W Network Launches New Original Reality Series Shannon & Sophie starring Mother and Daughter Shannon and Sophie Tweed-Simmons

• Filmed in Whistler, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Nashville
• Series premieres with back-to-back episodes on Tuesday, May 20 at 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

TORONTO, April 22, 2014 /CNW/ - This May, Corus Entertainment's W Network presents the premiere of the new series Shannon & Sophie (8x30) starring Shannon Tweed-Simmons, Canadian actress, model and wife of KISS bassist Gene Simmons, and their daughter, actress and singer, Sophie Tweed-Simmons. In the series, this diamond duo of Gene Simmons Family Jewels fame take on the world and start a new chapter in their lives, navigating the everyday challenges of celebrity life as Sophie spreads her wings to leave the nest, with Shannon flying closely and protectively behind. Produced by Force Four Entertainment in association with W Network, Shannon & Sophie premieres with back-to-back episodes on Tuesday, May 20 at 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on W Network.

Sophie Tweed-Simmons says, "My mom and I are happy to be getting back to our roots in Canada. Can't wait for you all to be back in our lives." 

"We couldn't be happier to be on the air again, sharing our lives," says Shannon Tweed-Simmons. "You will remember and be nostalgic at how Sophie has grown and come into her own. I'm sure you will love watching her turn into the parent (as happens in families) and me turn to my daughter for advice and counsel. It's funny how that relates to most folks whose kids grow up."

The union of fun loving former Playboy playmate Shannon Tweed and KISS legend Gene Simmons established Rock and Roll's original monarchy. Born into rock royalty, straight-laced Sophie Tweed-Simmons is Shannon's loving daughter, best friend, and polar opposite. Sophie doesn't drink, has her own charity (Surrey, British Columbia's Sophie's Place), and is diligently pursuing her acting and music ambitions. But as she turns 21 and launches her life as an adult, she's moving out of her parent's home to blaze her own trail. Shannon is only steps behind, ensuring that Sophie's path leads in the right direction, and is wide enough for two.

In the first episode, premiering Tuesday, May 20 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, Sophie reaches her final breaking point when, mortified, she and a date walk in on her parents making out. Deciding it's time to move out of the family home for good, Sophie and best friend Rachel start their search for the perfect place. With Shannon unable to suppress her need to help her daughter, she gets very involved in the search until Sophie makes it clear that this is something she wants to do on her own. With Shannon feeling sidelined and the house hunt going disastrously wrong for Sophie, will mom come to the rescue?

In the second episode, premiering Tuesday, May 20 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT, after a disastrous first date, Sophie decides she's done with guys. Shannon suggests they head up to their house in Whistler for a girls' weekend, but not before Gene prompts them to make a three-way bet. No first dates for Sophie, no shopping for Shannon, and no tweeting for social-media-obsessed Gene. Shannon's sure she can stand strong, but is tempted almost immediately by the stores of Whistler. Sophie, meanwhile, runs into attractive men at every turn, and Gene records a cute dog video he's just dying to share. When Shannon finds Property Brother and old friend Jonathan Scott is in town, she's convinced to bid on items in a charity auction with which he is involved. He insists it's a foolproof plan to drive up the bidding - but mayhem ensues when Shannon finds herself the winning bid on a ridiculously expensive item which she has to unload before the weekend is up.

About W Network
Watched by over 10 million viewers in an average month, W Network delivers compelling entertainment for women, ranging from blockbuster movies to popular dramas and reality series. Its website, wnetwork.com offers in-depth show information featuring expert advice from hosts in addition to a popular games section and a rich online community. W has built a leadership position as "marketing to women experts" through its various research initiatives, including The Her Report.

About Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. is a Canadian-based media and entertainment company that creates, broadcasts and licenses content across a variety of platforms for audiences around the world. The Company's portfolio of multimedia offerings encompasses specialty television and radio with additional assets in pay television, television broadcasting, children's book publishing, children's animation and animation software. Corus' brands include YTV, TELETOON, ABC Spark, W Network, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network (Canada), HBO Canada, Historia and Séries+, as well as Nelvana, Kids Can Press, Toon Boom and 39 radio stations including CKNW AM 980, 99.3 The FOX, Country 105, 630 CHED, Fresh FM London, JUMP! 106.9, Q107 and 102.1 the Edge. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (CJR.B). Experience Corus on the web at www.corusent.com.

About Force Four Entertainment
Vancouver-based Force Four Entertainment began operations in 1983, and is one of Canada's most successful and respected television production companies. Force Four has produced more than 300 hours of primetime broadcast programming, earning accolades on the national and international stage. The company's highly successful television programs include lifestyle, reality and scripted programming that is sold and aired around the world, including the Gemini Award Winning W Network series The Cupcake Girls and the City TV sitcom Seed, which was recently acquired by The CW.  Force Four has been awarded the prestigious Peabody Award, 10 Gemini Awards and over 25 Gemini nominations, and is owned by President Rob Bromley, Executive Producer John Ritchie, and Director of Business Affairs Gillian Lowrey. Force Four can be found on the web at www.forcefour.com

For high-resolution images, please visit http://mediacentre.corusent.com.

Follow Corus PR on Twitter @CorusPR
Follow W Network on Twitter @W_Network and Facebook facebook.com/wnetwork

SOURCE: W Network

Danielle Sefton                       
Corus Entertainment 
416.479.6094
[email protected]