CULVER CITY, Calif., Nov. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Crackle.com, Sony Pictures Entertainment's online video network, today announced its upcoming season of original online web programs that will begin airing on December 1, 2008.

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The new 13-week season consists of a mixture of new shows, as well as the return of several sophomore series. Highlights of the new season include "Anytime with Bob Kushell," an online talk show hosted by the Emmy(R)-nominated television writer and producer Bob Kushell, which features guests including Jennifer Esposito, Neil Patrick Harris, John Stamos and Christina Applegate; new seasons of "The Groundlings" and "Owen Benjamin Presents;" and four brand new episodes of "The Jace Hall Show." In addition, Crackle today unveiled that "Married ... with Children" star David Faustino's new comedy series "Star-ving" will premiere on Friday, January 16, 2009.

"Delivering on our promise to debut high-quality original content on a daily basis, Crackle's next programming slate combines new episodes of some of our most popular series with fresh new shows," said Eric Berger, senior vice president, digital networks. "From series like David Faustino's 'Star-ving,' to the new feature titles we're adding regularly, we're a one-stop entertainment destination."

The weekly episodes -- each three to five minutes long -- will air on the same day weekly over the course of the 13 week season and constitutes a part of Crackle's entertaining short form programming, which can be watched anytime and anywhere. Crackle's new lineup includes:

The Jace Hall Show

(Mondays) Beginning on December 1st, 2008, Crackle will air four brand new episodes of the "The Jace Hall Show," an original short-form lifestyle series created and hosted by film, television and videogame producer Jason "Jace" Hall. Mixing Hollywood glitz with gamer geekdom, "The Jace Hall Show," which is produced by HDFILMS, features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the hottest game developers as well as rare interviews with actors, musicians and athletes, who discuss their lives and experiences.

The Hustler

(Mondays) Beginning January 12, 2008, Crackle launches "The Hustler," starring Mark Fuerstein ("Defiance," "Law & Order") as a mysterious man hustling vulnerable opponents (children, the elderly, the physically challenged, etc.) in order to make a quick buck. But is he only after their money, or is something more elusive going on? Supdawg Productions produces the web series for which Mark Fuerstein and director Sam Friedlander serve as executive producers.

The Groundlings

(Tuesdays) "The Groundlings" kicks off its second 13-week season on Tuesday, December 16th. For more than 30 years, the Groundlings have been an institution on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, serving up steaming piles of laughter to live audiences. The world-renowned improv/sketch troupe continues to bring their signature humor to the web via sketches and short series. The web series is produced by Groundlings Films and is distributed by Sony Pictures Television.

Owen Benjamin Presents

(Wednesdays) "Owen Benjamin Presents" will begin its new season on Wednesday, December 17th. The series encompasses a combination of how-to-segments, music videos, and online vignettes by actor/comedian/Internet video genius Owen Benjamin ("The House Bunny"). Benjamin offers his own unique take on everyday situations, and also makes his parents proud by putting his musical talents (and real-life training as a classical pianist) to good use in hilarious music videos that showcase his original songs and cover the gamut of uncomfortable and inappropriate topics. Owen Benjamin created and executive produces the web series.

Anytime with Bob Kushell

(Thursdays) Emmy(R)-nominated television writer/producer Bob Kushell hosts the new web talk show, "Anytime with Bob Kushell," which will premiere Thursdays beginning December 18th. Filmed in a garage in Van Nuys, CA, the series brings everything you expect from a late-night talk show: short monologue, comedy bit, full in-studio band, and of course, celebrity interviews, all in a comically compact five minute package. Guests appearing in the first season include Christina Applegate, Jennifer Esposito, Neil Patrick Harris, Zach Levi, John Stamos, and Jeff Garlin, among several others. The web series is executive produced by Bob Kushell and Russell Arch, and is a Killer Custard Production.

Star-ving

(Fridays) "Star-ving," starring David Faustino and Corin Nemec ("Parker Lewis Can't Lose") will premiere on Friday, January 16th. In the series, Faustino plays an exaggerated version of himself -- he's broke, can't find a job and his wife has left him for a rap star. Faustino is reduced to begging from his rich Hollywood pals when he realizes that the only thing remaining in his life is his struggling porn shop, left to him by a late fan. The series reunites Faustino's "Married ... With Children" castmates, including: Ed O'Neil, Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate, in an episode, and also features guest appearances by Seth Green ("Entourage," "Robot Chicken"), Ed Asner ("The Closer," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show"), rap star Coolio, Alan Thicke ("Growing Pains"), comedian Gilbert Gottfried ("The Aristocrats"), and others. "Star-ving" was created and written by Faustino and Nemec along with Todd Bringewatt ("Rules of the Game") and Sam Kass ("Seinfeld"), who also directs the series. "Star-ving" is a production of FNB Entertainment LLC in association with Sony Pictures Television.

Crackle's content can be found at http://www.crackle.com as well as across one of the largest distribution networks in the industry, making it possible for consumers to enjoy Crackle content across the best online and mobile outlets including: YouTube, Hulu, MySpace, Adobe Media Player, AOL, Verizon Wireless' V CAST Video service, AT&T, Sprint TV and direct to Sony BRAVIA TVs via BRAVIA Internet Video Link, among others.

About Crackle, Inc.,

Crackle, Inc., a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, is a multi-platform video entertainment network that distributes work from the hottest established and emerging talent on the web and beyond. Crackle's addictive channels and shows reach a global audience across the Internet, in the living room, and on devices including a broad range of Sony electronics. Crackle, in on-going collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment and other leading partners, discovers and promotes the stars of tomorrow. Visit Crackle's site at http://www.crackle.com

SOURCE Crackle.com