Upfront Update: Bravo, Esquire and Oxygen Offer Lifestyle Lifts

Venue: Second floor of Andaz Hotel, located across from the New York Public Library's main branch on Fifth Ave. The presentation room was in mod decor, while in a spacious room nearby, “Top Chef” winners provided a buffet lunch. Bravo public relations reps invited guests to guess one mystery ingredient in a kale salad (and keep upcoming series “Recipe for Deception” in mind). Top choices from this end: tempura fish tacos, chicken slices with dark green pesto dressing and grilled colby cheese sandwiches.Grades: 3 Jacks for the location, 4 Jacks for the food.

Presentation: Don't look for big swings in direction at each channel, Berwick and executive colleagues noted. Bravo will continue to stress food, fashion, beauty, design and pop culture topics, while Oxygen will keep introducing series about women of color that adopt an empowering or entertaining mindset, and Esquire stays focused on male pursuits. Of the three channels, Bravo remains the one flavoring its unscripted schedule with scripted series. "I'm happy with the evolution of each channel," Berwick added. Grade: 3.5 Jacks

News: Esquire and Oxygen will co-produce separate series on the same topic at the same hour and night later this year. “Comedians of L.A.” from Esquire will track the on/off-stage lives of five stand-up performers, while Oxygen's “Living with Funny” will concentrate on the married/family-raising side of those same five performers. Oxygen also will carry “Crazy Talk,” NBCU's syndicated daily peek at bizarre unscripted happenings, as well as “The Hustle” (entrepreneur assistants making do, Nick Cannon co-producing), “Pretty. Strong.” (a young female pro football team) and “Douglas Family Gold” (Olympic gold-medalist Gabby Douglas training for Rio 2016). “Going Deep with David Rees,” cancelled by National Geographic Channel after one season last year, moves to Esquire with new episodes. Other new series there include “SOMM” (wine master wannabes) and “United States of Burgers” (food competition). New to Bravo's series schedule over the next year: The aforementioned “Recipe for Deception,” “Mother Funders” (PTA members in Georgia), “My Fab 40” (celebrations of that milestone) and “Tour Group.” “Odd Mom Out,” the network's next scripted effort, launches June 8.Grade: 4 Jacks

Hosts: Berwick moved the proceedings well, supported by “Comedians of L.A.” star Brandon T. Jackson and dance team The Prancing Elves, whose own Oxygen bio-series is awaiting a premiere date. Favorite Jackson line: "You know your relationship is done (with your other) when you're having whisper fights." Grade: 3.5 Jacks

Overall Grade: 3.5 Jacks Smooth overview of what all three networks will bring to their viewers this summer and beyond. As for E!, new programming details are coming soon.

Next up: Discovery Communications

Until the next time, stay well and stay tuned!

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