & Ben" on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The 38 local affiliates and Nielsen market rank include (* denotes Scripps market):

About the Hosts
Kellie Pickler first gained fame at the age of 19 as a contestant on the fifth season of "American Idol." She has gone on to release four critically acclaimed albums, including her Gold-certified debut "Small Town Girl" as well as "100 Proof," which Rolling Stone named the Best Country Album of 2011. In spring of 2013, Pickler won the Mirror Ball Trophy on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" and also released her fourth album, "The Woman I Am," with Black River Entertainment, which featured three songs co-written by Pickler including the title cut. She launched her home goods line, Selma Drye by Kellie Pickler, named after her grandmother in collaboration with the Opry Stores (shop.opry.com) in 2015. Kellie Pickler's CMT docu-comedy series "I Love Kellie Pickler," which co-stars her husband, songwriter/producer Kyle Jacobs, debuted in November 2015, propelling the network to its highest premiere with adults since 2012 and women since 2008. The hit television series returned for its third season earlier this month. Pickler is an avid supporter of the U.S. military, having completed 11 USO Tours thus far.

Ben Aaron has earned four Emmy Awards as a features reporter for "New York Live" on WNBC and has numerous TV credits as a contributor for "Extra," "Meredith" and "Today." His posted stories on YouTube have earned millions of views. He recently teamed up with his wife, Ginger Zee, chief meteorologist for "Good Morning America," on a new home renovation show on the DIY Network called "Renovation Realities: Ben and Ginger."

About the Producers
Faith Hill has been a force in the entertainment industry for over two decades, having achieved unprecedented success in the worlds of country and pop music as one of the top-selling and most-awarded female artists of all time. Over the course of her incomparable performing career, Hill has co-produced all her record-breaking, critically acclaimed network television specials, live performances and videos from concept to completion. "Pickler & Ben" combines Faith's love for design with her passion for family, community and connection. Her hands-on approach and keen eye will be reflected in every aspect of this new show. Think of Faith as "Pickler & Ben's" seal of approval.

Lisa Erspamer is a three-time Emmy-nominated producer for her work on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," a New York Times best-selling author, and former chief creative officer and executive vice president of programming and development for OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. Most recently, Lisa is the co-founder of Happy Street Entertainment, a television, film, digital production and entertainment consulting company. Happy Street will debut the feature documentary on Whitney Houston worldwide in 2018. 

Jason Owen is the CEO of Sandbox Entertainment, a full-service management and entertainment company that represents award-winning country artists including international star Faith Hill, Grammy Award-winning acts Little Big Town and Kacey Musgraves, and breakout groups Dan+Shay and Midland, as well as the luxury resort Blackberry Farm, the town of Wilson, Arkansas, and the estates of Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, Sr. The Emmy-Award winning entertainment industry veteran currently serves as executive producer on Cooking Channel's "Simply Southern," as well as co-president of the newly relaunched record label, Monument Records. 

About Scripps 
The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE: SSP) serves audiences and businesses through a growing portfolio of television, radio and digital media brands. With 33 television stations, Scripps is one of the nation's largest independent TV station owners. Scripps runs an expanding collection of local and national digital journalism and content businesses, including Newsy, the next-generation national news network; and podcast industry leader Midroll Media. Scripps produces original programming including "Pickler & Ben," runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, "Give light and the people will find their own way."

About HSN
HSN is a leading entertainment and lifestyle retailer, offering a curated assortment of exclusive products and top brand names to its customers. HSN incorporates entertainment, inspiration, personalities and industry experts to provide an entirely unique shopping experience. At HSN, customers find exceptional selections in Health & Beauty, Jewelry, Home/Lifestyle, Fashion/Accessories, and Electronics. HSN broadcasts live to over 90 million households in the U.S. 24/7 and its website - hsn.com features more than 50,000 product videos. Mobile applications include HSN apps for iPad, iPhone and Android. HSN, founded 40 years ago as the first electronic retailer, is an operating segment of HSN, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSNI). For more information, please visit www.HSN.com, or follow @HSN on Facebook and Twitter.

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SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company

Valerie Miller, The E.W. Scripps Company, 513-977-3023, valerie.miller@scripps.com; Press Contacts: Marcel Pariseau, True Public Relations, 323-957-0730, marcel@truepublicrelations.com; Jennifer Vessio, 1220 Entertainment, 347-924-7001, jennifer.g.vessio@gmail.com